Doing the right things for your health can be hard during the best of times. It can seem nearly impossible if you’re really busy. It’s easy to pick up some fast food for lunch and skip your trip to the gym simply because you don’t have the time to prepare your own meal or get a little exercise.
Taking shortcuts every once in a while probably isn’t going to have long-term consequences on your health, but if you’re on the go frequently, it’s important to rethink how you manage your health while you’re busy.
It doesn’t have to be as difficult as you think! Here are a few easy ways to safeguard your health while you’re on the go.
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Choose Where You Eat Wisely
Source: kepakfoodservice
Did you know, 128,000 hospitalizations occur each year as a result of foodborne illness? Getting food poisoning can put a stop to your on-the-go lifestyle if you eat at the wrong establishment.
“While the DOH certainly has room for improvement in terms of food-service oversight, there are systems currently in place that may help consumers avoid eating at unsafe establishments,” according to Jacoby and Meyers. “The DOH requires all restaurants to place letter grades on their windows.”
If you’re in New York City, you can find these letter grades easily, but you can find reviews and certificates of operation no matter where you live.
In addition, look for healthier options for the fast-food you’re used to. Substitute an apple for fries and choose one patty over two when ordering a cheeseburger.
Carry a Water Bottle With You at All Times
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It is extremely important to stay hydrated. Unfortunately, it’s easier said than done when you’re on the go. Soda and sports drinks may tide you over, but they are expensive, and they are definitely not the best options if you want to stay hydrated.
Instead of being at the whim of whatever is available, carry a refillable water bottle with you at all times. It will ensure you always have a drink of water on hand so you can the 30 to 50 ounces of water that is recommended.
Keep Safety at the Top of Your Mind
Source: Holland Residential
As time goes by, you may find yourself settling into a routine. This can be a good thing. It can make getting through a long day easier, but it also means we pay less attention to things that are important—like our safety.
You should always be thinking about your safety when you’re on the go. Just a few safety-minded tips might include:
- Wearing a helmet if you bike to work
- Looking both ways before you cross the street
- Never using your cell phone while you drive a vehicle
- Never cutting corners at work in the name of saving time
- Slowing down when using dangerous tools
- Being cautious when using rideshare apps
Find Time to Fit in a Little Exercise
Source: suntimes
If you’re really busy, exercise might fall to the bottom of your to-do list. The last thing you want to do after a long day at the office is toil away on a treadmill at the gym.
You don’t have to spend hours doing traditional exercises in order to fit movement into your day. It is actually quite easy to fit in a little exercise without going to the gym.
For example, there are many exercises you can do right at your desk. You can opt to take a walk during your break instead of sitting on your phone, and you can consider taking the stairs every day instead of the elevator. A little bit of exercise here and there really adds up!
Schedule Breaks Into Your Day
Source: Zapier
If you’re really busy, it’s easy to fly from one task to the other until it’s time for bed. You might find yourself hurrying to get your kids to practice, or you may decide to skip lunch in the name of working on that big project. Although it’s easy to feel like you don’t have enough time to take a minute for yourself, it is extremely important to your well-being.
Taking breaks at work is important. It can prevent burnout, reduce stress, and help you be more creative. Not to mention, it can help you muster the courage and energy you need to get through a long day.
It’s not just your work life that needs breaks. If you spend a lot of time running errands, taking the kids to practice, and doing housework, you still deserve a break to read a book, watch your favorite TV show, or take a bath.
Stay Connected
Source: Margriet
When we’re busy, it’s easy to let our most important relationships slide. Before we know it, we haven’t talked to our best friend in months or even years. Although it may not seem like a big deal while your life is busy, there will come a time when things will slow down and you will really miss those relationships.
Make the time to connect with others. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while or get together for coffee with a coworker. It will increase your happiness, you’ll live a longer life, and studies have even show that older people who aren’t lonely are less likely to have high blood pressure.
Do Something You Love
Source: travelandleisure
Everyone always talks about doing something you love. Most of us aren’t fortunate enough to do a job that we feel passionate about all of the time. However, finding ways to cultivate our passions on a regular basis is important.
Find time during the day to do what you love, whether that’s taking a walk in nature, reading a book, or painting. It will give you a much-needed break from your hectic life, and it can even provide you with creative solutions that you may be facing.
Don’t let your health suffer because you find yourself spending a lot more time outside the house than in. There are many small things you can do, that when combined, can boost your health without a lot of time or energy.
