How to Balance Fitness Goals with a Busy Life (Without Feeling Overwhelmed)
Written by: Lindsay Little, MS — Holistic Health Coach
Waiting for life to “slow down” is a trap…
We’re all busy. Like, all the freaking time. I don’t know a single person who isn’t juggling a million things—work, kids, meetings, family drama, that weird smell coming from the fridge…
So let me be clear: this isn’t coming from a place of judgment. It’s coming from a place of compassion and a healthy dose of “been there, cried in the corner.”
For most of my adult life, I wore my “busy badge” like it was some kind of prize. Being busy made me feel important, successful…like I was doing something right.
But honestly? That idea is trash. Being busy doesn’t make you better. It just makes you exhausted.
And here’s the truth we don’t like to admit:
Being “too busy” is often an excuse to avoid doing something we don’t feel like doing.
Yup, I said it. Sorry not sorry.
Before you click away and start rage-texting your group chat, hear me out…
Let’s say one unfortunate day in the middle of winter, your pipes freeze. There’s water in the basement, creeping dangerously close to all the random crap you shoved down there years ago but would be devastated it something happened to. Your husband’s out of town. Your to-do list is three miles long. The dogs are out of food. You have zero groceries. And your phone won’t stop ringing.
What do you do?
You DEAL with it. You reschedule appointments, you make some calls, maybe you cry in the corner (been there, done that). But ultimately, you make time for the crisis because you have no other choice.
So why don’t we treat our fitness goals with that same urgency?
Life will always be busy. That’s not going to change. But your approach can.
Let’s ditch the all-or-nothing mindset and start making space for your wellness, even in a whirlwind.
Here are 5 realistic time management tips and mindset shifts to help you crush your fitness goals—without adding more stress to your plate:
1. Schedule your workouts like your life depends on it (because it kind of does)
You wouldn’t cancel a meeting with your boss or skip your kid’s dentist appointment, right? So stop canceling on yourself. Your workouts need to be a non-negotiable part of your week. It’s not selfish—it’s necessary for your physical health, your mental well-being, and your ability to show up fully for everyone else.
2. Short and sweet > skipped altogether
Can’t do a 60-minute workout? Cool. Do 30. Or 10. Whoever made up the rule that it has to be an hour to count was full of it. If your options are a 10-minute walk or scrolling Instagram from the couch, take the walk. Every. Single. Time.
3. Get sneaky and creative
Can you turn a phone call into a walk? A meeting into a standing one? Can you chase your kids around the backyard or do some lunges while they’re brushing their teeth? Heck, even the dog would appreciate an extra walk. You can squeeze movement in—you just might have to think outside the gym.
4. Ask this magical question: “How could this be simple?”
This one’s a game-changer. We get stuck in the “if I can’t do it perfectly, I won’t do it at all” trap. STOP THAT. Ask yourself, how could this be simple? Not how will I find the time? or what’s the best workout?—just what’s a simple way to move today? You’ll be amazed at what comes up when you stop overthinking and start doing. Even the “best” workout won’t work unless you actually do it.
5. Remember your “why”—and make it BIGGER than your excuses
Here’s the mindset shift that makes it all click: your goals need a reason stronger than your excuses. Why do you want to feel stronger? Why do you want more energy? Why do you want to move your body consistently?
Because you want to feel alive.
Because you want to model health for your kids.
Because you want to be around—and thriving—for decades to come.
When your “why” gets loud enough, your excuses get quiet.
Final Thoughts:
Busy isn’t going anywhere. But your goals? Your health? Your energy? They’re worth fighting for.
So no, you don’t need more time. You need better boundaries, a shift in perspective, and a plan that fits into your life—not the other way around.
You’ve got this. Pinky promise.
And if you ever need a little nudge, a frozen pipe crisis story, or just someone to cheer you on—I’m your girl.
Ready to Take Action?
If you’re ready to ditch the myths and get a plan that actually works for your body, I’d love to invite you to my free, private, off-social community: The Glow Lounge.
It’s a chill space for women who are ready to reclaim their energy, health, and favorite pair of jeans—without judgment or BS.
This is where your glow-up begins. ✨
Hey there! I’m Lindsay! I’m a Holistic Health Coach with a Master's Degree in Holistic Nutrition and a specialization in gut health. In my virtual health coaching practice, Full Bloom Acres Wellness, I help busy women over 40 eat the foods they love without embarrassing, painful, and annoying digestive issues. I would love to help you, too! Connect with me on social media at @fullbloomacres or on my website, www.fullbloomacres.com.
Ready to take control of your hormones and feel like YOU again? Join my FREE community, The Glow Lounge—A chill space for women ready to reclaim their energy, health, and favorite pair of jeans. The Glow Lounge is where your Glow-Up begins. Click here to join!
DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational and informational use only and is not meant to diagnose or treat disease or illness. Please work with a qualified healthcare practitioner before making dietary or lifestyle changes.