So many of us when asked “How’s it going?” answer it with “Keeping busy!” With that, if asked how we maintain healthy habits while being so busy, it wouldn’t be uncommon to respond, “I’m just too busy to work out or cook homemade meals; I just make do.” But often, we can overcomplicate our health goals in our minds without giving them some proper thought and a little time to get them figured out.
You don’t need to turn your life upside down or overload your already hectic schedule with overbearing health goals. There are simple baby steps you can take to start shifting your actions toward better health, and you can start taking these actions today. Keep in mind that these simple actions can be executed in any order. This is not an exhaustive list; consider it a set of ideas to help you get started.
Meal Prep on Your Days Off.
Planning meals on your days off can make a world of difference during your hectic week. Set aside a few hours to prepare larger batches of your favorite healthy meals to portion out for lunches. Consider prepping versatile items like hardboiled eggs, cooked chicken, raw or steamed veggies, and a whole grain such as rice or quinoa.
Having these staples prepped makes it easy to create a variety of meals without the hassle. For instance, you can put chicken and veggies in a wrap for a quick lunch or use hardboiled eggs to whip up an egg salad sandwich loaded with vegetables. Simple meal combinations can help make your lunches efficient and enjoyable, even when pressed for time.
Incorporate Movement into Your Workday.
Finding ways to exercise while you work can save valuable time. Consider investing in a standing desk or, better yet, a treadmill desk, which allows you to stay active as you manage your work tasks. This strategy kills two birds with one stone: you can complete your work responsibilities and incorporate physical activity into your day, making it easier to stay fit without sacrificing your busy schedule.
Make Staying Hydrated a Priority.
Staying hydrated is always important, but many of us fall short when it comes to drinking enough water. Making a conscious effort to choose water as your go-to beverage throughout the day can significantly impact your health. Not only does water keep you hydrated, but it also helps with digestion, aids in weight loss, and can improve skin appearance. Keep a reusable water bottle with you and set reminders to drink water throughout the day. This small action doesn’t add extra time to your busy schedule; it just requires intentionality.
Plan for Your Healthy Habits.
The most crucial aspect of maintaining healthy habits is planning for them. Schedule time to create a health plan, combine activities, prep meals in advance, plan breakfasts, and take walks outside during breaks instead of scrolling through your phone. Simple, planned actions will significantly help you achieve your health goals. Start by incorporating one small action into your routine to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
As you adjust to this new habit, you can gradually add more actions that align with your health goals. Be patient with yourself, and remember that small, sustainable changes can lead to significant improvements over time.