You May Be Surprised…
People often assume that because I’m a health coach and PE teacher, I eat perfectly and never miss a workout. Never struggle to prioritize my health.
The truth is, I have seasons just like everyone else. Busy weeks, packed calendars, vacations, low-motivation weeks, lazy days.
The difference isn’t that I never fall off track. The difference is I’ve learned not to stay there.
My Spring Survival Season
Every year on May 1, I brace myself. I know what’s coming.
Teacher Appreciation Week (read: donuts in the teacher’s lounge, extra snacks, candy, special lunches. All delicious and fun; also very easy to get pretty far from my wellness goals)
Mother’s Day
Three Family Birthdays
Graduation Parties
Open House and Spring Concerts at my son’s school
Planning Field Day at school, the biggest event of my school year.
Enter Survival Mode. It’s funny, each year I go into May with the best intentions. “I’ll keep this week 80/20. I’ll make sure not to skip a workout. I’ll only have one sweet treat today.”
You know what happens next. I become exhausted, and good decisions go right out the window. I actually recall sitting at my desk in the PE office, bleary-eyed as I checked the Google folder containing written directions for every Field Day event, eating a bag of cookies and singing in my head the song “Making Bad Decisions.” But those cookies tasted good, and in that moment, I felt I needed them. Nay, had earned them.
This isn’t failure. This is reality. And I’d venture to guess that you’ve been there too.
The Difference Isn’t Perfection
I think a lot of people see Health Coaches as “perfect” beings who never let added sugars pass their lips; who never decide laying on the couch is a better idea than going for that run. At an engineering firm where I gave a series of wellness workshops, there was a day I came into the office and it was someone’s birthday. With guilt in their eyes, the employees told me to “look away” from the cake that was out. I tried my best to assure them that I was glad they were celebrating and that they should enjoy it. I don’t think it worked, and it bothered me that my mere presence should make people feel guilty or ashamed.
TLDR: I’m not perfect.
But what does make a difference, is that when I do get off track, I don’t stay there.
How I Find My Way Back
It’s taken many years, but over time I’ve developed habits that have simply become routine. One at time, I implemented small changes. Eventually these habits all melded into my current lifestyle, and because they are all part of the routine, when I veer from that routine, it’s much easier to get back.
Like I did when I first introduced a new habit, I slowly add them back in one at a time. Drink more water. Daily walks. Eat veggies with lunch and dinner. Go to bed a little earlier.
No “diet” because I’ve been eating low-nutrient or processed foods.
No detox. No cleanse. No punishment. No guilt (ok…that one I’m still working on. Remember, I’m not perfect!)
It’s like taking a deep breath and re-centering myself; returning to what makes me feel energetic, strong, and vibrant.
And you can return, too.
The Next Best Choice
So, maybe you’re not a health coach. Maybe you haven’t quite gotten a consistent routine down that works for you. No biggie. When you’re coming out of a “Survival Mode” period like I do every May, try this:
Ask yourself: WHAT IS THE NEXT HEALTHY CHOICE I CAN MAKE?
Not the “perfect” day. Not the “perfect” week. Not waiting until Monday/next month/next year.
Literally, right now, what is the next healthy choice you can make? A glass of water instead of soda? A ten minute walk? Skipping your favorite show and getting to bed an hour earlier? Saying “no” to someone?
You’re not starting over. You’re returning. This subtle mindset shift alone can make your next choice much easier to make. Just choose one thing…and see where it leads.
You Haven’t Failed. You Just Need to Return.
Healthy living isn’t measured by how perfectly you navigate the busy seasons. Sometimes the healthy choice isn’t to fight it, but to go with the flow. What really matters is how consistently you return when the season changes.
Life will always have birthdays, work deadlines, vacations, and unexpected detours.
The goal isn’t to avoid them, it’s to remember that your healthy habits are always waiting for you when you’re ready to return.
What’s one healthy habit you’re ready to return to this week?
Nicole
