Are you a health procrastinator?!

We’ve all been there: scrolling through social media instead of going for a walk, reaching for that sugary snack instead of a piece of fruit, or binge-watching TV instead of getting a good night's sleep. Despite knowing what’s best for our health and well-being, we often delay taking action. But why do we procrastinate on the very things that will benefit us the most, especially when it comes to healthy eating, living, and physical movement?

But why do we struggle to start a diet? 

Humans are creatures of habit. We tend to gravitate towards routines and behaviours that feel comfortable and familiar, even if they’re not the healthiest choices. Changing our lifestyle habits, whether it’s incorporating more vegetables into our diet or committing to regular exercise, requires stepping out of our comfort zones. This discomfort can be a significant barrier, leading to procrastination. Our brains fear ‘new experiences’ and will pull us back to behaving in more ‘predictable’ ways.

The immediate gratification of sticking to what we know often outweighs the long-term benefits of adopting healthier habits.

But there is another significant barrier: the allure of instant gratification. 

In today’s fast-paced world, we’re conditioned to seek immediate rewards. Healthy behaviours, like cooking from scratch or exercising, often don’t offer instant gratification. The results of these actions—such as weight loss, increased energy, or improved mood—take time to manifest. On the other hand, unhealthy choices like eating junk food or lounging on the couch provide instant pleasure. This allure of immediate gratification can make it difficult to prioritize long-term health benefits, leading to delayed action.

It’s easy to prioritize the needs of our present self over those of our future self. When we choose to indulge in unhealthy habits, we’re often thinking about how it will make us feel right now, not how it will affect us in the long run. This disconnect between our present and future selves can lead to procrastination, as we delay actions that would benefit our future well-being. Strengthening this connection by visualizing the long-term benefits of healthy living can help motivate us to act now.

Perfectionism is a common silent saboteur that I see in our clinics. Many people delay starting a healthy routine because they feel they need to do it perfectly. If they can’t commit to a full hour of exercise or prepare an entirely organic meal, they might not start at all. This all-or-nothing mindset can create a sense of overwhelm, leading to procrastination. It’s important to remember that small, imperfect steps toward a healthier lifestyle are better than no steps at all.

And this leads us to another of the big factors contributing to health procrastination:

The Fear of Failure.

Fear of failure is a powerful deterrent.

Have you ever been put off by this? The thought of not being able to stick to a new diet, falling off the exercise wagon, or not seeing results can be paralyzing. This fear can prevent us from even trying, as we procrastinate to avoid the possibility of failure. However, reframing failure as a learning experience rather than a definitive outcome can help overcome this barrier.

Every attempt at healthy living, whether successful or not, is a step forward.

Often, we underestimate the impact of small, daily choices on our overall health. Skipping a workout or indulging in an unhealthy snack might seem inconsequential in the moment, but these decisions add up over time. This mindset can lead to a cycle of procrastination, where we delay making healthier choices because we don’t see their immediate value. Recognizing that every small step counts can help us prioritize healthier behaviours and reduce the tendency to procrastinate.

Overcoming Procrastination: Practical Tips

1. Set Small, Achievable Goals: Instead of overhauling your entire lifestyle at once, start with small, manageable goals. This approach reduces overwhelm and makes it easier to build healthy habits gradually.
2. Focus on the Process, Not Perfection**: Embrace the journey towards healthier living without getting bogged down by the need to do it perfectly. Progress is more important than perfection.
3. Visualize the Benefits: Regularly remind yourself of the long-term benefits of healthy living. Visualization techniques can help strengthen your connection to your future self and make it easier to take action.
4. Create a Supportive Environment: Surround yourself with people and environments that encourage healthy behaviours. This support can make it easier to overcome procrastination and stay committed to your goals.
5. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself when you stumble. Recognize that setbacks are a natural part of the process and use them as opportunities to learn and grow.

Procrastination is a natural human tendency, but it doesn’t have to stand in the way of your health and well-being. By understanding the reasons behind our delays and taking small, intentional steps towards change, we can overcome procrastination and build a healthier, more fulfilling life. Remember, the journey to better health is not about perfection but about progress—one small step at a time.

 Now stop reading...and get started!

Nerys Frater