We've all been there: It's the height of busy season.
You're expecting another sleepless night.
Your dinner consists of takeout food and copious amounts of caffeine.
You can't remember what the gym looks like or the last time you broke a sweat.
You know your routine isn't sustainable, but it's busy season. What can you do?
Making diet and fitness a priority supports your physical health, emotional well-being, and on-the-job success during
Eat right
Don't let convenience shape your day. We all know it's much easier to order takeout instead of packing your lunch. But don't do things just because they are easy. It is possible to spend your time efficiently while maintaining healthy habits.
Setting yourself up for success can be as simple as beginning to meal plan once a week. Start by making a plan: How many meals do you need to make, and what's your grocery budget? Write down the foods you like eating, and the foods you want to avoid. While grocery shopping, stock your desk and office fridge with healthy snacks like nuts, jerky, granola, veggies, and protein bars.
If you don't have time to stop at the grocery store, a meal prep delivery service can provide all the ingredients you need to prepare a healthy meal in 30 minutes or less. Or, if you don't have the time or desire to cook, there are also pre-cooked meal services. The upfront cost may seem high, but when you compare this with the daily cost of takeout meals, the meal prep kit or service likely saves you money while improving your diet. When you have food ready to go in the fridge, it's easy to grab a healthy breakfast or lunch option, rather than defaulting to office takeout meals.
Don't forget to not overcommit yourself. Just because you're meal planning doesn't mean you can't ever eat out again — after all, it's busy season. It's okay to occasionally allow yourself to order out or pick up food on the way home. Bonus points if you choose something healthy, like veggies and protein.
Exercise
How many hours a day do you spend sitting at your desk, in transit, or at home on the couch? The
If you don't put a meeting or call on your calendar during the busy season, it won't happen. The same goes for exercise. Block out time each day to be active to make it easier to follow through with your plans. Set a reminder on your phone or computer to get up once every hour.
Schedule your workout for midday or early morning: Most busy professionals are drained by the end of the day. They don't have the energy to work out, or they find they're stuck working late and can't make it to the gym. If your office isn't close to the gym or doesn't have access to showers, a sweaty, midday workout might be a no-go. You can still use this time to clear your mind and get moving. Take a walk outside, or do yoga in your office.
Do you hate mornings, but it's the only time to work out? If so, consider how you can maximize your workout benefits while minimizing the time commitment. Don't let lack of time be an excuse for not exercising! You can easily complete an effective workout in 30 minutes or less.
Take breaks
Taking breaks may seem impossible during the busy season, but getting breaks in is crucial for setting yourself up for success. It allows your mind to relax and unwind.
Set periods when you are not connected to your phone or email. Use the auto-reply function on your email and set your voicemail to alert clients that you are out and when you will be back. Make boundaries for yourself and your clients while letting them know you are not ignoring them.
All work and no play makes you a prime candidate for
Slowing down may seem counterintuitive, but it's the fastest way to ensure your wellbeing and overall success during a hectic few months. Learning how to stay healthy during busy season not only makes you more productive but also helps lower stress and anxiety. And don't forget — you'll be doing this all again at the same time next year.
