Mastering the Balance: Integrating Health and Fitness into a Hectic Schedule
Years ago, I found staying in shape pretty simple. Being young helped, of course, but I also had the luxury of time. I could go to the gym daily if I wanted and cook healthy meals most days.
However, as you get older, keeping fit and healthy seems to take more effort. Plus, you find yourself with less free time. Between a full-time job, a relationship, and social obligations, it’s easy to let your fitness slide.
The good news is that living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to take up a lot of time. Here are some tips I use to stay healthy while managing a busy schedule – you can do it too.
**Have A Schedule & Stick To It**
Most people feel busy most of the time, but a lot of that ‘busy-ness’ is actually spent on non-essential tasks. Planning your week can save you so much time.
Start by scheduling three gym sessions a week. On Sunday, decide when you’ll go to the gym next week. Write down those three times and treat them as non-negotiable. Whatever comes up, work it around your gym schedule.
You’ll soon find yourself applying this planning habit to other areas of your life too, trust me.
**Quick Healthy Snacks Are Available**
There will be times during the week when you find yourself starving and short on time. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking it’s okay to grab fast food because you’re busy.
Healthy snacks are usually available if you look for them. Even choosing a sandwich on whole grain bread can tide you over until your next proper meal. I keep a stash of healthy snacks in my car for emergencies, saving myself from the lure of fast food.
**Work Out Wherever You Can**
When you’re busy, getting to the gym isn’t always possible. But don’t worry – even 5 minutes of exercise can make a difference.
Bodyweight exercises like squats, push-ups, sit-ups, and wall presses can give you a decent workout with just a bit of space. If you have a chair, try dips, and if you can find a bar, do some pull-ups. Create a 15-minute routine, memorize it, and do it whenever you can. Exercise even boosts productivity, so it’s time well spent.
**Cook More Food At Once**
Eating healthy requires willpower, but there are ways to help yourself. Feeling hungry can lead to unhealthy choices. Don’t let it happen.
Cook in bulk and freeze portions, so you always have healthy options ready. When you feel hunger creeping in, you can grab something nutritious before you’re tempted by junk food.
Of course, cook fresh meals when you have time. But making a big batch of something like soup in advance means you have healthy food available even when you’re busy. This way, you won’t resort to unhealthy snacks.
