Staying on Track When Life Gets Hectic
We all have those days, weeks or even months where our busy and hectic life just seems to take over and our health and fitness life takes a back seat. I for one have totally been there. So what do you do when you feel like even finding 30 minutes in a day seems impossible?
Don’t fret you are not alone! While being totally realistic I have listed a few tips below to help you continue to feel healthy and happy even when you don’t have the time to even drive by the gym much less go in ;)
This is a season and there is no reason to obsess and stress over the fact that you aren’t nailing it with all of your healthiest of habits. This season will end and you will have the opportunity to reevaluate and figure out a way to fit those things back in. However, it's true the longer you go the harder it is to get back on track so this isn’t an excuse to put it off forever. But, stressing about it will only make it worse and will have even more negative effects on your body. Choose instead to be kind to your body and your mind and figure out small ways you can start things back up again. Make it a priorety to focus on the things that matter and make you feel your best and don’t worry about so much of the other things you feel obligated to do. Yes of course there are habits we should adopt even if we don’t feeeeeel like it, but if you are struggling to get started again, instead focus on the things you really enjoy doing! Then, build from there!
Aim for 5-10 minutes a day. Seems doable right? This seems so small but really can make a difference in your day. Even when I worked at a desk job I got up every hour or two and would take a lap around the office outside or just a couple laps inside! Spending even just 5 minutes meditating in bed right when you wake up, or 1 minute drinking water every hour will make a big difference in the long run. We often over value what we think we can do with a large amount of time and under value what we can do with just a few short minutes. Do not underestimate what a 10 minute dance party in your living room can do for your mood and your body!
Every time you get up to go to the bathroom try and do 10 squats! Do 20 lunges when you wake up and before you hop into bed! This probably seems a little silly but you get the gist. Just giving yourself something simple to do prior to a normal routine thing will allow you to get in more movement throughout the day then you realize! We all have to brush our teeth, wait for something in the microwave and go to the bathroom. So attach a habit that you know will make you feel better to these more simple mundane daily tasks!
Set alarm reminders! Want to say your affirmations at 10am everyday, or need to remember to follow up with someone on an important matter. These little things can fall through the cracks when life is getting hectic so set reminders for the things you think (or know) you will probably forget! I have lots of little reminders set from apps I use to meditate, to reminders to drink water, and call my friends. All of these things are important but I know I can get wrapped up in other things and let those little things slide. This has been a helpful way to combat that tendency!
Hire a personal trainer or find a dedicated workout buddy. Accountability is key sometimes in staying motivated and getting to the gym even when you don’t feel like you have the time. Knowing that someone will be there waiting for you significantly decreases the likelihood that you skip out. Friends are great but investing money into someone like a trainer gives you even more motivation to make sure it doesn’t go to waste! Feel free to reach out on my Personal Training page if you are interested in this! Trust me when I say, it’s not that you don’t know what to do, but just struggle to DO it! I can help you do it! I offer both in person and virtual training sessions with minimal equipment needed. With the new year upon us, instead of trying to get healthy in the same ways, maybe invest in yourself this way and see just how differently you feel!
Focus on your nutrition! When we get busy or stressed out, we tend to go for what is fast and convenient. While that might be easier, it won’t always make you feel better. Busy seasons, especially around the holiday’s, it’s so important to take care of yourself and if you are finding a hard time moving your body or slowing down, making sure your body is well fueled is even more important. Simply by planning ahead or making food with enough for leftovers you will remove one stressor off your plate and your body will appreciate what you have chosen to put on your plate verses what you might quickly grab out of a box. If convenience is your #1 priorety, go for pre=made meals from places like My Fit Foods or Snap Kitchen! Have the ingredients for meals sent to your house through companies like Blue Apron or Hello Fresh. Yes these might cost you a little more, but if you would rather use your time doing other things rather than cooking and still want to feel good, then I think this is a pretty good compromise!
These are things you should definitely be doing but I wanted to be more creative than the basics ;)
Drink water! I feel like I say this all the time and usually put it in most posts haha but there are so many benefits and when you don’t have the time to sweat it out at the gym, make sure you are still hydrating your body! You will feel more energized, your skin will look better and you will have a healthy glow about you! Drinking water first thing in the morning will help rehydrate your body and drinking it throughout the day will help keep your energy levels up!
Make sleep a priority. Getting a goods night rest is sometimes more important than what you ate and how you moved for the day. When your body is not getting enough sleep, it can’t actually work to its optimum potential. So already you are feeling overwhelmed and your body doesn’t feel like stepping up to the challenge. Try and set a bedtime routine with limited social media and screens, diffusing essential oils, reading, meditating, and drinking a calming tea! All of these tiny habits will start to signal to your body that it is time to start shutting down and better get it primed for sleep!
Hope these ideas were helpful! Are there any tips or tricks you have to staying on track even when things are busy? I would love to hear them in the comments below :)
