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Busy? You Can Stay Healthy

Fourteen sneaky shortcuts to make it happen

There you go, power-walking from yoga class to a light brunch with your best friend before you both head to the farmers' market to buy organic vegetables for a nutritious dinner. Sure, that's you—in the movie version of your life. Your real world is filled with alarm clocks, work deadlines and past-due bills, and many of the things you'd like to achieve never even make it onto your list. But just because you can't accomplish everything you want to stay healthy—and do it perfectly—doesn't mean you should give up the attempt. There's always something you can try that will make a difference. The following is your plan B guide to health and happiness. Enjoy the easy way out!

IN A PERFECT WORLD	THE NEXT BEST THING	IF ALL ELSE FAILS
You eat a healthy breakfast. IN REAL LIFE You're not hungry for a morning meal and don't have time to make one.	Pour yourself a bowl of cereal, preferably something whole grain such as Kashi GoLean Crunch!, with lowfat milk. If you don't eat, your body goes into starvation mode, slowing your metabolism. This mini-meal is shy of the 400 to 500 calories you should aim for but enough to get you revved. Be sure to add a midmorning snack.	Munch a breakfast bar. Your pick should have at least 2 grams of fiber, list whole grains or bran as the first ingredient and be low in sugar (roughly 10 grams or fewer). Kellogg's All-Bran Honey Oat Bars meet these standards. Still, it's better to eat the wrong bar—or even a cookie—than nothing at all.
You floss daily. IN REAL LIFE You're tired, and flossing before bed is one more thing between you and your pillow.	Use Listerine after brushing. Rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash twice a day reduces plaque and early signs of gum disease as well as flossing does, notes a study in the Journal of the American Dental Association . Mouthwash isn't an excuse to ditch the string entirely: There's no proof it can prevent cavities between teeth as floss can.	Rinse with water. A vigorous postbrush swish won't have any effect on plaque, but you may be able to dislodge some of the debris your toothbrush might have missed.
You spend a week at a spa. IN REAL LIFE It's both out of your budget and out of your hands (the brass at work nixed so much time off).	Splurge on a spa day. Give yourself the luxury of a three-day weekend, and spend the Monday spa-ing. An added incentive: Some day spas offer discounted rates during the week. Your treatments may take only a couple of hours, but you can use the steam room, Jacuzzi and lounge as long as you'd like.	Soak at home. Try the Earth Therapeutics Holistic Stress Management Kit, $20, which comes with a silk aromatherapy eye pillow and lavender-scented lotion for posttub moisturizing.
You see your best pal often. IN REAL LIFE You talk to her voice mail more than to her.	Double up on your plans. You may not be able to schedule an hours-long dinner, but you can piggyback quality time onto other activities such as exercising or running errands. Braving the mall for holiday gift returning is so much more enjoyable when you have an ally by your side.	Make a phone date or sneak in a few minutes of instant messaging. Another quick connect: Send your pal an out-of-the-blue card—it lets her know she's on your mind, even if she's not on your calendar, suggests Jan Yager, Ph.D., author of Friendshifts (Hannacroix Creek).
Your M.D. is easily available. IN REAL LIFE She's booked solid for the next two weeks or months!	Ask to see the N.P. Many doctors work with nurse-practitioners and physician assistants who might be able to see you sooner. Both can prescribe drugs in almost every state and are qualified to treat many routine illnesses.	Go shopping. A growing number of chain stores have walk-in clinics (with names such as MinuteClinic and MEDspot) staffed with nurse-practitioners. One caveat: These facilities generally treat only a limited number of common ailments such as strep throat and urinary tract infections.
You get regular therapy. IN REAL LIFE You slept through your appointment. But that date last night was too good to cut short.	Pour your heart out on paper, if you can't fit in a phone session. Study after study shows that writing about your emotions—good and bad—can help you cope. Once it's all in black-and-white, zero in on the things that made you smile, whether hearing a compliment from your boss or playing peekaboo with that cute baby on the bus. Homing in on your happiest moments can help lift a low mood.	Try a Blockbuster Rx. Some therapists prescribe movies to help patients cope, says Birgit Wolz, a psychotherapist in Oakland, California. If you're feeling due for a good cry, rent a movie you know will turn on the waterworks, like Terms of Endearment . An emotional release can be cathartic, easing tension and raising your spirits temporarily, she says.
You eat a healthy meal nightly. IN REAL LIFE Szechuan House is number 4 on your speed dial.	Put down the take-out menu and step away from the phone. You can keep your freezer stocked with a variety of nutritious frozen meals. Look for brands such as Cascadian Farm and Amy's organic entrees. Added bonus: Frozen dinners can help with portion control.	Hit number 4 anyway. Order your favorite dish and a side of steamed vegetables. Mix about half your entree with the veggies for a lower-calorie, nutrient-packed and still tasty meal.

Author Info: Shannan Rouss
Published: JANUARY 2005, SELF Magazine, The Condé Nast Publications

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Busy? You Can Stay Healthy