Five Simple Ways to Find Time and Improve Your Health

Many people complain of not having enough time to take care of their health. They know that health should be a priority, but their jobs, families, and friends occupy most of their time. Most work long hours during the week and spend their weekends with their kids. They make excuses for not being able to exercise, prepare healthy meals, and get enough rest. Here are some ways you can deal with this problem:

1. Plan

Planning ahead is the best way to make some time for your health. It might take a little while to get used to, but planning gets easier over time. Proper organizing will also make the task easier. Start small. Plan your meals and snacks for the day and move up to making plans for the week. Make a list of healthy food items, and set a date for buying them. Prep your meals for the week on Sunday evening to save more time during the weekdays.

2. Schedule activities

With a busy life, it becomes necessary to plan for exercise throughout the week. Schedule your daily exercises and mark it on your calendar. Never cancel your plan, especially if you’re starting out. If you have midweek appointments, meet up after you’re done with your exercises. Make sure you have one hour devoted to fitness during weekends. Remember that you don’t have to go to the gym to stay fit. Even walking around the block for 30 minutes can help improve your health.

3. Schedule meals and snacks

Having busy days should not stop you from eating regularly. Skipping meals will deprive your body of the important nutrients it needs to stay healthy. This unhealthy habit can also lead you to overeat later in the day. Make sure you eat at least three meals each day. However, if you have more breaks, spread your daily calorie consumption to three meals and two snacks. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should never be skipped. Try setting your alarm five minutes earlier if you feel you don’t have enough time. If you’re too busy to eat lunch, you can prepare a healthy sandwich the night before. If you’re too tired to prepare dinner, you can have it delivered, just make sure you pick a healthy meal.

4. Get enough sleep

Lack of sleep is a common complaint of busy people. We live in a world where sleep is becoming a luxury. You can help yourself by eliminating nighttime distractions. The light emitted by computer monitors, tablets, and mobile phones can keep you up all night. Don’t use them unless it’s absolutely necessary. Aim to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Try going to bed 30 minutes earlier than usual.

5. Be a role model

Parents who take care of their children find it difficult to squeeze time for some exercise during the day. Try taking turns with your spouse or partner, one can spend time with the kids while the other exercises. Plan activities your whole family can enjoy such as biking, hiking, or swimming. Teach children the value of healthy eating.

Source: VISTA Health Solutions