A side hustle is an additional source of income, but it can also drain your health. You may not have time for healthy habits like exercise or eating right when you’re juggling multiple jobs. To help you work wellness into your schedule, here are some valuable tips on maintaining healthy habits when starting a side hustle.
Plan Ahead to Eat Well
It can be hard to find healthy food when you’re pulling long hours at work. Instead of skipping meals or resorting to fast food, try preparing meals at home the night before. If you’re interested in saving more time, consider meal prepping for several days or even the whole week.
Here are some additional tips for getting the most out of meal prepping:
- Focus on protein-rich foods like meat, eggs, and beans.
- Use quality spices and extracts to add flavor and cut cravings.
- Prepare foods in bulk and store them in the freezer.
- Take advantage of sales at the grocery store.
Break up Your Fitness Routine
Getting exercise is another crucial part of staying healthy. However, it can be challenging to find time for a full workout when you’re juggling more than one job. Instead, try breaking your fitness routine into smaller chunks throughout the day.
For example, schedule sprints or brisk walks instead of long runs or do calisthenics at your desk during work breaks. You can also try completing resistance training and cardio in the same session. One of the most significant benefits of this approach is that it allows you to take care of your body even when pressed for time.
Get the most out of your workouts by investing in workout gear and apparel. A new pair of sneakers, an easy-to-wear sports bra, and leggings can have you looking and feeling great.
Don’t Skimp on Sleep
It can be tempting to push yourself to work longer hours when you have a side hustle. However, getting the recommended eight hours of sleep each night is vital for your health. Taking care of your body with sufficient sleep is just as important as eating well and exercising.
To get better sleep, avoid caffeine and other stimulants after midafternoon, keep electronics out of the bedroom and use appropriate sheets for the season. In addition, try to invest in a supportive mattress.
Spare Time for Self-Care
Setting aside time for self-care can be challenging, but your body and mind will thank you for it. What counts as self-care isn’t set in stone—do any activity that helps you feel better. For example, yoga, meditation, or a nice warm bath can help clear your mind after a long day. It would help if you also took time for activities that help you decompress, such as:
- Listening to music, a podcast, or an audiobook
- Watching a funny video
- Getting a little fresh air
- Playing with your pet for a while
Find Help
You can reduce your workload by hiring help, which lets you dedicate yourself to running your business. For example, if you could use some extra support handling administrative tasks, work with a freelance virtual assistant. If you need help around the house, a cleaning or landscaping service can help maintain your home. To find a lawn care service, search “lawn companies near me” and compare ratings on local services. You can typically expect to pay between $30 and $80 for this work.
Work Hard and Smart
A side hustle can be rewarding. By eating well, getting enough sleep, practicing self-care, and delegating tasks, you can balance being healthy and hustling hard.
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