Time Management Strategies for a Healthier You!

By Dr Ernst
January 20, 2025

We all know that health is wealth, but with busy schedules and competing priorities, it’s easy to let health slip to the bottom of the to-do list. As a chiropractic physician, I understand the importance of consistent care and self-care, and I want to share the top three strategies to help you prioritize time for your health, even on your busiest days.

1. Time Block Your Health Commitments

One of the most effective ways to ensure you’re dedicating time to your health is by using the time-blocking technique. Time blocking involves scheduling specific blocks of time for specific activities throughout your day. When you block time for your health, you ensure that it becomes as non-negotiable as any meeting or work obligation.

For example, schedule your chiropractic visits at regular intervals—perhaps every Monday or Friday afternoon—and treat it like a work meeting. You can also block off 10-15 minutes each morning or evening for stretching, a quick walk, or meditation. By setting aside specific times, you prevent the busyness of life from getting in the way of your health goals.

Time blocking also allows you to identify where you might be wasting time. If you’re finding that TV or social media is taking up chunks of your evening, swap that time for a short walk or a mindfulness practice. When you intentionally block time for health, you set yourself up for success.

2. Delegate Tasks and Seek Support

Many of us struggle with the idea of asking for help, but delegating tasks and seeking support can free up valuable time to focus on your health. We often overload ourselves with chores, errands, and other responsibilities, leading to stress and burnout. When you delegate, you create space to dedicate time for self-care.

For example, if you have children, ask your partner or a relative to take over certain responsibilities to allow you to go to your chiropractic appointment or enjoy some exercise. If household chores are overwhelming, consider splitting tasks or hiring help so you can have more time to focus on activities that improve your health, such as meal prepping or getting a good night’s sleep.

3. Simplify Your Health Routines

One of the biggest barriers to prioritizing health is the feeling that you need to spend hours working out or following complex routines. The truth is, your health doesn’t have to be complicated. Simplifying your health routines can make it much easier to incorporate them into your daily life.

For example, if your goal is to improve flexibility or strength, consider a 10-minute morning or evening stretch session rather than committing to lengthy workouts. If you want to eat healthier, focus on simple, nutritious meals that don’t require hours of prep. Preparing quick and easy meals in advance—like salads, smoothies, or one-pot dishes—can ensure you’re nourishing your body without taking up much time.

Even with chiropractic care, consistency is key. If scheduling regular visits feels overwhelming, try setting reminders a month in advance for adjustments, or pair your visits with other non-negotiable activities (like running errands or going to work). By simplifying your routines, you’re more likely to stay consistent, which is the real key to long-term health improvements.

Putting It All Together

Andy Stanley, a well-known pastor and leadership expert, often talks about a concept that can dramatically change the way we approach our lives: “Priority determines capacity.” In simple terms, this means that what you prioritize in your life will directly impact what you have the capacity to achieve. If you prioritize your health, you will find that your energy, focus, and ability to juggle other responsibilities will improve.

Prioritizing your health doesn’t mean you need to overhaul your entire schedule. It’s about being intentional with your time and making small, consistent changes that allow you to take care of your body. By time blocking your health commitments, delegating tasks, and simplifying your routines, you can create sustainable habits that support your overall well-being.

Remember, your health is the foundation for everything else you do. When you make it a priority, you’ll find that you have more energy, focus, and motivation for the demands of work, family, and life in general.

Take a moment today to evaluate where you can implement these strategies. By making your health a non-negotiable part of your routine, you’ll improve not just your physical health, but your mental and emotional well-being as well.

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