5 Ways to Squeeze Healthy Habits into a Busy Schedule
June 15, 2010
Photo Credit: Pink Sherbet Photography
If you’re like us, your list of things to do outweighs the hours in the day. Given a hectic schedule, how do you find time to stay healthy, too? I recently read an article on www.SparkPeople.com with 13 tips for Fitting Healthy Habits Into Your Hectic Life. Here are 5 great ways to start:
- Drink water throughout the day. You don’t hear this nearly enough: water is an all-purpose wonder-substance. It’s great for your skin, your digestive system, and circulatory system, and aids in weight loss and cellulite reduction. If you feel fatigued during the day, it’s often because you aren’t hydrated properly. Drink water throughout the day, sipping from a large bottle or glass. If you have it nearby, it’s easy to remember. If you don’t like the “taste” of water, keep a supply of lemon so that you can add a slice to your water – it cuts any bitterness, adds a bit of vitamin C and makes it taste more festive!
- Stock up on healthy, portable snacks. When you are grocery shopping, pick up bags of baby carrots, string cheese, nuts, fresh and dried fruit, single serving packs of applesauce, yogurt, wholegrain crackers, peanut butter, turkey jerky, etc. Having healthy portable snacks around will help you avoid bad vending-machine, convenience store and fast-food options.
- Take the time to plan healthy meals for the week. Spend 15 minutes or so to map out your meals. Keep it simple. Then, when you shop for groceries, make your purchases based on the meals you will make during the week. This will help you avoid relying on less healthy take-out or fast food choices.
- Take a walk break during the day. Even 20 minutes can make a difference in your energy level, plus it gives you time to clear your head. If you walk with a friend or colleague, it also gives you time to socialize.
- Get enough sleep. Even if you gain more time in your day by cutting back on sleep, you will be less effective throughout the day, as your energy level and cognitive functioning will be reduced. Insufficient sleep also makes you more susceptible to illness. By getting enough sleep, you become more efficient during the time you are awake.
Read all 13 tips at http://bit.ly/aPLURs.
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4 Responses to “5 Ways to Squeeze Healthy Habits into a Busy Schedule”
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It’s amazing how just a few of these tips can make such a big difference! I’ve been focusing on drinking water throughout the day and taking the time to plan meals out for the week before I go to the store – with those two changes alone I already feel more energetic.
YES – YES – YES – YES – YES!!!!
I’m so proud of myself because I already practice these habits :~)
.-= Coach Cassandra Rae´s last blog ..Do you ever catch yourself fantasizing about failure? =-.
Hello Dr. Jennifer,
Thanks for these 5 tips. This is a good reminder for us to be more aware on our health. We really need to stay healthy.
Alen´s last [type] ..Lifestyler Treadmill – A Perfect Exercise Machine for Us
Thanks Alen, the more aware we can be about our health the better! Thanks for doing what you do too!