Do your great aspirations for a healthy life keep getting derailed by the busyness of life? Staying healthy in the midst of a hectic lifestyle not only benefits you personally but also positively impacts health, work, relationships, and overall life satisfaction. Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean being perfect or superpowered, it just means practicing small habits daily within the hustle and bustle of a fast-paced life, to stay connected mentally, physically, and emotionally. It doesn’t even have to require much time – just a conscious effort to incorporate a few sustainable daily practices. Once you see the results, it’ll be easier to keep up a new positive, healthy routine.

Physical Health        

1. Understand the Value of Your Sleep
   

   Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep to recharge your body and mind. The amount of sleep needed varies from person to person, but it is easy to know when you have not gotten quality sleep. Whether it’s mood, productivity, or focus, these elements can be vastly affected by poor sleep. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule as well as a healthy bedtime routine can help you wake up feeling refreshed each morning.  

2. Prep Healthy Meals
   

   Preparing nutritious meals in advance may sound like a lot of work, but it has great benefits in maintaining a healthy diet – and it even saves a lot of time in the long run. Focus on nutrient-dense entrees and sides, which will increase energy levels and productivity. It also helps to have nutritious snacks like fruits, nuts, or yogurt on hand for quick bites. If you don’t have time during the week, set aside an hour over the weekend for batch cooking and bulk meal prep – this way, you’re always set for the week ahead. Don’t forget to drink water throughout the day to stay energized and focused. Keep a bottle of water within reach as a reminder to stay hydrated.

3. Exercise Regularly
   

   Aim for short, intense workouts or incorporate simple physical activity into your daily routine. Sometimes it’s as simple as choosing to take the stairs rather than the elevator or stepping out for a brief walk mid-day. Stretching and yoga are great ways to get some movement in almost anywhere and anytime. If it’s difficult to keep moving at work, 15 minutes of stretching, yoga, or even a quick walk around the neighborhood in the morning before work or in the evening as part of your bedtime routine can have great benefits.

Mental Health

4. Practice Self-Awareness
   

   Keeping tabs on stress and anxiety levels throughout the day is vitally important. Whenever you feel yourself getting too frazzled, take a few moments to decompress. Deep breathing and meditation are great ways to redirect negative or distracting thought patterns and bring you back to the present moment. This helps with managing stress and anxiety, as well as improving focus so that you can work at your optimal level. There are a variety of practices that can be used. Experiment and see what works best for your particular needs. In a world so fast-paced, it is important to create moments to slow down and breathe. 

5. Stay Organized
   

   Help alleviate some stress by staying organized. Use tools like calendars and to-do lists to stay on top of tasks. It declutters the mind when writing down your thoughts, plans for the day, or tasks that need to be completed. With organization comes confidence in getting things done! Don’t underestimate the power of organization.

6. Delegate Tasks
   

   Don’t hesitate to ask for help or delegate responsibilities when possible. Nobody can achieve excellence all on their own. You don’t have to do it all by yourself. If feeling overwhelmed, utilize responsible family, friends, or colleagues to lighten your load or assist with a particular task. Sometimes it’s as simple as joining a carpool for your child, or having your spouse help make dinner. It is also important to carve out time for self-care by asking a friend or family member to help with obligations.

Emotional Health

7. Set Boundaries
   

   Setting boundaries at both work and home is vital for emotional health and wellbeing. Many of us find it difficult to say no to requests because we don’t want to disappoint anyone. Sometimes work obligations don’t allow us even the option to say no. Learn to say no to an extra project or task that exceeds your capacity by politely and respectfully declining. This can make a huge difference in our emotional health. The constant feeling of treading water, just barely keeping your head above the flood, is deeply counterproductive. Prioritize self-care and avoid burnout by taking small steps to maintain some breathing room.

Remember, consistency is key. Small, sustainable changes can make a huge difference in maintaining a healthy lifestyle while busy.  For more great suggestions on how to achieve health and wellness while busy, check out the Innergy App!