As a busy professional, you don’t have time for 10-step routines or gear-intensive workouts. But you do have time for in small, consistent hacks that make a massive difference in how you show up and show out.
Here are the three things I swear by this week to stay mentally sharp, physically ready, and in control:
1. Chewing Gum Between Meals
It might sound too simple—but chewing gum between meals helps me avoid unnecessary snacking, especially during those afternoon brain fog moments.
Sugar-free gum keeps my mouth busy, my mind alert, and even acts as a subtle ritual to mark the end of a meal. Bonus: It saves me from raiding the snack drawer at 3PM.
Chewing gum between meals can be a surprisingly effective tool for appetite control and oral health. Research published in the journal Appetite shows that chewing gum can reduce hunger, cravings, and snack intake by up to 10%. It works by keeping your mouth occupied and triggering satiety signals to the brain. Additionally, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends sugar-free gum as a way to prevent tooth decay—it increases saliva flow, which helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles. In short, chewing gum isn’t just a distraction—it’s a science-backed strategy for staying on track between meals.
Recommended brand: Icebreakers – bubble gum, arctic grape, and fruit punch flavors. Mint is boring! Also, if you do chew after meals, wait for 20 minutes for optimal enamel health.
2. Wear Street Clothes to the Gym
Let’s normalize working out in what you’re already wearing. I’m not talking stilettos and silk blouses—but a cute romper, wide-leg jumpsuit, or yoga-luxe dress with sneakers? That’s a look and a strategy.
The goal here is to reduce friction. If I have to dig out my workout clothes and change, I’m 50% less likely to move that day. But if I’m already wearing something I can walk or stretch in? It’s game on.
And the best part—fashion is already leaning into athleisure. You don’t need to buy more, just wear smarter.
3. Keep a Written Calendar
Digital tools are great—but nothing beats the visual clarity of pen and paper. Writing down my tasks, workouts, and daily goals helps me stay accountable.
I treat my written calendar like a command center: part to-do list, part motivational tracker. Crossing things off is satisfying, and on the days I feel scattered, it brings me calm.
Research shows that writing things down by hand activates brain regions linked to memory, focus, and comprehension. A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that handwriting improves word recall and engages more cognitive processes than typing. When you use a written calendar, you’re not just organizing your schedule—you’re reinforcing it neurologically. Plus, the simple act of crossing off a completed task delivers a small dopamine boost, which helps build momentum and satisfaction throughout your week. (Source)
