Amy Pigott 
Want to be healthier and happier, but it feels like an impossible task with tons of barriers preventing you from reaching your full potential? I hear you, but you know what? There is no barrier so big that it is not insurmountable, as you will see below…
- “I Don’t Have Time” (a.k.a. The Classic Cop-Out)
Ah, the old “too busy” excuse. Look, we all have 24 hours in a day, and Beyoncé somehow manages to exist, so what’s your excuse? You don’t need to clear your diary for a full-on fitness retreat—start small.
Got 10 minutes? Do some yoga stretches in your living room. Waiting for the kettle to boil? Try a few squats. (Your flatmate’s raised eyebrow is just a bonus workout for your core as you laugh it off.) Time isn’t the problem—it’s how you use it.
- “But It’s So Embarrassing!”
Whether it’s huffing and puffing on a treadmill, trying to follow a Zumba routine with two left feet, or talking to your doctor about erection tablets, embarrassment is a biggie. The solution? Remember that no one’s paying attention. Seriously, they’re too busy worrying about their own awkwardness.
If public exercise still feels like torture, start at home. YouTube is full of free workouts where you can flail around like a baby giraffe in peace. If seeing the doctor makes you red in the face, remember, they’ve seen it all. And honestly, if anyone judges you for trying to better yourself, they’re the ones who should be embarrassed.
- “Healthy Food Tastes Like Cardboard”
Let’s address the stereotype that eating healthily means bland salads and celery sticks. Wrong! Healthy food can be delicious if you ditch the boring stuff and get creative. Roasted veg with a sprinkle of spices? Divine. Overnight oats with peanut butter and berries? Yes, please.
Invest in a cookbook (or just Google) and experiment. Also, don’t underestimate the power of seasoning—salt, pepper, and a splash of olive oil can work miracles. And hey, if you still want chips, air fry them. Win-win.
- “I Can’t Afford It”
You don’t need a posh gym membership or organic chia seeds flown in from the Himalayas to boost your health. Walking is free. Home workouts cost nothing. And seasonal fruit and veg won’t break the bank.
Also, consider this: taking care of your health now saves money later. Doctor’s visits and medication aren’t cheap, so think of that salad as an investment in future you.
- “I Lack Motivation”
Motivation is a slippery little devil. One minute you’re inspired, the next you’re binge-watching Netflix with a family-sized bag of crisps. The trick? Stop relying on motivation—it’s flaky. Instead, build habits.
Set small, achievable goals. Reward yourself (not with a pint of ice cream, though). And remember, progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency. You don’t have to run a marathon; a brisk walk counts too.
- “But I Deserve a Treat!”
Absolutely! Life is about balance, not punishment. Have the cake, but don’t make it your main food group. Treat yourself occasionally, not constantly. It’s about moderation, not deprivation.
You’ve got this. Nothing can, or should stop you from being the healthiest, happiest version of you that you can be!
