5 Ways to Fit Healthy Habits into Your Hectic Life

Still finalizing your list of New Year’s resolutions? Yeah, us too. Getting back into the grind is hard enough after the holidays, and trying to form new habits may not always come naturally. Contrary to popular belief that it only takes 21 days to develop a new habit, studies show it actually takes around 66 (way to go, science). So it might take a little bit longer than expected, but we’re here to help with 5 super easy ways to squeeze healthy habits into your daily routine.

1. Meditation

Take a moment to meditate throughout your day. It may not always be easy to snag some “me” time, but the best thing about meditation is that you can do it anywhere. In the morning before you head to work, on the bus or train during your morning commute, or even at the office. Practicing meditation allows us to be more present and all it takes is ten minutes to feel a sense of calmness. Try downloading a few apps on your phone for a guided practice to get you started. A few of our favorites are Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer.

2. Healthy Snacks

Let’s be honest. After taking time off around the holidays, the workday seems ten times longer than normal, and your body can feel worn out. Having a few go-to healthy snacks can do a lot for helping you get through a dragging afternoon. Bring an apple (you know what they say, an apple a day keeps the doctor away), a delicious green smoothie, or try out a homemade trail mix. Many grocery stores even have a build-your-own trail mix station, so get creative!

3. Refuel After Your Workout

It’s important to listen to your body and what it needs after you’ve finished a workout. But how do we know what that is, exactly? Carbs, carbs, carbs (that’s the best news we’ve heard all day).  In order for your muscles to start to recover properly, you’ll also need plenty of protein and hydration. Depending on your workout, the best time frame for absorbing these nutrients varies, so make sure to research your activity to find out what best suits your workout and your body’s needs.

4. Share Your Goals With Friends

If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times. Having a friend to share your goals and resolutions with makes it that much more likely for you to keep them. There are plenty of benefits of working out with a friend, but one of the best is accountability. Not to mention, it encourages you to work just a bit harder (a little friendly competition never hurt anybody), you’ll have more fun (it’s practically a social hour), and you might even feel more motivated (hello, brunch after).

5. Plan Your Meals

There are plenty of great benefits to prepping your meals in advance. It takes some of the stress out of the work week by having easy grab-and-go meals ready before you head out of the door. If this is your first go at it, Meal Prep Haven features a complete step-by-step guide for beginners complete with tips and tools that you’ll need.  Too busy to cook (or just don’t like to)? Not to worry. Put together a list of healthy local spots you can count on if you need to order a last-minute lunch.

Images by Lindsey Cole Photography

Featuring @lafreecaine & @gabriela_ana_