It’s no secret that our health can be deeply affected by stress. Stress keeps us up at night, leading to sleep deprivation and low energy levels. It makes us reach out for unhealthy snacks and leaves us too tired to exercise, and we end up getting caught in a vicious cycle. But there are some ways to turn things around, so read on if you think you could benefit from reduced stress in your daily life:

Start Eating Healthier

Meal prepping is an excellent way to help you keep a healthy weight. On the weekend, take some time to come up with a menu for the week ahead and go shopping for what you need. Opt for fresh ingredients whenever possible by shopping the perimeter of the supermarket. Once you’re back in your kitchen, cook, and prep your meals, then store them in single portions in the refrigerator. While prepping your fruits and veggies, reserve some for snacks and store them in small containers for easy access during the day. You'll be less tempted to reach out for sugary or salty, calorie-laden snacks.

Take Time to Exercise

Healthy eating in conjunction with regular exercise will help you maintain a healthy weight and keep your body strong. An exercise routine is particularly important if you live a mostly sedentary lifestyle and spend many hours seated at a computer. On your lunch break, go out for a brisk stroll or a jog. If you can’t leave the office, bring in a yoga mat and free weights for a mini exercise session. Not only will it be beneficial for your body, but that break will be good for your mental health as well. When you’re ready to take your fitness and health seriously, join Fit Full Force Fitness Studio for personal training and online and in-person classes!

Improve Your Sleeping Habits

Sleeping well will help you feel rested and refreshed in the morning, and you’ll be more productive throughout the day. So if stress is keeping you up at night and preventing you from getting the amount of shut-eye you need, try one - or all - of these highly effective techniques: eat a light dinner at least 3 hours before bedtime, and avoid caffeine and alcohol; turn off screens at least 30 minutes before going to bed; and keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature, on the cooler side, to improve the quality of your sleep.

Freshen Up Your Space

Keep a healthy home by letting some fresh air in while keeping bugs and rodents out. Vacuum your carpets often, especially if you have pets and in high-traffic areas, and sanitize your kitchen and bathroom floors and counter space. You can also find eco-friendly options for all your cleaning needs.

Advance Your Career

Making a plan is the key to unlocking your career potential. Start by researching and networking in your field – once you understand the market, you can begin making decisions that will open the door to bigger opportunities.

One great strategy for advancing your career is to update your resume regularly. This doesn't have to be just when you are job-searching; it's a proactive step that you should take at least once a year. Keeping your resume current shows employers that you are organized and knowledgeable about best practices for staying competitive in the job market. If you want to design an eye-catching resume, check out this free resume maker that lets you choose from a variety of templates to create a personalized resume with your own photos and fonts.

Go Back to School

Would your career benefit from an advanced degree? If so, an online program that will allow you to earn a degree while tending to your family obligations and working full-time. Online classes in subjects like information technology let you study around your busy schedule, and they’re also more affordable than in-person classes. Before registering for a program, check it out for more info on whether it’s accredited and offers competitive tuition rates. You can also check with your employer if they’ll cover some of your education expenses.

Making small changes to your daily routine can greatly improve your life. Eating and sleeping better will give you the energy you need to get more exercise. And if you need a career boost, update your resume and look for online classes that won’t hurt your wallet while you go after your goals.