It’s easy to tell people they need to be healthy, but taking action to be healthy may be easier said than done. I know it’s way easier not to think about moving or eating healthy on a busy schedule, but you must find ways to prioritize your health. If you are starting on your journey or need that extra kick of motivation, here are ten ways to be healthy when you don’t want to.

Make it Engaging

Health should never be a tiresome chore but rather a refreshing activity that leaves you revitalized. Transform your perspective about exercise by involving family and friends, making your fitness routine a social event. A morning run, yoga class, barre session, or dance fitness class can be more enjoyable than traditional workout regimens. The primary goal is to keep moving, keep it fun, and make sure it relieves stress. As long as you are moving, you’re on the right track. For more ideas, read 5 Activities That Are a Great Workout Without Feeling Like it

Incidental Activity

If a planned workout routine sounds intimidating, try incorporating more activity into your daily routine. Small changes such as parking farther away from the store entrance or opting for stairs instead of the elevator can add up to a substantial increase in daily activity. Research tells us that eight flights of stairs a day can reduce mortality risk by 33% – emphasizing the importance of “incidental” exercise.

Prioritize Hydration

You will be amazed at how prioritizing water intake changes how you look and feel. Because our bodies are mostly made of water, we must prioritize hydration. If the only thing you can accomplish in a day is hit your water goals, you are still on the right track towards a healthier you. We help our heart function, metabolism, and performance when adequately hydrated. For more reasons, read 7 Essential Reasons to Drink More Water.

Get Enough Sleep

In our high-stress, work-oriented lifestyles, the importance of sleep is often sidelined. Regular sleep schedules facilitate restful sleep, which has a profound effect on our overall health. A lack of sleep can lead to chronic conditions and lower body resilience to illnesses. Hence, it is essential to prioritize good, restful sleep.

Prioritize Standing Over Sitting

People are working more sedentary jobs and at home more than ever. According to research, the average office worker spends 15 hours sitting, and regardless of whether you found the time to exercise, sitting too much may override the exercise you do. Something as simple as getting up periodically throughout the day can make a difference in your health. Try a standing desk to remind you to move more or walk during your breaks. For more information on sitting and your health, read Sitting Disease: 5 Important Things You Need to Know

Focus on Self-Care

Being healthy is not just about eating right and working out. Your mental health is just as important, and without mental stability, your physical health may suffer. Make time to address your needs to focus on your health by improving your relationships, learning how to cope with anxiety, or taking time to unplug from technology. If you need more guidance, check out these posts:

• 6 Ways to Achieve Wellness Through Self-care
• The 7 Best Self-Care Strategies This Holiday Season
• 5 Proven Reasons Why Gratitude Improves Your Health

Stock Your Area With Healthy Food

If you struggle with eating healthy in between meals, try stashing healthy snacks around your house, purse, car, etc… Some people just need to snack on things during the day and grab anything lying around. When you arm yourself with delicious healthy snacks like nuts, baby carrots, hummus, and protein bars, you can snack guilt-free. Here are more examples of healthy snacks to choose from: The 25 Best Healthy Snacks For Weight Loss

Stock up on Pre-Made Healthy Meals

To save time, outsource! If you want to eat healthily but lack time to prepare the meals, use a meal delivery service. There are numerous healthy options for any dietary choice that come right to your door every week. Try different services and find one you love for a mindless, healthy eating option. Here are two reviews from meal delivery services I love:

• I Tried Thistle Meal Delivery, And Here Is My Honest Review
• A Review of Sakara Life: Organic Ready-to-Eat Meals Delivered to Your Doorstep

Reduce Your Plate Size

Portions are essential. Sometimes, we have the best intentions of eating better, but we do not have the right quantities. Try eating from a smaller plate to allow yourself to have the right amount of food. Science shows that people who eat from a bigger plate often eat 142 calories more than those who choose a smaller one. Throughout the days, weeks, and months, that adds up.

Be Smarter at Restaurants

Sometimes, life has us eating out more than we would like, but that doesn’t mean you have to choose unhealthy options. It is possible to eat out and eat right. Let’s be honest: restaurant portions are way more than we need most of the time. Here are some tips for tackling restaurant eating:

• Look for keywords like grilled and steamed. Avoid smothered, fried, or breaded.
• Read the menu before you go, and pre-select your meal.
• Order from the lighter fare menu
• Try a few apps instead of a main
• Order a salad first and up the veggies for sides
• Ask for sauce on the side
• Cut your entrée in half the rest later.

These small changes can cut the calories in half! Remember, every little change contributes to a grand impact on your health.