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5 Tricks To Create Healthy Habits When You're Busy


It's officially the second month of 2019! I've seen quite a few posts recently proclaiming that January was just a test drive or a trial run. Do you feel like you're not hitting your 2019 goals or New Year's Resolutions? There is still so much time and goals can be made any time through out the year. January is always a hectic month. Coming back to work after time away, cleaning up from the holidays, and snapping back after a serious sugar cookie hangover.

The beginning of the year can be so busy! Between work and catching up with friends it's a lot. Healthy eating goes out the door when you’re in a rush and need food fast. Catching up on work in the New Year and getting ready for a good Q1 makes sleep all that more necessary. Sacrificing an extra hour of working or sleeping to work out or meal prep can seem impossible. Yet, working out and eating healthy keeps you more productive and actually gives you more energy to get things done.

Whether you are a recent grad adjusting to the long work week, or a college student trying to balance your schedule, healthy habits can be hard. Here are five tricks to help you build long-term healthy habits that you will stick to.

 

Set a monthly goal for yourself.

Having set goal helps keep you motivated. Writing down what you want to accomplishment gives you something to look back on to remind you on those days you don’t feel like doing it. Whether you list monthly goals or daily ones, share them with friends, family and social media to keep yourself accountable.

 

Start with little steps.

Doing one little thing each day makes any change seem less overwhelming. Start with choosing a healthy snack, or taking a walk at lunch. Over time these will become good habits! My dad always says it starts with a first step, even if it’s waking up ten minutes early to use the stairs instead of the elevator, or putting on those running shoes for a walk around the block. Try to do something active every day.

 

Grab a buddy.

When you have a gym buddy or make a goal with a friend, then someone else is counting on you. It gives you camaraderie on hard days, makes anything more enjoyable and you will keep each other accountable. If you're struggling to work out on your own take some workout classes! Not only will you have some accountable to show up, but you don't have to think about the workout. My friend and I recently signed up for ClassPass and the first week we doubled the amount of days we were working out. Because you have to reserve you spot, and lose points for not showing up, you go even when you don't feel like it. For $40 off your first month of ClassPass sign up with my referral link here.

 

Come up with a mantra.

I recently read Way of the Seal, and Mark Devine emphasizes the importance of a mantra in keeping yourself going and staying positive. It reminded me of a mantra my coach gave us after a hard workout: “You’re not tired, you’re tough. Just keep moving.” Sometimes you just need to tell yourself you can do it. What we feel about ourselves and what we think we are capable of stems directly from our mindset. Come up with a mantra that works for you.

 

Say no to "I'm Tired" Culture

As college students and recent grads, we feel as though we must be busy and productive at all times. People even compare how busy and exhausted they are as if it is a competition. When you ask how someone is doing, they’ll usually answer, “I’m tired” or “I am so busy.” To be fair we typically are, but this has become what we talk about and what our lives revolve around. It’s usually the first thing out of our mouths when talking about how our week or day has been. Instead of saying you’re tired or busy when asked how you’re doing, bring up something positive from that week or that day.

Make your own schedule and make time for what you deem important. I love using my day planner to structure my time, and it allows me to schedule in workouts, meal prepping, and time with friends. Telling yourself that you feel better when you eat healthily and workout and don’t make excuses is the first step towards having time to take care of yourself. Shifting your mindset is the first big step.

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