Why when you’re “so busy” is the perfect time for change
As we switch up our routines for fall, you may feel the pressure of change – from new work deadlines and school pickups to home and organizational projects you put off over the summer. Plus the shorter days and cooler temps make everything feel different.
So perhaps the last thing you want to do is add something more to your plate.
Well… some fascinating research suggests that these transition periods – the very times we think are "too busy" for change – provide a sweet spot for creating lasting healthy habits.
The science behind the chaos
Seems counterintuitive, right?
Researchers call it "habit discontinuity," and it's built on a simple theory: When your normal routines are already disrupted, your brain is more open to new things.
Think about it this way. During stable periods, your habits run on autopilot. You wake up, grab coffee, check your phone, then rush out the door (or fire up email and Zoom). These things happen in the same sequence, using the same neural pathways, day after day. Our established patterns are powerful, which means that introducing a new behavior (like eating more vegetables or taking a morning walk) has to compete with deeply ingrained habits.
But when life shifts – to a different schedule, with increased work demands and other changes, those patterns get interrupted anyway. Your brain is already in "figure it out" mode.
Simply said, if you're already adapting to change, why not make some of that change work in your favor?
Why it works
I see this transformation happen with clients – with people who may struggle to make changes during "normal" times then find success during periods that feel a bit chaotic.
I get it, you want to avoid overwhelm.
But here’s the key. The goal is not to add more complexity to your busy life, but to choose simple changes that can make your busy life feel more manageable.
My client, Lyndsay, was hesitant to start working on her nutrition last fall, expecting she wouldn’t have the energy or focus she needed to make healthy changes. I explained that we would take on change one step at a time. Her first step? Keep some hard-boiled eggs in the fridge. Just that one thing.
Having protein ready to grab meant she no longer had a mid-morning energy crash that made her reach for whatever snack was handy. She felt more steady, which made managing busy mornings just a little bit easier.
Is now the right time for me?
When you consider introducing a healthy change during a busy season, ask yourself:
"Could this make my life easier right now?"
A few ideas that pass the test:
Prep-ahead breakfasts such as overnight oats or egg bites that help you get out the door faster
Water bottles in all the right places. At home, at work, etc. Hydration can happen with minimal effort.
10-minute movement or meditation breaks that help the nervous system, allowing you to reset between tasks (which may make you more productive!)
Simple meal templates like "protein + vegetable + easy carb" that take the guesswork out of dinner planning
What doesn’t work?
Elaborate meal plans, complicated workout schedules, or anything that requires you to suddenly become a different person with unrealistic time constraints.
Working with your reality, not against it
Let's break it down: Making lasting health changes during a busy season isn't about perfection. It’s about finding small ways to support yourself that work with your life.
This might mean:
Choosing the one vegetable your kids will actually eat and buying it pre-chopped
Identifying which meal of the day tends to go sideways and having a backup plan for that one meal (I can help!)
Setting a "minimum effective dose" for movement - maybe it's just 10 minutes of walking or stretching on your busiest days
So, the next time you catch yourself saying "I'll focus on my health when things calm down," try asking a different question: "What's one small change that might help me feel more energized or less stressed with everything I'm already doing?"
Ready to figure out the small changes that will make your busy season easier? Let’s chat!
