5 Simple Tips to Optimize Your Life (And Actually Feel Better Doing It)

If you’re someone who’s trying to do it all — work, family, fitness, life — it can feel overwhelming. But building a stronger, healthier version of yourself doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, intentional actions every day can have a massive impact over time.

Here are five simple, effective tips to help you optimize your life so you can show up stronger — mentally, physically, and emotionally.

1. Prioritize Your Sleep (Seriously)

We’ve all heard it: “Get your 8 hours.” But let’s be real — sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice when life gets busy.

Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night. Your body needs that time to recover, recharge, and rebuild. If you're training hard, working long hours, or constantly on the go, sleep isn't just helpful, it's essential.

Lack of rest affects your focus, mood, recovery, hormones, and even your appetite. You can’t pour from an empty cup and sleep is how you refill it. I will speak from experience, if I'm skimping on my sleep, my cognitive function starts to slip and I know it's time to put more priority on my sleep. If you are someone who is only getting 5-6 hours of sleep, aim to increase that by 15-30 minutes. Focus on small adjustments and changes vs trying to jump 2-3 hours. 

2. Hydrate (And Add Electrolytes)

Water is life — literally. A good rule of thumb is to drink half your bodyweight in ounces of water per day. So if you weigh 160 pounds, shoot for 80 oz. But remember, your needs might shift depending on your environment, climate, and activity level.

And don’t forget your electrolytes, especially if you’re sweating a lot. Sodium, potassium, and magnesium help your body retain and use the water you're drinking. Try adding a pinch of sea salt to your water or using an electrolyte mix that works for you.

3. Master Your Time (And Set Boundaries)

Managing your time isn’t just about being productive, it’s about protecting your energy. Between work, workouts, relationships, and responsibilities, it’s easy to get stretched too thin.

Start by creating a schedule or blocking off time for important tasks. This includes your workouts, your family, and your you time.

More importantly, set healthy boundaries. Saying “no” to things that drain you is how you say “yes” to the life you want to build. If you tend to overcommit, which I have been guilty of, tell the person that you will get back to them with an answer vs committing right away. 

4. Eat Your Protein (Every Meal Counts)

If you're trying to build strength, lose fat, or just feel more energized, protein is your best friend. A great starting point is 1 gram of protein per pound of your desired body weight.

Rather than overthinking it, aim to include a solid source of protein in every meal — chicken, beef, eggs, fish, Greek yogurt, protein shakes, etc.

Protein helps you stay fuller longer, supports lean muscle, and improves recovery. Don’t overcomplicate it, just make it a habit. Remember, small changes consistently over time will help build that habit. 

5. Move Your Body & Train Your Mind

Movement is medicine,  not just for your body, but for your mental clarity and emotional well-being. Aim for daily movement: a walk, a workout, a stretch session, whatever gets your body going.

But don’t stop there. Train your mindset, too. Take a few minutes each day to reflect, journal, or practice gratitude. A simple “What am I proud of today?” or “How have I grown this week?” can ground you and shift your perspective.

This combination of movement and mindset work can remind you how far you’ve come and help you stay focused on where you're going.

Final Thoughts...

Optimizing your life doesn’t require a complete overhaul. It starts with small, consistent choices that build real momentum.

Sleep well. Drink water. Protect your time. Eat your protein. Move your body. Reflect with intention.

You don’t have to be perfect, just committed.

Just Gaux. You’re stronger than you think.

If you need help with making changes, grab my 31-Day Challenge here where we work on building sustainable habits with you nutrition, movement and mindset!