You Want To Improve Your Health But Feel Overwhelmed
Why it’s normal to feel stuck or overwhelmed
There are so many ways we can improve our health, and it’s easy to feel like we need to do all of them to make a difference. We’re surrounded (in person and online) by people who claim to have the miracle answer to why you’re tired all the time, can’t sleep, can’t lose weight [insert the issue of the month here]. Just this week alone, I’ve seen influencers promote weight loss jabs, coffee enemas, and random supplements that will “fix your digestion.”
I’m not saying these things won’t work or that they should be dismissed entirely. They can add to the overwhelm however, and often, they don’t get to the root of the problem.
What else adds to the overwhelm?
Time: Have you noticed how often people say “busy” when asked how they are? We’re all juggling a lot and adding "get healthy" to that list can feel like a massive time and energy commitment.
Health is complicated: Everything is connected - sleep, energy, stress, gut health, mood. So where do you even begin?
Pressure of feeling behind: Seeing others with their “perfect” routines can make us feel like we’re not doing enough. That can lead to inaction and procrastination.
Life: Let’s not ignore the obvious - life can just be overwhelming sometimes.
Common traps (and why they don’t work)
Trying to change everything at once: I’ve been there. It doesn’t work. It’s overwhelming, unsustainable, and the initial motivation wears off quickly.
Slow progress: When we take a healthy, balanced approach, the results are gradual. It’s easy to feel disheartened when there isn’t a big, immediate shift.
Making changes you hate: If you hate broccoli, planning to eat it daily won’t bring you joy or long-term results. If you dislike most vegetables, start by adding the ones you do like. It's about making realistic swaps.
Setting yourself up for failure: Let’s say you plan to go to the gym after a long workday but by 6pm, you're knackered and skip it. That missed workout can create a sense of failure, fuelling further overwhelm and frustration.
The solution: Start with the foundations
The good news? There is a solution, and it’s surprisingly simple.
Start with the foundations of health: sleep, nutrition, movement, and mindset. These may sound basic, but the research consistently shows they have the biggest impact. Full disclosure - I do offer a programme based on this. But this blog isn’t about trying to sell that. It’s about giving you the tools to pause, assess what really matters to you, and take one small step forward.
Quick self-assessment & tips for each foundation
Pick one or two pillars where change feels realistic for you right now. Think “low-hanging fruit” - what small improvement would be easy to make over the next month?
The points below might help you if you’re not sure where to begin.
Sleep:
Ask yourself: How consistent is my sleep routine? Is my environment calm and restful? Do I prioritise sleep?
An easy win: Go to bed 15 minutes earlier than usual.
Nutrition:
Ask yourself: How much processed food do I eat? Do I drink 2 litres of water a day? How much sugar am I consuming?
An easy win: Drink a glass of water before your morning coffee.
Movement:
Ask yourself: How much do I move during the day? Do I enjoy the exercise I do? When is the best time for me to move?
An easy win: Take calls while walking instead of sitting.
Mindset:
Ask yourself: When do I give my brain time to rest? How often do I connect with friends? What do I do that’s just for me?
An easy win: Build in a 1-minute pause between back-to-back meetings to reset.
Make it stick
Use the good old-fashioned SMART goal approach:
Make your goal Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Add in a reminder or routine to help you follow through - for example, if scrolling keeps you up at night, set an alarm to remind you to switch off.
Make it fun - Who says getting healthier has to be boring? If your goal is more movement, maybe it’s playing with your dog or dancing around the kitchen.
You can do this!
Be kind to yourself. Small changes snowball into big ones and as habits stick, you’ll feel encouraged to do more. That creates momentum and motivation - the sweet spot for improving health. Over time, you’ll start to feel more in control and more energised to do the things you love.
Lastly, celebrate your wins, no matter how small as this will help to embed the healthy habits.
If you’d like support or guidance on where to start, I’d love to help you. Drop me a message - what’s one small step you’re going to take after reading this?