Exercise, eating right, drinking enough water, sleeping a sufficient amount and setting aside time for loved ones are all things that one takes for granted when things are slow, and the first things to go haywire when things get slammed. I really had no idea how much until I threw myself back into things on July 1. In thinking about it the last few days (and via adjusting to my new schedule), I've come across a few tips that I think might help those of you who are in the same predicament -- too much going on with "life" to focus on feeling good.
I'm not dumb enough to suggest major life changes or time-intensive ideas here; these are relatively quick fixes that will hopefully lead you on a path to feeling good while allowing you the time you need to keep your head down at work/with the kids/in whatever vein necessary. They're working for me, hopefully they're helpful for you!
- Bring water everywhere. Go to Target and buy a Nalgene or some other recyclable (go earth!) water bottle. Fill it every morning, and every time you empty it. Carry it with you. Try and empty it 3-4 times a day. Water = hydration = less (bad) food intake = weight management and better overall health.
- Work out in the morning. Before you start the "I'm not a morning person" rant, commit to try it for one week. Seriously, one week is about .0067% of your life (math inexact). Take three days, wake up 45 minutes early and do a brisk walk around your neighborhood, and build from there. You may find you hate it, in which case, you can retreat. But you know what? You may find you love the extra energy it gives you all day (and the calories you'll burn), and you can build on your start. JUST TRY IT.
- Go to bed 30 minutes earlier. If you're increasing your exercise regimen, this should be no problem. Even if you're not, invest in some chamomile tea, drink some an hour before bed, and try getting in bed 30 minutes early. It adds up to 2.5 hours of extra sleep a week. You'd be surprised the difference you feel over the course of a few weeks with the extra Z's. Plus, this really helps with the morning workout suggestion above, if you take it.
- Buy a load of healthy snack food at the store and take them to work. Carrots, (real) fruit snacks, fruit, granola bars, energy bars ... whatever you like! Just invest in it, parcel it out by day, and TAKE IT TO WORK. That's the key. Bring it all in on Monday, and stash it. Go to that before you go to the candy bowl.
- Set aside time for the life you want. If you're married, put time aside to do things with your wife. If you love golf, set aside time for that. Go watch the sunset every once in a while and play with your kids. You MUST make time for the things that matter. It's that simple. If you can combine them with exercise, do so, but not at the expense of enjoying the experience. LIVE YOUR LIFE.
