Welcome to this week's edition of Wellness Goals Weekly, your space for support, inspiration, and practical steps to help you thrive.

My blog this week is a friendly, understanding nudge for all the busy women juggling work, family, or endless other to-do's. If your calendar is always full, but your own health check-ups land at the bottom of the pile, this one’s especially for you.

We all know about looking after ourselves: drink more water, move a bit every day, and eat some green things. But what about the big “life admin” of wellness? The dentist appointments you keep moving into the future on your calendar, the eye test you haven’t had for years, the smear test reminder still lurking in your inbox? And if, like so many women in the UK, you find yourself thinking, "I don't want to trouble them," or "Someone needs this appointment more than I do," “I’ll get round to sorting this soon,” you’re far from alone.

Maybe this will sound familiar: I recently had a bit of a health scare myself. I noticed something wasn’t quite right and, like many of us, I let it go for a while, telling myself I was too busy and that it could wait, it was probably nothing, or feeling that I didn’t want to add to anyone’s workload. It wasn’t until a friend's message prompted me to get things fully checked out that I took action. What followed were a couple of weeks of appointments, tests, and waiting for results (never a fun time). Thankfully, all turned out to be OK, but the experience was a real wake-up reminder call. It gave me a gentle but powerful reminder that putting off our own health checks, no matter how “minor” they seem, just isn’t worth the risk or the added stress we carry until we know for sure.

There’s a wonderful (and slightly sobering) quote from Robin Sharma: “If you don’t make time for your wellness, you’ll be forced to make time for your illness.” This isn’t about doom and gloom, it’s about creating a life where you don’t just “get by”, but actually thrive. It’s about having a strong foundation, so you have the energy and resilience to enjoy the things and people you love.

The Overlooked Essentials – Why the Basics Matter Most

While it’s tempting to focus on fancy routines or quick fixes, it’s the admin side of wellness —those fundamental checks and screenings —that truly keep us on track.

Think about it:

• When was your last dental check-up?
• Have you finally booked that overdue eye test, especially if you’re squinting more at your screen?
• Are your smear test and mammogram up to date for your age group?
• Have you noticed ongoing tiredness or fatigue but brushed it off as “just being busy”?
• Are your periods still regular, or have you experienced any changes you keep putting down to stress or hormones?
• When did you last get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked or chat with your GP about niggling symptoms?

It’s so easy to delay these because you “feel fine”, or simply because life gets busy. And if you’re feeling guilty about making an appointment, maybe thinking the NHS is overstretched or that you’d be taking a slot from someone in greater need, know that your health is just as important. 

The True Cost of Putting It Off

We’re all busy, but leaving these basics for “someday” can bring more stress than relief. That strange toothache gets worse at the wrong moment. Eyestrain creeps up, and headaches become the norm. A delayed smear means extra worry and the risk of missing early signs that might have been simple to fix.

And for those worrying about “not wanting to be a bother”, remember: healthcare professionals want to see you before issues become serious. Regular check-ups mean fewer emergencies, less strain on resources, and more peace of mind for you. Looking after your little niggles is a kindness to both yourself and the NHS.

If my own recent experience taught me anything, it’s that it’s far better to have a couple of weeks of uncertainty and get answers than to live with the background worry or what-ifs. And often, things turn out fine, but you’ll thank yourself for catching them early or having checked, just in case.

Practical Ways to Secure Your Wellness Foundations

Making it happen can feel like a hassle, especially if you feel self-conscious about booking in. Here’s how to get it done with less stress:

1. Make a Wellness List: Write down every check-up or appointment you’ve put off. This can include dental, eye, GP, smear tests, mammograms, blood tests, medication reviews, and even those “I’ll get round to it” physio or mental health appointments.
2. Pick and Book One This Week: Just make one of those calls, and book one of those appointments. Put it in your calendar, even if the date is a couple of weeks/months away; it’s a step taken.
3. Automate or Repeat: Set reminders on your phone, stick notes on your fridge, or keep a wellness calendar— whatever makes it easy to remember and repeat important appointments. Scheduling means you won’t forget or let guilt creep in.
4. If You Feel Guilty: Remind yourself that your care is not selfish or a burden. Taking up your rightful place in the system helps everyone, as small problems stay small, and you model self-care for those around you, too.
5. Enlist a Wellness Buddy: If you prefer company, do it together with a friend. Share when you’ve booked appointments, or treat yourselves afterwards.
6. Celebrate Progress: Tick off each item and give yourself credit —just a quiet recognition that you’re truly caring for yourself.

Making time for your daily self-care: movement, nourishing meals, and quiet moments whenever you can is still important, but see these foundational checks as an essential part of thriving, not “nice-to-have” extras.

Your Invitation This Week

If you’ve ever delayed booking because you didn’t want to trouble the practice, or thought someone else deserved the slot more, pause for a moment. Know that your well-being matters, and you are entitled to these essential checks.

Think about one health check, test, or appointment you’ve been avoiding, and book it. Notice the relief, pride, and confidence that come from taking charge. You deserve a strong, healthy base so you can focus on what truly lights you up.

Until next week, I'm cheering you on to wellness success,

Pilates   Soundbaths   EFT   Wellness & Mindset Coaching