When life gets busy, it often feels like there’s no time for personal pursuits, leading to a cycle where your stress levels increase & your health only becomes this seasonal thing. If you truly want to see results, it’s time to shift your mindset and make your health a consistent priority.
6 Common Reasons Why This May Happen
1. Immediate vs. Long-Term Gratification
Daily tasks often offer immediate gratification or relief, whereas the benefits of training often take time to manifest into results. This makes it easy for us to prioritise what feels “urgent” over what is beneficial.
We often feel guilty about taking time for ourselves and don’t see it as being “productive”, especially when there are family, work, or social obligations. The sense of responsibility can overshadow the need to recharge.
This is the main one we see!! You might think that if you can’t commit to a full workout or 5-6 training sessions a week then “it’s not even worth it”. This all-or-nothing mindset can lead to avoidance all together rather than having a “something is better than nothing” mindset.
When life gets hectic, mental capacity can be stretched thin, making it harder to prioritise your self-care. The brain often defaults to survival mode, focusing on what needs to be done right NOW, and anything outside of the “norm” is once again, thrown on the back burner.
In a culture that often glorifies the “hustle” lifestyle, taking time for personal wellness can feel selfish or counterproductive, leading us to constantly put others and their needs first rather than our own.
Busy periods can also throw our routines out of whack, making it harder to include training into your day to day life. Without a structured schedule, it’s easy to let those activities slip.
10 Ways You Can Approach This Better
1. Reframe Your Perspective
Instead of viewing training as another task on your to-do list, think of it as essential self-care. It’s not just a luxury; it’s a way to recharge and enhance your overall life and the enjoyment you can get out of it.
Focus on small, achievable goals that fit your current schedule & stop worrying about what everyone else is doing! Even a short workout or a quick walk can be beneficial. Celebrate these smaller wins to build momentum.
Treat your workouts like work meetings – you wouldn’t say to your boss “sorry I cbf coming to our meeting today” or “I’m too busy to come today” so why use that excuse on yourself? Block out time in your calendar, and treat it with the same priority as work or family commitments. This helps establish consistency & integrity/trust in yourself!
Life can be unpredictable. If you can’t stick to your usual routine, adapt. Try different types of exercise or shorter sessions. Movement in any form counts!
Incorporate mindfulness into your routine. Whether it’s through meditation, yoga, or simply focusing on your breath during a session, being present can enhance the benefits of your training and help you see more than just physical benefits!
Choose activities you genuinely enjoy. If you look forward to your workouts, they won’t feel like a chore. Experiment with different classes, sports, or outdoor activities. Don’t just do something because everyone else is – you won’t stick to it that way!
Find a workout buddy or join a supportive environment like a private gym or run club! Social support can make training more enjoyable and keep you accountable, even when life gets busy.
8. Reflect on the Benefits
Regularly remind yourself of the positive effects of training – more energy, improved mood, better focus, etc. Keeping these benefits in mind can motivate you to prioritise it.
9. Practice Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself when you miss a session or struggle to fit it in – you’re only human! Recognise that it’s okay to have busy periods; what matters is your overall commitment to self-care and not using it as an excuse to continue letting it slide and fall into a “I’ll start tomorrow” mindset.
10. Create a Reward System
Set up small rewards for sticking to your training goals (even a hot girl coffee could do it). This can create positive reinforcement, making you more likely to prioritise self-care in the long run.
Busy will always be there, but so will the opportunity to prioritise your health. By reframing your mindset and using these strategies, you can make training a sustainable, enjoyable, and essential part of your life – even when things feel hectic.