“When I Have Time”: The Lie We Tell Ourselves About Health
In the second half of 2025, I was incredibly lucky to experience the trip of a lifetime — travelling around Australia with my young family. Before we left, I did what many of us do: I made a mental list of all the things I’d finally have time for. One of them was learning embroidery. I packed a beautiful DIY embroidery kit I’d been gifted, convinced I’d have long, quiet stretches to learn a new skill and complete it.
Spoiler alert: I didn’t touch it once in 4.5 months. And it wasn’t just the embroidery. Every single thing on my “when I have time” list stayed exactly there — on the list.
When Life Loses Its Routine
Travelling full-time with kids meant no routine, constant location changes, and unpredictable days. And surprisingly, one of the first things to slip was movement — something I enjoy, value, and normally make time for even in the chaos of everyday life.
A new form of mum guilt crept in too.
Guilt for exercising on holiday instead of “relaxing.”
Guilt for taking time for myself when we were meant to be soaking up the experience.
And honestly… it was hot, I was tired, and there were far more tempting options — like sleeping in and drinking more coffee.
I tried to stick with my usual routine: three 45-minute workouts per week. But instead of feeling good, I dreaded them. I resented them. They felt heavy and out of place in this season of life.
So I knew something had to change.
Shrinking the Plan (and Expanding the Enjoyment)
I let go of the idea of “proper workouts” and started again — from the ground up.
Twenty minutes.
Most days.
No pressure.
I began with gentle yoga. Nothing intense, just movement that felt good in my body. After a few days, my kids started joining in. That alone was a win.
Then I naturally progressed:
I alternated yoga with Pilates.
Then added heavier strength work and then cardio into the mix. (mostly to keep myself interested)
Eventually, short runs along the coast, soaking in the scenery.
And then something unexpected happened.
My husband — who had previously been (lovingly) annoyed that my workouts were slowing down our pack-up-and-hit-the-road routine — asked if he could join me for a run.
We ran together.
We chatted (obvi).
We motivated each other.
And afterwards, we jumped into the ocean for a swim.
That became our routine.
He was then asking if I wanted to go for a run.
It wasn’t rigid. It wasn’t perfect. But it fit our holiday. It was inclusive, enjoyable, and it benefited all of us — physically and mentally.
The Real Lesson
Here’s the truth I was gently but firmly reminded of:
There is no magical “extra time” coming.
There is only what we choose to prioritise — and what we make time for.
If something matters, we adapt it to fit our season. We don’t wait for life to slow down.
And what is more important to make time for than your health?
Movement.
Food that nourishes you.
Stress relief.
Sleep.
These aren’t luxuries. They’re foundations.
Practical Take-Away Lessons You Can Use Right Now
1. Stop waiting for “more time”
More time rarely appears. Start asking, “How can this fit into my life as it is right now?”
2. Make it smaller than you think it needs to be
Twenty minutes of movement most days will always beat a “perfect” plan you never do.
3. Let your routine match your season
Busy season? Shorter, gentler sessions.
More capacity? Build it up.
Nothing is permanent — and that’s okay.
4. Choose enjoyment over intensity
If you dread it, it won’t last. Movement should support your life, not compete with it.
5. Make it inclusive when you can
Kids, partners, friends — shared movement builds connection and accountability.
6. Drop the guilt
Exercising, resting, sleeping well, and eating properly are not selfish — they allow you to show up better for everyone else.
Final Thought
That embroidery kit? It’s still unfinished.
But I came home ready to hit the ground running with my fitness routine and teaching classes again, connected to my body, and reminded of something to now teach and live by:
Health doesn’t happen when you have time.
It happens when you decide it matters — and you make time for it.
And that decision is always available to you, no matter what season you’re in.