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If you’re like many women, your days are packed. Between work, family obligations, social commitments and maybe even side hustles, it can feel like there’s little to no time left for your own well-being. But here’s the thing: we all know you “can’t pour from an empty cup” and that all of those other priorities will start to suffer when your health does. So, if you’re short on time or always feeling like you can’t make time to take care of yourself here’s a few strategies to try-

1. Start Small: Baby Steps Matter

First things first, don’t feel like you have to overhaul your entire routine. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a healthy lifestyle. Starting with small changes is key. Try setting aside just 10-15 minutes for a quick walk, a short workout, or even a mindfulness practice like deep breathing or journaling. Small actions add up over time, and they don’t require a ton of time to make a big impact. Think of it as stacking little wins each day that lead to big results.

2. Time Blocking: Make It a Non-Negotiable

If you're struggling to find the time, the secret could be in how you manage your schedule. Time blocking is a game-changer. This is where you set specific chunks of time for specific activities—kind of like how you’d block off time for meetings. Treat your health like any other important commitment and block out 20-30 minutes for movement, meal prep, or self-care. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, during lunch, or after work, putting it in your calendar means you're making it a priority. No excuses!

3. Get Creative with Your Workouts

One of the biggest hurdles to staying active is not having the time for a full workout. But here’s the secret: You don’t need an hour at the gym to feel good. Look for ways to sneak movement into your day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, go for a walk during a break, or do a quick bodyweight routine at home. Even 10 minutes of movement can boost your energy and mood. Plus, the more you make exercise a regular habit, the more natural it will become to fit it in.

4. Meal Prep: Make Healthy Eating Easy

If you struggle with eating healthy because you’re too busy, meal prep is your best friend. Set aside an hour or two during the weekend to prepare a few simple, healthy meals or snacks that you can grab on the go. Having nutritious options already ready will save you from reaching for something quick and less healthy when you’re in a rush. Plus, you’ll feel good knowing you’re fueling your body with the right stuff, even on your busiest days. Don’t like setting aside big chuck of time each week? Try these easy meal prep strategies instead.

5. Ask for Help (Yes, Seriously)

As women, we tend to wear a lot of hats—and often, we feel like we have to do everything ourselves. But here’s a little secret: You don’t! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to lean on others for support. Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or a family member, asking for help can free up time for you to focus on your health. You don’t have to do everything alone. Teamwork makes the dream work, as they say!

6. Remember That Rest Is Part of the Process

Taking care of your health doesn’t always mean doing more. In fact, sometimes it means doing less. Rest is just as important as exercise or eating well, and you shouldn’t feel guilty for taking a break. If you’re feeling burnt out, listen to your body and give yourself permission to rest. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or an early bedtime, giving your body the downtime it needs helps prevent burnout and actually supports your long-term health.

7. Stop the All-or-Nothing Mentality

One of the biggest hurdles to prioritizing your health is the idea that you have to be perfect at it. But guess what? Perfection doesn’t exist, and that's okay. Life is messy, and sometimes, things won’t go as planned. The trick is not to throw in the towel just because you missed a workout or didn’t eat perfectly. Just because you had a setback doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Focus on progress, not perfection, and get back at it when you can.

8. Incorporate Wellness into Your Daily Life

You don’t need to dedicate an hour a day to prioritize your health. Instead, look for ways to incorporate wellness into your routine. For example, while you’re on a Zoom call, try standing or walking around. Or, instead of scrolling on social media, use that time to stretch or meditate for a few minutes. The goal is to make health a part of your everyday life, without feeling like it’s an extra chore.

Final Thoughts

We all know how tough it is to juggle all of life’s priorities, but remember: your health is just as important as anything else. It doesn’t have to be time-consuming or perfect. Start small, get creative, and be kind to yourself along the way. The more you make your health a priority—no matter how busy life gets—the better you’ll feel. And when you feel good, everything else in life tends to go a little smoother too!

Ready to Prioritize Sleep in Your Wellness Journey?

Remember: sleep is the foundation of your wellness journey. If you’re looking to feel your best, recover quicker, boost your mood, and perform at your peak—make sleep a priority!