Being busy can often mean that while we’re hard at work with exciting projects, our bodies and minds are quietly in uproar. Working long, tiring days can put health on the back-burner. Ain’t nobody got time for a daily run and three home-cooked meals, right? Well, not quite. But even if you don’t have enough hours in the day for a trip to the gym, these six healthy living tips will get you feeling good, so you can get back to, you know, your to-do list.
1. TAKE A 20-MINUTE NAP TO RECHARGE YOUR BODY + MIND
Anyone else feel exhausted by 2pm? Well, studies have shown that you don’t have to wait ’til bedtime to reenergize your body. In fact, many sources recommend getting in a 20-minute nap everyday. According to The National Sleep Foundation, “This type of nap provides significant benefit for improved alertness and performance without leaving you feeling groggy or interfering with nighttime sleep.” Um, sign me up!
2. MAKE SMOOTHIES FOR BREAKFAST AND ON-THE-GO SNACKS
Smoothies are pretty much a perfect breakfast and snack option, since you’re able to throw a bunch of fruits and veggies into a blender and call it a day in less than five minutes. I make a smoothie everyday for breakfast while I brew my morning coffee — easy! Silk’s website is a great resource for smoothie recipes (the Garden Goodness Smoothie is very similar to one I make!). You can also add soymilk to your smoothies as an added source of protein, which will make your smoothies more filling and nutritious.
Related: 20 Smoothie Recipes You Need to Try
3. CREATE A LIST OF ACTION ITEMS FOR OCCASIONAL FREE TIME
Ahh a rare moment of free time. But since you’re busy almost every other minute of the day, you have no idea what to do with yourself! Browse Facebook? Check…my email? Nay! Write down a list of easy action items you can do during those brief moments of peace and keep it on your desk, where you’ll always see it. Some simple ideas are to meditate, enjoy a healthy snack, down a bottle of water, or go for a quick walk. So next time you have a ten-minute gap in your schedule, you’ll use it to replenish your mind + body instead of deteriorating it.
Related: 20 Ten-Minute Tips for Your Blog + Business
4. EXERCISE + STRETCH DURING TV COMMERCIAL BREAKS
Imagine this: you just got off work and you’re exhausted. All you want to do is catch up on Orange is the New Black and cuddle with your dog (just me?). Instead of totally veg-ing out on the couch, use commercial breaks as a chance to stretch your body or do quick exercises, like lunges or jumping jacks. No commercials à la Netflix? Just pause in between big scenes.
Related: What I Learned From My First Yoga Class
5. DRINK MORE FLUIDS
I know, you’ve heard this about 900 times, but it’s so true! Since I sit in front of a computer for much of the day, I notice that I occasionally get headaches. Instead of taking pain relievers, I just drink more water! A lack of fluids can be a big cause of fatigue and head pains, but the solution is so simple. Drink up!
Related: A Super Easy Way to Drink More Water
6. CREATE A WEEK’S WORTH OF HEALTHY MEALS IN ONE NIGHT
You may not have time to cook everyday, but you likely do have a couple hours to prepare a stock of meals that you can have for the upcoming week. This way, you won’t be rushing around or have to resort to fast food. You can cook healthy options like fish and veggies and just keep it in ready-to-go tupperware containers in your fridge. Life changer.
Effective Health Nutrition 