How to Be Healthy with a Hectic Schedule

Trying to balance work, family, fitness, and free time proves to be a challenging task. It often seems like there just are not enough hours in the day to accomplish all your tasks, forcing prioritization. Often, fitness, or overall health, falls by the wayside. If this is the case for you, check out these quick and easy ways to integrate exercise into your schedule and boost your health!

1) Get Up and at 'Em
Chances are you already get an early start, but, if not, waking up early helps you get focused and prepared for your day ahead more efficiently than sleeping in. This would be the perfect time for a morning workout or meditation. But make sure you get a full night's sleep first!

2) Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is linked to common issues like headaches and fatigue, things that can be hindrances to our productivity and mood at work. Experts suggest that we should consume half a gallon a day and we should be consistently sipping! This step is an easy way to stay on top of things, considering how readily available water is; simply keep a water bottle with you at work and you are good to go!

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3) Prepare the Night Before
Getting your stuff ready for the next day isn't always fun, but the payoff is wonderful. The thirty minutes you take the night before to prepare your lunch, snacks, or outfit for the next day will save you both time and stress the next morning!

4) Modify and Make Mini-Workouts
It may seem strange, but implementing quick workouts in the office really does work! Taking walks during conference calls, busting out a quick set of pushups in-between tasks, or simply stretching thoroughly are all do-able fitness exercises to add into your daily routine.

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5) Disinfect and Protect
They say cleanliness is next to godliness, and at the office this rings especially true. Have a supply of disinfectant wipes at the ready, and wipe down common areas and appliances daily! In addition, studies show that a supply of Vitamin D helps ward off infections, so keep your immune system boosted with the help of the sun!

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6) Give Yourself Some Alone and Quiet Time
Noise and lack of privacy greatly impact the office dynamic. Studies found that even low key noise leads to elevated levels of norepinephrine, keeping the body at a constantly heightened level of "fight or flight" response. Lack of privacy also leads to increased stress levels and work tension. Give yourself some quiet time in a secluded area to relax and recharge during your workday.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Victoria Primeaux
Intern, MACsWomen
e: toripri@yahoo.com

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