Something to think about when you think you don't have time to take care of your health

If someone came out of that dark alley and held you up at gun point and yelled, "You money or your life!" more than likely you'd fork over the goods. Right? Well, then why do so many of us spend our days slowly killing ourselves, chasing our tails, the mighty dollar or elusive online chatter, all of which leaves us little time for active self care? I'm talking about moving our bodies, eating right, and catching enough z's.  

If you truly think you don't have time to take better care of yourself, here's a little exercise. Draw circle and divide it into 24 slices. Each of those slices equals an hour in your day. Now start sectioning off the time you work, sleep, get ready for work, fart around on Facebook, watch TV, hang out with friends, eat lunch, etc. Obviously work, eating sleep and social time are important parts of our day. But do you see some unaccounted-for time, here and there? Could you consolidate some times together for more sleeping, preparing healthy meals, walking the dog?

Yes, you might have to tweak some things, but where there's a will there's a way. Sometimes putting things in black and white helps us clarify what our ultimate mission is. Like grocery lists and PowerPoint presentations. A little thought and effort can go a long way.

As a Health Coach, I help my clients see things in a different perspective. Where you think you don't have time to make meals before work so you grab fast food every day, I see an evening where you could prep a few meals to freeze and take with you instead. Where you avoid the gym because you honestly hate it, I suggest a dance class, because you mentioned you use to love swing dancing. When you feel overwhelmed with a house of unfinished projects I suggest you just tackle one of them. Finish that, then move on. That simple sense of accomplishment can get the ball rolling.

I hope that gets you thinking about how to manage your time a little better. I strongly suggest you pick just one new habit to tackle at a time, rather than making a major overhaul to your entire life. Pick one and focus on it. Once you've mastered it, i.e. developed a new habit, like packing your lunch instead of fast food-ing it, then you can move on to walking to work or meditating for 15 minutes in the AM. A list of things you'd like to accomplish would be a good idea, but think of it all as long term goals. Or check out my SMART goal tips to help you more.

Is there something that's been hanging you up? Can you see a different way to accomplish it? Do you have a tip for others? Let us know!