We have so many things we are responsible for it can be hard to get it all done. After our health stops being a priority because of everything we are trying to do. Over time that choice can cause our health to really suffer. It’s time to make your health a priority again.
The other day I was writing out my priorities. The first time I wrote them out I had my health pretty far down the list. I thought about it for a few minutes and realized none of my other priorities can be taken care of if I’m exhausted and unhealthy. I’m doing a disservice to all parts of my life when my health isn’t the best it can be.
I rewrote my priority list and put health on the top. This did give me a sense of guilt at first because my health is personal and it seemed selfish to focus on myself before my husband, family or friends. But again I reminded myself that being the best I can be can only help the others in my life.
Making your health a priority will look different for each person as we all have different areas we struggle in. For me, I need to eat more veggies, reduce my intake of sugar, get more sleep, exercise more, and lose weight.
I think many will be able to relate to my list. However, sit down and think about your own list for a bit. Do you too much fast food? Are you drinking too much coffee? What issues do you need to address to be healthier?
Tips for Making Your Health a Priority
- Write down the areas you want to change. Writing things down helps us really focus on it. When you are starting to slip you can go back and read your list again.
- Make your goals realistic. Saying “I want to lose 10 lbs a week” is not realistic or even healthy. When you make unrealistic goals you set yourself up for failure and disappointment.
- Tell someone what your goals are. One thing I have learned from the Make Over Your Mornings online course, that I’m currently taking, is that telling someone what you are doing can help keep you more accountable.
- Create actionable steps. When writing your goals also write what steps you will take to reach them. Don’t just put “lose 10 lbs” put down what you will do to meet this goal. Goals are great but without a plan to reach them it’s unlikely you will.
- Stop living in survival mode. If you feel like you are living in survival mode you are likely stressed and not taking care of yourself very well. It can be hard to break this cycle. If you are struggling with this try the Say Goodbye to Survival Mode course. You can do the course at your own pace and it’s only 7 days. The information in the course is invaluable.
- Give yourself grace. You won’t be perfect all of the time. It’s okay! Dust yourself off and get back on track.
When you start making your health a priority the rest of your life benefits. We are more productive and happier when we take care of ourselves. You are worth investing in.
Tiffany (NatureMom)
I need to get with it. Gained so much weight dealing with my mom’s health/death this year. 🙁
Lisa Sharp
I’m sorry about your mom and stress. I hope some of these tips can help. <3
Melanie
I think we become more aware of making our health more a priority as we get older. At least, that’s the way it’s been for me. At this point in my life (I am 53), I am very much into health and nutrition. I eat “clean”, meaning no pre-packaged foods, no fast food, avoiding things such as artificial flavorings and colorings, hydrogenated oils, MSG, corn syrup and anything GMO. I eat mostly vegetarian, but that’s just a personal preference. On the occasion I do eat a little meat, I buy/make organic. I also buy/eat organic fruits, veggies and eggs whenever possible. I drink one cup of coffee in the morning, then drink water the rest of the day. Once in awhile, I’ll have unsweetened tea (cold or hot). I’m at my lowest weight since before having kids 27 years ago and my once high blood pressure is now normal. 🙂
Lisa Sharp
Congrats on your new found better health! That’s awesome!!
Anna@GreenTalk
I like your idea of telling a friend your goal. Maybe have a buddy to help with goal setting might be a great idea as well. It is so important to make time for yourself. Thanks for writing about this topic.
Lisa Sharp
Good idea! Thanks for the suggestion.
Emileigh Rogers
My parents started to eat healthier by doing a month of Whole30 eating, and it did wonders for them. They lost weight and said they felt better in a lot of areas. My husband and I tried it, and it also helped us slim down a bit and feel better. Since then we’ve eaten a lot more veggies, but I know I need to decrease my sugar intake (mostly in all the hot beverages I drink!) and be more consistent in my exercise.
Lisa Sharp
I know a lot of people that have done that. I eat pretty cleanly (at least most of the time) and have been eating organically for years. I just eat too much sugar and love to bake haha.
I slowly have cut way back on sugar in my hot tea and coffee, that really does add up!
Jessica Joy @The Fit Switch
Love this post! And, the reason you decided to put health at the top of your list, is actually the same reason about why I started my blog. Living healthy and fit allows us to lead out best lives. It doesn’t have to overtake our lives, but it’s something that gives us more energy for ANYTHING we want to do, along with more strength, positivity so on. Health , in a way, is a tool for better quality of life. And, love your tips. So happy you linked up. I am looking forward to getting to know you better. : ) #fitfamlove
Lisa Sharp
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the tips. Looking forward to reading your blog more. Thanks for stopping by!
Farrah
These are all really great tips, but especially those last two! They really help to break it down so it feels a lot more doable, and not berating yourself over being imperfect is super important!
Lisa Sharp
Glad you like them! Yeah beating ourselves up doesn’t help us do better. 🙂
Emily
I love that you put your health on the top of your list. We have been eating way too much sugar around our house too. I told my husband that I am going to get a bunch of healthy food at the grocery store this week! 🙂 You are right about creating steps. I wrote out healthy snacks and meals for the week to help keep me focused.
Lisa Sharp
Great job! I’m going grocery shopping next week and I’m planning to get back to some freezer cooking and making more of our snacks from scratch. I feel like if we are going to snack or eat sweets I should at least make them with the best ingredients possible. Plus the cooking/baking burns a few calories, right? 😉 Good luck on your journey! Be sure to come back as I post more healthy living tips and recipes. Hopefully they will help you. 🙂
jill conyers
Good morning Lisa. It’s so nice to meet you. I”m a co-host for the Fit Dish link up. Welcome.
Give yourself grace. Boom! When you do life becomes so much easier and happier. Keep inspiring!
Lisa Sharp
Thanks for the welcome! I so agree, grace is important.