Hurdles, Hormones, and Healthy Habits

We’ve all been there—standing in front of the mirror, making promises to ourselves about how we’re finally going to get healthy. We’re going to eat better, work out more, and drink all the water (not just coffee!). It feels so doable in the moment, right? But then… life happens. Work gets crazy. The kids need all the things. You just have to see the next episode of that show. And suddenly, the wellness goals we had set seem like they belong in a distant land, somewhere far beyond our reach.

So, why does getting healthy feel like climbing Mount Everest in thongs? Why is it so hard to make lasting changes, even when we really want to? Let’s look at the common hurdles that trip us up and, more importantly, how to jump over them with a little grace—and a lot of hope.

1. Perfectionism: You Don’t Need to Be Perfect, Just Consistent

You know the drill. You start the week with a meal plan that would make a nutritionist proud, a workout schedule that rivals the Olympic training program, and a “positive attitude” that could power a city. You’re going to crush this! And then… life. You skip a workout. You eat a chocolate bar (okay, maybe three). You feel like you’ve ruined everything, and that’s when the ‘what’s the point?’ thoughts start creeping in.

Here’s the thing: you don’t need to be perfect to be healthy. In fact, perfection is overrated. The secret is to stay consistent, not flawless. Health isn’t about checking off every box—it’s about showing up for yourself. Even if that means a 10-minute walk instead of a full workout or choosing a salad one day and pizza the next. Small actions add up. So, give yourself some grace and keep going. You've got this, and you don’t have to do it perfectly.

2. Self-Worth: You're Not Just Your Waistline (Promise)

For many of us, our health journey is tied to how we look, how we feel about our appearance, and, let's face it, how we think others perceive us. We get caught in the cycle of wanting to change our bodies because we think it will make us feel more worthy. Newsflash: Your worth isn’t tied to your weight, your jean size, or how many veggies you eat.

Health is about feeling good, inside and out—not about meeting someone else’s standards. When we start taking care of ourselves because we deserve to, not because we think we need to look a certain way, magic happens. Health becomes about self-love. And trust me, when you prioritise your well-being with compassion, you’ll feel stronger and more confident—just as you are.

3. Time: You Can Be Healthy Without Giving Up Your Life (Or Netflix)

We all know the struggle: there are only so many hours in the day. Between work, errands, family, and your secret addiction to scrolling through social media, who has time to prep three healthy meals and get in a full workout? (Spoiler: Not many of us.)

Here’s the twist: Health doesn’t have to take over your life. You don’t need hours at the gym or elaborate meal preps to get healthier. It’s all about sneaking in small, easy habits. Maybe it’s a 10-minute morning stretch while you wait for your coffee to brew. Maybe it’s swapping a sugary snack for something a little healthier. Maybe it’s simply drinking water—with the occasional glass of wine, of course. No shame in that game. Small habits add up, and you can totally make health a part of your day without overhauling your entire schedule.

4. Stress: Stop Eating Your Feelings (Seriously)

Stress is the ultimate health saboteur. You’ve had a crazy day, and all you want is something comforting (read: a massive bowl of ice cream or chips) to take the edge off. It's so tempting to eat our feelings, especially when life gets overwhelming. But here’s the kicker: stress and emotional eating are not your friends.

So, how do you break the cycle? It’s all about managing stress in a healthier way. That could mean practicing a bit of mindfulness (I promise, it’s not as woo-woo as it sounds), taking a walk to clear your head, or simply taking a deep breath before reaching for the snack drawer. Finding ways to cope with stress that don’t involve food can help you stay on track with your health goals—and leave you feeling better in the long run.

5. Hormonal Changes: Yes, Your Body Is Changing, And That's Okay

Ah, hormones. They can make us feel like we're riding a rollercoaster, with all sorts of fun side effects—like sudden weight gain, fatigue, or just plain crankiness. Whether it's the hormonal shifts of perimenopause, pregnancy, or the lovely monthly cycle, these changes can make it feel like your health goals are slipping further away.

But don’t worry, this isn’t the end of the road. Your body is simply adjusting to these changes. And guess what? You can still take control. The key is to listen to your body and adjust your wellness routine as needed. Maybe it’s more rest, gentler exercise, or a focus on stress-reducing activities. You’re not broken; you’re just navigating a season of life, and that’s okay. Health doesn’t have to be a constant; it can ebb and flow with your body’s needs.

6. Fear of Change: Start Small and Celebrate the Wins

Let’s be real: change is scary. Especially when it comes to health. Starting a new routine, changing your diet, or committing to a new exercise program can feel like a big leap into the unknown. And it’s easy to get paralysed by the fear of failing.

Here’s the secret: Start small and celebrate each win. No step is too small. Did you drink water today? Celebrate it. Got in 15 minutes of movement? High five yourself! Each little change you make is a victory, and when you stack those victories together, you’ll be amazed at how much progress you’ve made. Fear doesn’t stand a chance when you’ve got confidence on your side.

7. Social Pressures: Health Is About You, Not Them

We live in a world that constantly tells us how we should look, how we should eat, and how we should feel. And for some reason, we let those voices drown out our own. But here’s the deal: health is about what feels good for you. Not the Instagram influencer, not the latest fad diet, and not your friend who runs five marathons a year. It’s about what makes you feel strong, energised, and at peace.

So, take a deep breath, block out the noise, and tune into your own body. Health is personal, and it’s okay if your journey looks different from someone else’s. In fact, it’s better that way.

The Path to Health: It’s Yours to Create

Getting healthy doesn’t have to be a complicated, stressful, or unattainable goal. It’s about taking small, meaningful steps toward feeling better in your body, mind, and spirit. Yes, there will be hurdles, but they’re not impossible to overcome.

If you’re ready to stop going it alone, to get the support and practical strategies that work in real life, then consider joining the Her Nurtured Life Project. This is the space where you can break down those health hurdles with a community of women who totally get it. We’ll walk alongside you as you gain clarity, confidence, and a sense of direction in your wellness journey. It’s not about perfection—it’s about showing up for yourself, every step of the way.

But you don’t have to do it alone. Let’s tackle these hurdles together!