Staying healthy while living a hectic life can be challenging. If you work long hours, have children or you are constantly on the go then finding time for yourself can be difficult. Plus, when you’re time poor it’s often tempting to skip workouts and to grab fast food on the way home. However, as difficult as it can seem it is possible to maintain your health even when you lead a hectic lifestyle. But it does take commitment and dedication.
Let’s look at the 5 steps to staying healthy while living a hectic life now. There’s no time like the present to start creating good habits that allow you to transform yourself into the person you want to be.
Photo by Savvas Stavrinos from Pexels
Staying Healthy While Living A Hectic Life Step #1 Exercise Early In The Day
While it can be difficult to fit in a workout when you have a hectic life, it is possible if you get an early start. By getting up earlier in the morning to workout, you make fitness a priority. Plus, it’s a great way to start your day. You’ll feel more relaxed as your daily responsibilities haven’t started to pile up and exert stress on you.
By working out in the morning you will keep your weight under control. Also, it will improve your mood and boost your energy levels. So, you can make it through the rest of the day without feeling exhausted. And working out first thing in the morning will prevent your from feeling guilty about not exercising later in your day.
Beating Challenges Question & Answers
Q: What if exercise isn’t possible early in the morning? A: Then make sure you take a brisk walk to you reduce your stress during the day.
Q: What if I’m older and I’m concerned about my hormone levels and energy? A: If you’re afraid working out may be difficult because you’re older and your hormone levels aren’t as balanced as they once were, then consider treatments such as personalized testosterone replacement therapy.
Q: What if the weather is bad and I workout outdoors? A: If exercising outdoors isn’t possible, then consider investing in a treadmill or other exercise equipment.
Q: What if I can’t find the time to workout? A: Instead of parking next to the lift, park further away and walk. Also, take the stairs, not the lift.
By finding ways to workout you will increase your fitness, stamina and endurance. You’ll also reduce the likelihood of getting lifestyle related illnesses such as type II diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.
Staying Healthy While Living A Hectic Life Step #2 Prepare Your Food The Day Before
If you know that you’re not eating as well as you could, then make your meals the night before. This approach prevents you from eating junk foods that are not good for your health. Plus, packing a healthy and nutritious meal ahead of time will help you stay on track with your weight loss or fitness goals even when life gets busy.
You can also prepare yourself healthy snacks. So, when you feel hungry between meals you’re not tempted to grab unhealthy foods with little nutritional value. Having access to good quality food at all times ensures you don’t resort to eating fast food because there is no other option.
Beating Challenges Question & Answers
Q: What if I don’t have enough time at night to prepare meals for the next day? A: Prepare your meals on the weekend, and then freeze them if you cannot devote time in the evening to making meals for the next day.
Q: What if I’m on the go all day. Where do I keep my food? A: Cooler bags and ice blocks are fantastic for keeping your food cool while you’re out and about. You can also use a small cooler in your vehicle, so you can have cool, healthy snacks on hand.
By planning ahead you can maintain your health and fitness goals. Also, you gain a greater sense of pride in your accomplishments and more confidence in your abilities to manage your life. Don’t let time be an excuse for not looking after yourself.
Staying Healthy While Living A Hectic Life Step #3 Get Enough Sleep Every Night
When you are time poor and want to fit a lot into your day, you tend to look for ways to increase the amount of time. This can result in you pinching time from other activities that you feel are not essential. One activity that you’ll look to reduce is sleep. However, adequate sleep is crucial for optimal brain function, staying healthy and feeling and functioning your best.
Getting adequate sleep helps to maintain stable moods and reduce stress levels. It also has been shown to improve mental performance and increase the ability to focus. These are all attributes that may come in handy during those long hours at work. So prioritize this vital part of your day by going to bed early if necessary.
Beating Challenges Question & Answers
Q: How can I get enough sleep and fit everything else into my day? A: Find out how much sleep you need to function your best. Then ensure you get this amount so you power through your day. Also plan your day and prioritise activities based on levels of importance.
Q: How much sleep do I need? A: Keep a sleep diary for two weeks. Use your diary to record how many hours of sleep you’re getting each night. You can also record how well you slept, and how you felt the next day. By the end of the two weeks you should have an indication of how much sleep your body requires to function its best.
Sleep is regenerative. It allows your body to rebuild and replenish muscles, tissue, cells and hormones. Without enough sleep you can run out of energy quicker and you can feel lethargic, and you can get brain fog where you don’t remember tasks or think clearly.
Staying Healthy While Living A Hectic Life Step #4 Stay Hydrated Throughout The Day
Water is the elixir of life. With your body being made up of around 70% of water, you need to continually replenish your water intake to ensure your body produces enough blood. Water also helps your body to regulate its temperature, digest its food and think clearly. In addition to being essential for overall health, staying hydrated throughout the day is a great way to maintain energy levels and to avoid snacking on unhealthy foods.
It can be challenging to drink enough water when you have a very busy life. But there are many easy ways around this problem. One solution is to carry a water bottle with you, and to take a sip often throughout the day.
Beating Challenges Question & Answers
Q: How much water do I need to drink daily? A: The amount of water that you need daily typically depends on your height and weight, and activity levels. If you’re a larger male and work out daily, then you may require more water than a smaller female who works out 1-3 times a week.
To calculate how much water you need to drink daily, use the calculator below.
Water Intake Calculator
Q: How do I make sure I drink enough daily? A: One of the best ways to ensure you drink enough is for you to buy a quality water bottle. Aluminum and stainless steel bottles are the best as they keep your water cooler. These water bottles also reduce UV contamination, which can encourage algae growth.
Don’t overlook drinking enough water daily. Otherwise your body may retaliate and you won’t feel your best or function at an optimal level. Often a sign that you’re not drinking enough is that you feel dizzy or have a floaty head, where you cannot concentrate. This condition is known as vertigo, and it can be remedied by having a glass of water.
Staying Healthy While Living A Hectic Life Step #5 Focus On Your Mental Health
It is easy to neglect your mental health when you have a very busy life. But overlooking how your mind is functioning can lead to stress and depression, which can make the problem worse. Instead of ignoring any negative feelings, try speaking to someone about them or seek help from a therapist.
If you cannot switch off negative thoughts or you’re anxious, restless and feel your mind racing, try some relaxation techniques like meditation. These techniques can help you get through your day without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, by taking 10-15 minutes out of your day for yourself will make you feel better.
Beating Challenges Question & Answers
Q: How can I better look after my mental health? A: Exercise releases endorphins and other hormones that help to regulate your happiness and other emotions. So, by working out daily you can look after your mental wellness better.
Q: How do I know if I’m not coping well mentally? A: Signs of being mentally unwell differ from person to person. But some typical signs of stress and depression are not controlling your emotions—yelling, crying or throwing objects. Other signs are not sleeping, getting frustrated for no apparent reason and becoming a recluse and no long socialising.
InShape Key Takeaways
- As long as you consistently take steps toward staying healthy, you should start seeing results over time.
- If giving up certain unhealthy habits or committing to more exercise is challenging, try making smaller changes. For instance, limit your fast food intake by a meal a week and then gradually increase these efforts.
- Always move in the right direction by taking care of yourself even when life gets busy.
Want to know more about living your best life?
Then drop the editor a line and suggest an article topic. InShape News would love to hear from you : )
For similar content delivered weekly to your inbox, subscribe to our feed.For daily updates on how to lead a happier, healthier lifestyle, follow us on social media: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter
If you’re looking for more on fitness or health and wellness, then visit the InShape Online, TriXi® or Hurting2Healing® to plan for better, more sustainable health, fitness & wellness.
InShape News—Live. Life. Healthy. Today. Tomorrow. Forever.
One thought on “Staying Healthy While Living A Hectic Life”