How to Make Your Health a Priority — Even With a Busy Schedule
Alright, this next post feels pretty fitting considering it has been a few weeks since my last one! Life can get really busy, and deciding what to prioritize and what to step back from can be tough. However, one thing that has become a complete non-negotiable for me is my health and wellness.
One of the biggest things people struggle with when trying to make changes to their nutrition or lifestyle is simply finding the time. Whether you're a working parent or a single professional balancing a full schedule, trying to fit in new habits on top of everything else can feel intimidating and, quite honestly, impossible at times.
Believe me, I get it. When I was in college, my schedule was extremely demanding. Between classes, studying, sports, and wanting to enjoy the college experience, prioritizing my health really wasn’t at the top of my list. My major required a lot of time and energy, and truthfully, I just wasn’t in the right headspace to focus on building those habits yet.
One of the most important things to recognize is that prioritizing your health starts with being mentally ready to make that commitment. That doesn’t mean you need to completely overhaul your life overnight, but it does mean reaching a point where you’re willing to start making small changes that move you in the right direction.
For many people, the biggest breakthrough comes from creating a routine that actually works with their schedule instead of against it.
For example, a lot of people think they need to become a “morning person” in order to stay consistent with workouts, meal prep, or other healthy habits. I used to believe that too. I tried forcing myself into early morning routines because I thought that was the only way to make things work.
Eventually I realized that consistency doesn’t come from forcing yourself into a schedule that doesn’t fit your lifestyle. It comes from building a routine around the times of day when you actually have the energy and motivation to follow through.
Once I stopped trying to force a routine that didn’t work for me, it became much easier to stay consistent.
One of the most helpful things you can do when trying to prioritize your health is to plan your week ahead of time.
For me, that starts with setting aside time on the weekend to prepare for the week ahead. I usually dedicate either Saturday or Sunday to meal prep so I have healthy options ready to go. During the week, I spend a little time in the evenings planning meals and snacks and making a grocery list so I know exactly what I need before going to the store. Having a plan removes a lot of the stress and decision-making during busy days.
The same idea applies to workouts. Instead of trying to squeeze them in randomly throughout the week, I plan them in advance based on what my schedule looks like.
Typically, I attend a workout class after work about three days a week and make sure to get another workout in on Saturdays. On the other days, my goal is simply to stay active by getting my steps in or doing a quick workout at home. I think it’s important to make sure we are just moving our bodies in some capacity every day.
I truly believe movement plays a huge role in both mental and physical health. People want to feel strong, energized, and able to live a long, healthy life, and staying active helps support that goal.
The main takeaway here is that prioritizing your health doesn’t have to consist o perfect routine, but it does require a routine that fits your life.
Start small, plan ahead where you can, and create habits that support your schedule instead of forcing yourself into a routine that doesn’t fit your life.
Your routine may look completely different from mine, and that’s okay. Everyone’s life, responsibilities, and energy levels are different. The goal is simply to find ways to incorporate healthy habits into your life in a way that feels sustainable.
Sometimes it can start with something as simple as waking up 20 minutes earlier than usual, drinking a glass of water, and going for a quick 15-minute walk before your day begins. Small changes like that can start to build momentum over time.
Speaking of setting yourself up for success, one of the easiest ways to stay consistent with your health goals is having simple, nourishing meals ready to go throughout the week. This Easy Crockpot Chili is one of my favorite recipes to make when I want a high-protein, high-fiber meal that’s filling and requires very little effort.It’s perfect for meal prep, busy weekdays, or really anytime you want a warm, satisfying meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
My Go-To Easy Crockpot Chili
Ingredients:
2 lb lean ground beef (93/7)
2 green bell peppers, diced
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
½ packet McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix (30% Less Sodium, Original)
½ packet McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix (Hot or Mild)
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. While the beef is cooking, dice the yellow onion and green bell peppers.
3. Add the cooked ground beef to the crockpot, followed by the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, diced onion, and diced green bell peppers.
4. Add both chili seasoning packets and stir everything together until well combined.
5. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6–8 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have fully developed. Stir occasionally if possible.
6. Serve warm and add any desired toppings.
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Greek yogurt, sour cream or cottage cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Diced avocado
Serving Size:
- This recipe yields approximately 5 servings (about 3.5–4 oz each).
Recipe Notes:
- This recipe was inspired by a TikTok creator, with a few adjustments to fit how I like my chili.
- My personal preference is to serve it with a ½ cup of low fat cottage cheese for extra protein. 😋
Macros (Approximate, per serving)
267 calories | 25g protein | 26g carbs | 7g fat
