Busy Bee's Guide to Healthy Habits

Between work, family obligations, seeing friends, and enjoying some downtime to yourself, it can seem almost impossible to hit the gym regularly and prepare healthy and elaborate meals on a regular basis. However, incorporating small, sustainable healthy habits into your daily routine doesn’t have to be difficult. Small habits can add up to large health benefits, so focusing on a couple sustainable habits can truly pay off. Check out these small-but-mighty healthy habits that even the busiest among us can make time for.

Carry a water bottle with you at all times.

Drinking enough water during the day can provide you with a number of health benefits. Staying hydrated can help increase your energy levels, promote weight loss, boost your immune system and maintain regularity. By simply making water readily available, you can ensure that you stay well-hydrated all-day long.

Invest in a durable reusable water bottle, or buy a 24-pack of disposable water bottles to keep in your car.

Schedule your bedtime.

Getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night is vital to your health. Lack of sleep can cause brain fogginess, slow your metabolism, and make it more difficult for you to make clear and quick decisions. Take a look at your schedule for the week and schedule when you plan on going to bed each night in order to be able to hit at least 7 hours of sleep. By scheduling your sleep like an important work meeting, you’re much more likely to stick to your bedtime and get some shut eye.

Make movement an easy part of your day.

Don’t have time to hit the gym? Make the most out of your day by getting in movement whenever and wherever you can.

Take the stairs up and down the parking structure at work. Walk around the block during your lunch hour. Keep a mini band at your desk and do some squats and bent over rows while on a conference call. Walk around the field while your child plays soccer. Look out for these various opportunities to get some movement in.

Keep a list of close-by healthy food options.

When you’re on the go, sometimes it can be hard to pack healthy foods that will stay fresh until you’re ready to eat them. Keeping a list of healthy food options (whether that’s a grocery store around the corner or a great salad and sandwich spot) will allow you to grab a well-balanced meal that will satisfy your hunger and keep you full for several hours.

Incorporating a few small and sustainable healthy habits can make a long-lasting impact on your health. Regardless of how chaotic your schedule may be, simply implementing one or more of these practices will positively contribute to your overall health. What are some ways you stay healthy?

Lauren Weiss is a personal trainer and group fitness instructor based out of Long Beach, CA. She specializes in kettlebell training and unconventional workouts and has been working with both types of fitness for over a year. Lauren has her BOLT Kettlebell Sport Certification through the USA Kettlebell League and has expertise working with kettlebells, barbells, dumbbells and several unconventional fitness tools. Lauren received her BA in Journalism and uses her writing expertise to craft thought-provoking articles about trending fitness, health & wellness topics. Follow Lauren on her website, Facebook, and Instagram.

Main Photo Credit: ESB Professional/shutterstock.com; Second Photo Credit: goodluz/shutterstock.com; Third Photo Credit: Bojan Milinkov/shutterstock.com