A few months ago, I was talking to my mom a lot about how, with a full-time job, a part-time job, friends, boyfriend, family, this blog, and many other responsibilities, it’s so hard to focus on living a healthy life. Time seems to just vanish into thin air and the time you want to use to workout is over before you could even start heading to the gym. My mom was feeling the same kind of stress around this as I was, and as everyone knows stress doesn’t do the body any good…
I tried to implement different ways to get up and move, eat healthier, and to get into a healthier mindset. Had some successes and some failures, but overall was able to shed some pounds and just overall feel better. Here are the 5 quick changes that have stuck in my routine and don’t take up too much of your precious time!
5 Quick Ways to Live a Healthier Life
Drink More Water
Dehydration kills more dreams than anything else. Staying hydrated is key to feeling healthy, from reducing headaches to healthier skin, water does the body wonders. Maybe it is just me, but I feel more focused when I am hydrated which helps while I work! Focus on drinking water at specific times in the day. I personally have a large water bottle and make myself drink every hour… With work and constantly calls with my team, it’s very easy to forget to just drink water. When I used to used glasses on water, I would finish the glass but not find the time to get up from my computer to refill it (I know that sounds pathetic but it’s true). Check out the water bottle I got – It’s been a total game changer for my water consumption.
Cut Down on Alcohol
This is obvious, but easier said than done. I never drank too much, in terms of having to have wine or beer every night with dinner or every time I go out. Cutting down on beers here and there have made a big difference in my appearance. I am less bloated and don’t deal with the dehydration and its side effects like headaches anymore. Not only has my body thanked me, but so has my wallet. The price of these craft beers and a good bottle of wine can do a number on your bills. If you have trouble turning down drinks, there’s some great non-alcohol alternatives out there. You can also order a soda water with lime, everyone will think it is a vodka soda!
Peloton App’s 10 Minute Abs
Peloton is my favorite thing in the world – I haven’t been able to ride my bike as much as I liked because of time, but also because my apartment doesn’t have central air. My Peloton is in the living area that has no AC, so there’s no way I would be doing a peloton ride in a sauna… I turned to the Peloton App and started doing the 10 minute ab workouts in the morning. These are short, tough workouts! I noticed a difference in my mid section just two weeks into Emma Lovewell’s Crush Your Core Class. They also have other great classes – like Yoga, Boot Camps, and Run/Walks. I also enjoy their meditations. The app has everything to help you live a healthier life, physically and mentally. The fact that the classes can range from 5 minutes to 60 minutes, means there’s no excuse to not try to fit in a short workout to your crazy schedule.
Work Day Movement Breaks
Knowing I am stuck sitting at my laptop all day, adding in movement breaks has been a game-changer. Every hour on the hour that I am working (and am not on a video call), I do 10 crunches and 10 squats. It takes maybe 90 seconds and gets the body moving. …Also after an 8 hour work day, you’re looking at 80 crunches and 80 squats, not bad for a quick addition to your day!
Sunset Bike Rides / Walks
Once the work day ends and I start blogging or working on side projects, I lose all motivation to leave my house. I am just mentally drained and physically exhausted from the day at this point. In order to get going, I set alarms on my phone for 30 minutes before sunset and make myself go outside and walk or ride my bike! The alarm really gets my up and moving. I always thank myself at the end of the day for getting out and about. It’s really a great way to end your day on a high note. I couldn’t recommend this any more!
A the end of the day, small little changes can make a big difference in your life. These 5 ideas are simple ways that I have found success is living a healthier life, but it doesn’t mean they will work for everyone. Everyone’s body and life is different. Let me know some things you have implemented to live a healthier life!
Teena Fey 