8 Tips to Maintain Your Health with a Hectic Lifestyle
Although wealth and quality of life have never been better across the world, some might argue that the cost of this is a hectic lifestyle.
If you’re one of those people rushed off your feet and your health is taking a hit, here are some simple steps you can take to feel fresh and vibrant again …
1) Meditate
When most people first hear about meditation they often assume it’s for hippie types, probably doesn’t do anything, and/or is too complicated to learn.
The truth is, meditation is not much more than relaxing, and science proves that taking just a few minutes break every hour or so is important for reducing stress and maintaining health.
No matter how hectic your life is, you can certainly spare a few 5-minute sessions every day to find a quiet/low light room where you can sit still, focus on your breath, and let your thoughts flow (without focusing-in on any single one). That’s essentially the basics of meditation.
One tip is to close your eyes and focus on the shapes, lights, and patterns that from behind your eyelids.
2) Unwind Before Bed
Evidence suggests that the light emitted from our phones and smart devices are keeping us awake longer and disrupting our sleep patterns. To solve this and get a good restful night’s sleep, put your device away at least an hour before bed and relax in a low-light environment.
If you’re prone to waking up in the night and checking your phone (even if you trick yourself into thinking that you’re just checking the time), put it on the other side of the room or hide it away in a draw.
Clocks and watches still exist!
3) Stick to a Schedule
Regardless of how busy you are, sticking to a schedule is important to maintaining health. In other words, try to avoid multiple late nights and early mornings in a row. Even if you think you’re getting more done, chances are you will crash and undo all of the ground you gained.
4) Don’t Fear Debt
Whether you’re struggling with a mortgage or recently took out a $1,000 payday loan, fearing debt can make a hectic lifestyle 10 times worse.
Sometimes borrowing money will actually help you out of a tough financial spot and as long as you face it head on and do the sums, you can maintain your sanity.
5) Plan Meals Ahead of Time
When you’re busy working all day and then have other responsibilities in the evening, without mentioning all the traveling and rushing around, it can be very difficult to eat healthily or consistently. It’s much easier to grab whatever fast-food option is closest or to fill your bag with unhealthy snacks.
One way around this is to plan and prepare your daily food in advance. When you get the hang of this it will soon become a habit like any other aspect of your day, and your body will certainly thank you for it.
6) Basic Exercises Between Tasks
If you don’t have time to go to the gym regularly, there are still basic exercises you can do in-between your daily tasks.
You can stretch at your desk or even invest in a standing desk, which improves your posture and burns calories because you’re on your feet. If you feel that you need additional support, you can try out a pair of Protalus shoe insoles which are specially designed for hard surfaces. This way, you’ll have improved alignment and lasting comfort.
There’s also nothing stopping you doing 5 push-ups every couple of hours.
7) Limit Alcohol
When stressed, some people turn to alcohol to relax and even get to sleep. However, alcohol-induced sleep tends to be restless and the longer-term negative health consequences far outweigh any perceived ‘stress relief.’
You will also likely get brain fog and lethargy the next day, which is never good when you’re super busy.
8) Stay Hydrated
Research suggests that most people do not drink enough water, despite it being one of the most important elements of health. The American Journal of Physiology recommends at least 8 glasses a day, and this should be more if you are involved in physical or activity or are in a hot climate.
Tiredness, headaches, and lack of productivity can all be traced back to a lack of water, while drinking more water can aid weight loss and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Next time you go for that 4th coffee, consider a bottle of water instead.
With a little planning and common sense, there’s no reason your health should take a major hit, no matter how hectic your lifestyle has become. Got anything to add to the above tips? Let us know in the comments below!
