Healthy Habits When Life Gets Busy

By Donna Stark

Well, it's another day. Time to get up, grab a coffee, drop the kids off at school, commute to work, spend the day putting out fires, commute back home, take the kids to their activities, prepare dinner, help with homework, get everyone ready for bed, get yourself ready for bed, work some more on your laptop, go to bed, and then wake up in the morning and repeat everything all over again. Does this sum up your week? Sure, maybe there is an hour or two when you may have some actual free time, but that's usually reserved for the laundry, isn't it?

Finding Time for Healthy Habits

Trying to maintain your personal life is hard when you have so many demands and obligations to tend to, and trying to maintain your health and fitness can be even harder. Here are some ways you can incorporate more healthy habits into your day.

• Bike or walk to work - Guess we will start with the biggest change you could make and ditching the car that you use for your commute is about as big as they come. Obviously, you can only do this if your workplace is close enough and you will need to plan on bringing an extra change of clothes or shoes, but it's the perfect way to get your workout in every day.
• Take the stairs - Unlike cycling, this does not require a change of clothes (yay!) and may be a lot easier to do.  Whether it's at your apartment, work, or the mall, skip the elevator and take the stairs instead. Or, take some breaks throughout your day and climb a few flights for a low-intensity workout.
• Pack a lunch - You can certainly pack a healthier lunch than what most restaurants have to offer, so skip the crowds and bring your own meals to work! Packing your lunch can help control the amount of food you eat, provide more nutrition, and save you money.
• Switch the snacks - Enticing people to visit your desk during the day with a bowl of candy may seem sweet, but it also encourages unhealthy snacking. So instead, skip the candy and choose better options, such as unsalted peanuts, fruit, or dark chocolate.
• Hydrate with water - Say no to the soda machine and increase your energy and focus by drinking plenty of water throughout the day! You can help yourself to remember by carrying a water bottle around with you or downloading a water drinking app.  

Staying Healthy

Don't get lost in the routine of life. Sure, maintaining optimal health and fitness can be difficult at times but if you plan your days wisely, it's easy to incorporate some healthy habits into them!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Marcos, Calif.