---

In our lives we all face a moment where we realise something’s gone a little pear-shaped. This usually manifests as burn-out, but another common area of life is with our health – and this is what I want to explore today.

Oftentimes we take our bodies and health for granted. A lot of us don’t take the necessary precautions to keep us healthy… until we face a health scare or we finally realise what we’re putting into our bodies (whether it’s the wrong food, not enough of the right food, too much food, or too little food) and what we’re exerting on our bodies isn’t right.

Why do we wait until this turning point to make any change? Why can’t we just follow a healthy, balanced lifestyle from day one?

The reality is that many of us don’t make health a priority until we’re forced to. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, juggling work, family, and other responsibilities. When life gets busy, health often takes a back seat. Convenience becomes the driver, leading us to opt for fast food over home-cooked meals, skip workouts because we’re “too tired,” or prioritise other things over getting enough sleep. The other side, as too many of us younger people, especially females, face is that we turn to too much exercise when we’re stressed and caught up in the busyness of life, and don’t consume enough calories. We assume our bodies will keep up, but eventually, they start to show signs of wear and tear.

One reason we don’t focus on our health from the start is that the consequences of neglect aren’t always immediate. The human body is incredibly resilient and can withstand a lot of abuse before it starts to break down. But just because we don’t see the effects right away doesn’t mean they aren’t happening. It’s like a car—if you never change the oil or check the tires, eventually, something’s going to give. And when it does, the repairs can be costly and time-consuming.

Take me for example. Over the last few months, I’ve slowly, but surely, been going down a slippery slope of a relapse. Did I realise? Well, a part of me did, and as too many of us know, that negative voice in the back of your mind will push that realisation away and force us to continue down that treacherous path. I didn’t fully realise it until I looked at myself in the mirror one morning, not that long ago, and saw the weight I had lost. Fortunately, I didn’t listen to that voice in the back of my mind telling me to ignore it. I held onto hope and I’ve started my recovery plan back up again. Although, I still waited until that very last moment to make a change, and this is what I’m talking about. Even someone as clued up about their emotions and mental state as me (in general – sometimes I’m not!) can face this problem. But we can solve it if we go back to the beginning and learn to work on ourselves because we want to, not because our health is slipping.

Another factor is that many people don’t fully understand what it means to live a “healthy, balanced lifestyle.” There’s a lot of conflicting information out there, from fad diets to fitness trends, and it can be overwhelming to figure out what’s actually good for you. Plus, the concept of “balance” is subjective and varies from person to person. What works for one individual might not work for another, and it can be difficult to find a routine that fits your unique needs and lifestyle. For me, the 80/20 lifestyle used to work (80% of the time focusing on nutrition, movement and well-being, and 20% of the time allowing myself to let go, have late nights, and binge Netflix – or weekdays versus weekend, hence ’80/20′). Now I go off my intuition and listen to body and mind and what it needs at that moment, rather than having any kind of strict rules – like this ’80/20′ concept. This works for me, but some people may like more structure etc.

So, why do we wait until something goes wrong to make a change? It often comes down to a lack of awareness and a sense of invincibility. We think, “It won’t happen to me,” until it does. A health scare – no matter how big or small – can be a wake-up call. It’s the moment when we realise that our bodies, and minds, aren’t invincible, and that we’ve been pushing them too far for too long.

This turning point can be both frightening and empowering. It forces us to re-evaluate our choices and make adjustments. But the good news is that it’s never too late to start taking better care of ourselves, and I’m not just talking about our bodies. Small, incremental changes can have a big impact over time. If we’re talking about basic health, like nutrition and exercise, simple steps like eating more fruits and vegetables, getting regular exercise, and prioritising sleep can make a world of difference. Mentally, making sure we schedule in time for self-care, rest, and reflection time is the way to go. The mental health side of things, for me, is the most important, because you can’t have a healthy body without having a healthy mind first.

What’s important is to recognise that health isn’t about the absence of illness—it’s about feeling good, having energy, and being able to do the things we enjoy. It’s about investing in ourselves now, so that we can continue to lead fulfilling lives in the future.

Taking care of your (mental) health should be seen as a form of self-respect and self-care. It’s a commitment to yourself to live the best life possible. And while it may seem challenging to make changes, especially if you’ve been set in your ways for a long time, the benefits far outweigh the effort.

In conclusion, don’t wait for that turning point. Start today. Listen to your body, make informed decisions, and prioritise your health. It’s the most valuable investment you’ll ever make <3