Finding Time to Maintain Optimal Health

By Donna Stark

Life is busy, and finding the time to accomplish everything on your daily to-do list can seem like an insurmountable goal, can't it? There always seems to be more things to deal with than there are minutes in the day, and as a result, some of our healthy daily habits end up being sacrificed. Generally, it's the "big" things that get all of our attention, things like the huge project due at the end of the workday, but we have to keep in mind that our healthy habits are just as important, and if we sacrifice them enough, we could start having significant health issues. Here are some suggestions on how to accomplish everything on your to-do list without sacrificing your health in the process.

Move or Break Up Your Workouts

If you believe you are worth taking the time for, you will make the time, and that means you may have to tweak your routine if you have an overly busy day. If you know your workday will end late and the hour at the gym is out of the picture, move your exercise into the morning or break it up into mini-workouts throughout the day. You may be able to find six 10-minute blocks throughout your day to be physically active a lot easier than finding an available full hour.

Multi-Task

Doing things one at a time is a great way to slow down and enjoy life, but sometimes we need to take advantage of our multi-tasking skills. So, if you are putting the leftovers from dinner away, pack tomorrow's lunch with them at the same time. Or brew your morning coffee while you take your shower. These may only save you a few minutes here or there, but those minutes add up and can easily turn into your exercise time later in the day.

Limit Your Driving

Did you plan on going to the post office later in the day but are within a few minutes of it while picking up something for work? Do you find that both you and your neighbor are heading to your children's school at the same time every morning? Stop wasting your time driving and reduce the amount of time you spend in the car by running errands wisely and carpooling with others. You may be able to save yourself a lot of time and create windows of opportunity for you to focus on self-care.

Using Your Time Wisely

The days when our schedule is spot-on are great to have, but that doesn't mean the days when our schedule needs some adjustments can't be as well. So be open to change, use your time wisely, and prioritize self-care. It's important!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sunset Hills,