When Life Gets in the Way of Healthy Habits—Here’s What to Do

Have you ever promised yourself you’d start eating healthier, moving more, or taking better care of your well-being—only to feel stuck when life gets in the way?

If that sounds familiar, take a deep breath. It’s more common than you think.

So many of us have the desire to feel better and live healthier, but struggle to make it happen amid the demands of daily life. Whether you’re juggling a busy job, caring for others, recovering from burnout, or simply feeling overwhelmed, the idea of building new habits can feel like yet another item on your to-do list.

Maybe you’ve told yourself, “I just don’t have the time,” or “It’s too expensive,” or “I wouldn’t even know where to begin.” These thoughts are completely valid—and incredibly common.

But here’s the encouraging truth: building healthier habits doesn’t have to mean overhauling your entire lifestyle. Sometimes, the smallest shifts—done with intention and self-compassion—can lead to the most powerful results.

Let’s explore some of the most common barriers to healthy living and how you can move through them with confidence, clarity, and grace.

1. “I don’t have the time.”

Time is one of the biggest barriers we face. Between work, family responsibilities, and life admin, it can feel like there’s no room for wellness.

But here’s the good news: Healthy habits don’t have to take hours out of your day.

Make movement doable:

• Start with “exercise snacks”—a few squats after brushing your teeth, stretching while the kettle boils, or dancing to a favourite song.

• Walk during meetings or phone calls. Take the stairs. Park a little farther away.

• Block out 15-minute movement windows on your calendar and treat them like appointments.

Simplify healthy eating:

• Batch-cook a big pot of soup, grains, or roasted veggies to enjoy throughout the week.

• Chop ingredients in advance so meals feel quicker to assemble.

• Choose one simple meal to repeat a few nights a week—it’s okay if it’s not gourmet.

The key is to start small and stack healthy habits onto your existing routine. Over time, these little moments add up.

2. “I can’t afford a gym or expensive food.”

It’s easy to assume that getting healthier requires pricey superfoods, gym memberships, or fancy equipment—but it doesn’t.

Move your body, your way:

• Walking is free and powerful for your mind and body.

• Use household items like water bottles or tins as makeshift weights.

• Try free workouts on YouTube or look for community classes at local centres or churches.

Eat well on a budget:

• Tinned beans, frozen veg, oats, and eggs are affordable staples.

• Shop sales, use store brands, and plan meals around what’s already in your pantry.

• Cooking at home—even if it’s simple—can save money and reduce your reliance on takeaways or packaged snacks.

Think of it this way: the goal isn’t perfection—it’s nourishment. Affordable, simple meals made with love are more powerful than you think.

3. “I don’t have support.”

Trying to make lifestyle changes without support can feel isolating. You might even feel self-conscious or discouraged if the people around you aren’t on the same path.

But you’re not in this alone.

Start by speaking up. Let your friends or family know that you’re trying to take care of your health and would love their encouragement—or even their company on a walk or in the kitchen.

Seek out like-minded people. Local walking groups, fitness classes, or online communities can be a source of motivation and inspiration. Surrounding yourself with others on a similar journey can make all the difference.

And remember: simply sharing your goals out loud makes them more real and more likely to stick.

4. “It just feels hard.”

Let’s be honest: making healthy changes can be uncomfortable at first. If you’ve ever felt awkward at the gym, overwhelmed by new recipes, or discouraged when progress is slow, know this—it’s part of the process.

But discomfort isn’t a sign to stop. In fact, it’s often a sign that you’re growing.

Studies have shown that people who learn to embrace discomfort as part of personal growth tend to stay more engaged and motivated. Instead of avoiding it, try asking yourself: What might this challenge be teaching me?

Be proud of every step you take, even the messy or imperfect ones. Progress isn’t always visible, but your effort counts—every single time.

Final Thoughts: Creating Healthy Habits Is Easier With Support

Change takes time. And life will always have its curveballs. But your health and well-being matter—and you deserve to feel supported on your journey.

If you’re ready to make positive changes, but you’re unsure how to start or need accountability along the way, working with a certified health coach can be a game-changer. You’ll get personalised guidance, gentle encouragement, and practical strategies that fit your real life.

Book a free consultation with a certified health coach today and take the next step toward the healthier, more empowered version of you.

References:

Lovering, C. (2025, May 30). 4 barriers to developing healthy habits and how to overcome them. Healthline.