How to Work a Fitness Lifestyle Change Into a Busy Career

If your work life is like that of most people, it is busy. And on top of it, you've made that resolution to be healthier in the new year. How will you make sure you achieve your resolution of losing weight and improving your health while still being able to hold down a bustling career? Read on for some tips on keeping your fitness resolutions and balancing your career.

Things You'll Need

• Paper, pencil, tape

Instructions

1. 

   Make practical, focused resolutions. Many career-focused people only have success doing things outside of work if it integrates with work. So while it's easy to say that you should be able to devote time to eating well and exercise, you'll have to make it fit into your daily lifestyle--so you'll need to be practical. Think about what your fitness goals are, and how you can put them into place. Need to eat healthier, but are constantly on the go with business lunches and dinners? Consider bringing at least one meal a week. Or read up on healthy alternatives while eating out. These simple changes can have a big impact. Resolving to brown-bag it daily when you're used to on-the-go meals can be too much of a culture shock for busy career-minded people. Start with small steps.

2. 

   Write down your goals. It's always good to have goals written out. Instead of just writing "lose weight," you may want to look at a practical number of pounds to lose. Or you may want to say that you'll go to the gym starting twice a week. Whatever the goals are, write them down. And since work is your life, bring them to work and post them on your desk. You're more likely to work towards goals when they're always in your face.

3. Exercise and socialize. Many companies either have a fitness center or you may be able to join a nearby gym. While it's great to take a break from work, sometimes you can't. But maybe you can integrate working out with a business pal into your schedule. Not only can you discuss pertinent work issues, but you'll keep each other accountable.

4. 

   Take a break. Part of overall wellness is to have a separation from work. I know this is hard for super-busy people, but there's got to be more to life than work, right? In fact, you'll be more productive at work when you can give your all--and you can do that when your batteries are recharged. Take time to get away from the stress, even if it's a 5-minute walk around the parking lot. Even if you love your job, it's good to take a break from it.

Tips & Warnings

• Make changes gradually. Crash diets and the like don't work because they cause too much of an uproar in your life. Make small, feasible changes. Work out one day a week to start, instead of saying you'll hit the gym everyday.