Time is Not Your Enemy: How to Prioritize Your Health Without Overhauling Your Life

Mar 3

Whenever I speak to new clients, or chat with people in my DMs, the OVERWHELMING majority of people say that their biggest obstacle is TIME. It never feels like we have enough of it - especially when it comes to things that are just for YOU and your health. Between work, kids, and everything in between, prioritizing yourself feels impossible. But here’s the truth: you don’t need more time—you may just need better strategies.

Why We Struggle with Time

The biggest reason people say they “don’t have time” for exercise, meal prep, or self-care is because they’re stuck in a reactive mode—constantly responding to life’s demands rather than proactively setting aside time for themselves in their schedule.

The hard truth is, time is not the issue—priorities are. When something is a priority, we find time for it. Think about it: You wouldn’t cancel an important work meeting or your child’s doctor appointment just because you felt busy. Your health should be treated with the same level of importance.

Reclaiming Your Time for Health

Time Audit:
Write down how you spend your day—what’s taking up unnecessary space? Are you spending an hour scrolling social media instead of taking a walk? (good time to look back on that blog post about temptation bundling if this is the case lol)
Map out your week:
Just like you would put a doctor's appointment or a meeting on your calendar…are you putting a workout, or a walk on your calendar? Time for meal prep? Time that is specifically for YOU?
Non-Negotiable Movement:
Even 10-minute walks add up—find ways to move that fit your day.
Do things for your future self:
Cook meals/food in bulk for the week ahead - even if it’s just for your lunch, prep your gym bag the night before - including the clothes you’re going to wear, or set up automatic reminders for workouts. Fill up your water bottle in the evening and put it next to the coffee machine so you can start your day hydrated.

How to Make Your Health a Priority

Schedule It:
Block time in your calendar for movement or meal prep just like any other important task. MAKE SURE YOU SEE YOU ON THE CALENDAR
Shift Your Mindset:
Instead of saying, “I don’t have time,” try saying, “This is important for me to reach my goals and to feel better - I am going to create time for this in my day because I deserve that”
Let Go of Perfection:
Some movement is better than none, and imperfect action is better than waiting for the perfect time. (check out the blog post on all-or-nothing mindset!)

Take Action Today:

Identify one 5-minute health-focused habit you can add to your daily routine. Maybe it’s a five-minute stretch before bed or a quick walk after lunch.

Hannah Williams