The Best Way to Prioritize Yourself | #36

By Armaan Athwal

Today's Overview:

• Health on the back burner: Why it happens?

• Small steps to big health gains

• Quote of the day

Why We Neglect Our Health

I want to talk about something we all know is important and that I personally see a lot but often pushed to the back burner: our health and fitness.

If you're like many people, health is something that always gets shuffled to the bottom of the priority list. It's easy to put it off, thinking you'll eat better tomorrow, or hit the gym after work—only to find yourself too tired and reaching for the most convenient option instead.

Sound familiar?

It's a cycle many of us get trapped in. We’re busy, tired, and overwhelmed, so we compromise on our health. We tell ourselves that we'll make up for it later, but often, later never comes. Then, we wonder why we feel sluggish, why our bodies ache, and why we’re constantly tired. The answer is simple: we’ve been procrastinating on our own health.

I see that many people obviously know their health is important, but they don't prioritize it for a few reasons. First, the problems don't occur right away. It's easy to ignore potential health issues until they become immediate concerns. Then, once the problems subside, they often slip back into old habits.

Second, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be inconvenient and hard. Who wants to push their body when they’re already exhausted?

Third, many people simply don't have the knowledge about how to properly eat, work out, and maintain their health overall.

Let's break this down a bit. When we consistently choose convenience over health, we’re not just delaying a workout or opting for fast food instead of a homemade meal. We’re setting ourselves up for a future where we’re less energized, more prone to illness, and overall, less happy. The repercussions sneak up on us, manifesting as chronic pain, low energy, and a host of other issues that can make life feel like an uphill battle.

Why don’t we place our health on the same pedestal as other aspects of life? Even for me, I often take my health for granted, only to realize its true value when I get sick or injured. It's in those moments that I remember how grateful I am for good health.

Small Steps to Big Health Gains

The truth is, prioritizing your health isn’t just about avoiding these negative outcomes—it’s about unlocking a better version of yourself. When you start making your health a priority, everything else starts to change too. Your energy levels go up, your mood improves, and you find yourself with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation. You’re more productive at work, more present with your family, and more engaged in your own life.

So, how do we shift from sidelining our health to making it a priority? Here are three simple tips to help you get started:

1. Schedule Your Workouts Like Appointments
Much like many other things in life, treat your workouts like another important meeting that you can’t miss. Put them on your calendar and set reminders. Don’t just throw it in your schedule randomly and think it’s not a big deal if it doesn’t fit; schedule around it. Even if you start with just 20 minutes a day, consistency is key. Find a time that works best for you—maybe it's early morning, during lunch, or right after work. Stick to it. The more you make it a routine, the easier it will become.

2. Plan and Prep Your Meals
Eating healthy often falls by the wayside because it feels inconvenient. But with a bit of planning, it doesn’t have to be. Spend some time each week planning your meals and prepping what you can in advance. Often, overeating happens just to keep the mouth busy, not out of true need, so keep healthy snacks on hand to avoid reaching for junk food when you’re hungry. Cook your meals and freeze portions so you have quick, healthy options ready to go. I will say eating healthy tends to be boring as it’s repetitive or simple, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be if you just spend a little more time prepping. I think it’s a fair trade-off, as you get to fuel yourself with the best quality.

3. Start Small
It’s easy to get overwhelmed thinking about overhauling your entire lifestyle. Instead, start with small, manageable changes. Drink more water. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Go for a walk during your lunch break. Celebrate your small victories.

Prioritizing your health and fitness doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s about making small, intentional choices every day that add up over time. When you start to put yourself first, you'll notice a positive ripple effect in all areas of your life. Your body will thank you, and so will your future self.

You’re worth the effort. Stop procrastinating on your health and start prioritizing the one body and life you have.

Quote of the Day

“Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.” - Audrey Lorde

You’re living in your own body, so why disrespect it? Your body is your home, the one place you’ll always be.