Being Healthy and Busy: Incorporating Healthy Habits into a Busy Routine

In those long springs days when summer is just around the corner, a slew of familiar images are conjured up. From long days in the sun to nights sitting around the fire with family, these cliché and dreamy images are always what my spring self imagines my summer will be.

Well it’s officially summer and since being in college it seems that those days spent on the beach have become more of a memory than an awaited routine. Between internships, jobs, and summer classes it’s hard to make time to relax, much less work out. Not to mention, that summer makes being in your best shape a must rather than a goal.

So how are we supposed to keep those tummies tight and buns toned? Here are a few of my methods for working exercise into a busy schedule.

Take the Stairs- It seems like something small, and to be truthful it is. But why waste the opportunity to get your gluts engaged and your heart pumping. Even if it’s only for a flight or two, you’re still doing better for your body than the 25 people who just stepped onto the escalator.

Drink Water- When we get really thirsty it’s often more appealing to drink something with flavor. Resist the urge! You’re just drinking unnecessary calories without ever really quenching your thirst. Plus water helps you feel full, moisturizes and clears skin, and detoxifies the body.

Back to Basics- You don’t need an elaborate workout routine every day of the week. If you’re cramped for time, get down and do 20 pushups, 100 crunches, and 20 squats. It might not be the most intense workout, but you’re still building strength in only ten minutes.

Walk- It seems obvious, but there are many opportunities to walk where we use transit instead. Next time skip the expensive subway monthly pass and resolve to walk on days with good weather. You'll save money and feel better walking into work with your mind alert. 

Bring Lunch- Yes, we're in kindergarden again. It might seem silly but packing your lunch ahead of time forces portion control and saves money. Plus there are a ton of adult-looking lunch boxes out there these days. 

The key takeaway is that we can’t let ourselves get defeated when there just isn’t enough time in the day. Work to incorporate as much exercise as possible, eat with consciousness, and most importantly remember that all we can do is try our best.