When work takes up such a large portion of our days, it can seem impossible to squeeze in a few healthy habits here and there, but this doesn’t have to be the case. There are plenty of things that you can do to look out for both your physical and mental health even while you’re juggling a standard nine to five and the long list of responsibilities that come with it. Here are some ways that you can live a healthier lifestyle around your busy schedule.
Have a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance has always seemed like that elusive mystery that many people strive to find, but this is no longer true. With more and more companies choosing to adopt a hybrid work setup, employees are now able to balance the different aspects and activities of their lives outside of work more easily, which can help you reap benefits like better stress management, more fulfilling relationships with family and friends, as well as more time for yourself in general.
However, employees also have a role to play in maintaining this balance. Rather than pulling an all-nighter to finish that grueling submission, it’s better to pace your progress accordingly so that you can spend the workday doing meaningful work, while still being able to clock out on time. This also means turning off any work-related communication outside of work hours, as well as not stressing too much about any looming deadlines.
Move Your Body Regularly
One of the most foundational aspects of a healthy lifestyle is regular movement and physical activity. Needless to say, exercising comes with a seemingly endless list of benefits for both your physical and mental health ranging from better functioning of bodily systems and evading chronic illnesses to stress and anxiety reduction and an overall better state of mind. For these reasons, many individuals look to a workout for both physical and emotional release.
A crucial thing to keep in mind is that you should find a workout that works for you. So rather than doing the activity that you know burns the most calories, find something that makes you happy yet still challenges you at the same time. It doesn’t matter whether you choose to do some HIIT or just take a walk around your neighborhood so long as you genuinely enjoy it—that’s the secret to sticking to something for the long term and seeing sustainable results.
Clean Your Home
Coming home to a clean and organized home can do wonders for your physical and mental well-being. You might be underestimating the amount of dust, dirt, and bacteria that can fester inside your living space when left uncleaned for quite some time, and this can lead to a range of illnesses and sicknesses that you really can’t afford to have. A tidy home will not only be great for your physical health but can also help you relax and unwind at the end of the day.
The easiest way to keep your home clean and fresh is by creating a regular cleaning routine that covers all the specific cleaning needs of every area in your house, making sure to pay special attention to the commonly neglected parts. If this doesn’t sound realistic with your hectic schedule, you can also choose to hire professional cleaners to take care of things for you.
Professional cleaning companies offer a wide range of customizable and affordable household cleaning options. From general cleaning to more targeted cleanings like carpet cleaning services, these professional cleaners will work around your busy days and leave your place looking sparkling clean.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is one of the most important things that our bodies undergo to repair the damage from the day, but it has been pushed to the backburners as workdays become more demanding. Many have started seeing sleep as a waste of time that could be spent being productive, but this is actually untrue. Sleep not only rejuvenates our bodies but also refreshes the mind, as well as cognitive abilities like critical thinking, memory retention, and problem-solving.
Scientists and professionals have recommended that each person gets at least seven to eight hours of rest every night to function optimally throughout the day. To make things easier, it’s best to make your sleeping environment as comfortable as possible. You can do this by lowering the temperatures and investing in some high quality sheets that’ll help you feel peaceful and relaxed.
Nourish Your Body Properly
Food is more than just a pleasure to enjoy because it’s also what fuels the body to keep going throughout the day. The type of food and meals that you consume will affect your performance, but most have simply chosen to opt for quick and convenient meals that are high in calories but low in nutritional value. Not only will these leave you feeling sluggish and lethargic, but it can also compromise your mental sharpness and performance.
With the flexible work setups that companies are adopting, it’s a great time to start experimenting in the kitchen. Preparing your meals at home is great because it allows you to decide which ingredients go into the recipe and which ones should be excluded to help you feel more active and alert. You might even start enjoying the cooking process and see it more as a hobby than a chore.
Living a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to be intimidating because it all starts with small habits and changes made in your everyday life. By adopting these tips and tricks, you’ll find that you’ll feel much better and more confident as you go through your day.
