Rethinking Time: Why You Do Have Space for Health

How often have you said, “I don’t have time to exercise” or “I don’t have time to cook a healthy meal”? It’s one of the most common excuses we all use, and at times it even feels true. The truth is, creating healthy habits doesn’t require endless hours. What if I told you that the way you’re looking at time might be the problem?

We all get the same 24 hours each day. If we break that down into 20-minute blocks, that gives us 72 opportunities. Seventy-two! Suddenly, the day feels a lot more spacious.

Let’s break it down further:

Work: 8 hours = 24 blocks

Sleep: 8 hours = 24 blocks

That leaves 24 blocks — the equivalent of eight full hours — to use however you choose. Yes, those hours get filled with commuting, family, social time, and responsibilities, but the point is this: you do have pockets of time available.

The truth is, building healthy habits doesn’t need to take hours, and preparing a nourishing meal doesn’t have to be complicated. Even just one 20-minute block can be enough to move your body, prepare a simple meal, or go for a walk that clears your mind.

When we say, “I don’t have time,” what we’re often really saying is, “It’s not a priority right now.” And that’s okay — but let’s be honest about it. Once you start looking at your day as 72 chances, it becomes much harder to hide behind excuses.

Next time you feel stretched, try asking yourself: Which of my 72 blocks can I dedicate to my health today? Small choices add up, and prioritizing even one block can create powerful healthy habits that last.

Your health doesn’t need your whole day — it just needs one block.