This morning as I opened up my emails an interesting messaged pinged into my inbox with the subject title “failed again.”

What I opened turned out to be one of the most entertaining emails I had ever received.

Here’s a little snippet from it:

“My willpower is zilch, I have had three chocolates. There are boxes up in the staff room with post-its saying “eat me”- leftovers from Christmas where staff are trying to save themselves – obviously they do not know that I am already sprinting up the stairs to help them out – waistband is tightening by the minute, but even that does not deter me – help…………!!!”

I wasn’t laughing at the fact that this person wanted help but if you knew her like I did you too would be amused at her sprinting up the stairs to help her colleagues out with left over Christmas chocolate. My response: well at least you’re getting some cardio in with those stair sprints- ha-ha.

In all seriousness though this got me thinking about the pressures we put on ourselves in January to eat clean, take up the gym or cut out sugar following the indulgent festive period. January is also a really busy month with people starting back at work, paying off Christmas bills and children heading back to school.

I’ve put together a list of 10 ways to help you stay healthy every month even when you’ve got a super hectic schedule.

• Water – This is such a simple change to make but one which has major health benefits. Keep a jug or a bottle of water on your desk at work or in your car at all times. Having it there will remind you to drink plenty throughout the day. Drinking lots of water will also improve your skin, help your body to flush out toxins and keep you alert at work as it increases energy and fights fatigue.
• Snacks – Make the fruit bowl your friend and keep it stocked full at all times. You can also buy nuts such as almonds and take a handful of those with you to work. That way if cakes or treats appear in the office you will have healthy snacks on hand to curb those cravings and satisfy you until lunch time. Eating better makes you feel better.
• Read an actual book – Take time away from your computer to read a book or the newspaper. You’ll feel as if you’ve really had a break from work and will come back in the afternoon with your brain refreshed ready to take on the rest of the day.
• Ban phones from the bedroom – This includes iPads and anything else electronic for that matter. Set aside some time each night to really relax and unwind before getting into bed. Read a book, meditate or just take some time without your phone to switch off. The bright lights will interfere with your sleep pattern and getting a good night’s sleep is so important. You will wake up in the morning feeling refreshed and energised.
• Green tea – It’s absolutely fine if you love a caffeine boost in the morning but why not try and switch to green tea in the afternoon and limit your caffeine intake. Although green tea does still contain caffeine it doesn’t have as much caffeine as coffee. It also has amino acid L-theanine which works with the caffeine to improve brain function and concentration.
• Eat your greens – as well as green tea make sure you eat your vegetables. Again, it’s such a simple thing and it’s not meant to sound patronising but vegetables are packed full of nutrients and antioxidants which are guaranteed to improve your mood and leave you feeling healthier and happier in general.
• Get moving – Set your alarm ten minutes earlier and go for a walk or do some burpees before work. HIIT (high intensity interval training) is great if you are pushed for time and if you get it done in the morning you’ll feel the benefits of those endorphins for the rest of the day.
• PMA – Positive mental attitude! Starting your day with positive thoughts and having a can do attitude will boost your mood and basically sets the standard for a good day ahead. Think positively when you’re faced with a challenge.
• Write things down – Make yourself an achievable to–do list either on your phone or when you get to work each day. There’s something strangely satisfying about ticking something off your list and getting stuff done.
• No pressure- leading a healthy lifestyle isn’t a diet; it’s a way of life. Don’t put extra pressure on yourself by stressing out if you have a chocolate or miss a workout, you’re only human! To get back on track forget about it and move on, health is about so much more than just a physical thing it’s about mental well-being as well.

What are your top tips for staying healthy and happy? Let me know!

You can also Tweet me at @hannahbryan91 or email me at hbryan91@gmail.com