How procrastination is silently impacting your health

Stop delaying—start prioritising your health and wellbeing today.

There is a reason the saying “procrastination is the thief of joy” resonates with so many of us. With our health and wellbeing on the line, putting things off can rob us of vitality and the joy of living a full life.

Whether it’s missing a workout, grabbing takeout instead of the nutritious meal you had planned, or delaying a difficult conversation, procrastination can silently derail healthy habits when immediate consequences are not apparent.

Studies show that 20-25% of adults are chronic procrastinators. This delay can damage health by raising stress levels and delaying essential personal care habits.

People procrastinate for various reasons, but the truth is, investing in your health shouldn’t be something you delay. 

“You don’t need to figure it all out today but start by asking yourself what that one small thing is you can do to invest in your complete wellbeing, because your long-term health span is worth the effort,” says Damian McHugh, Chief Marketing Officer at Momentum Health.

Don’t delay what you can do today.
Neurologist and founder of Memorability, Dr Kirti Ranchod echoes this sentiment, emphasising that true health is a state of harmony.

“A common misconception is waiting until illness strikes to act. Health promotion goes beyond illness prevention—it involves proactively choosing healthy habits, such as exercising, eating well, nurturing relationships,” says Dr Ranchod. “It also includes learning specific techniques to train the brain, ensuring it continues to function at its best.”

Dr Ranchod offers practical tips on adapting healthy habits into daily life, which can significantly reduce stress and improve overall wellness:

  • Prioritise quality sleep. Poor sleep can cut into your brain’s recovery time, leading to poor focus, irritability, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression. It can also lower your body’s defences, making you more vulnerable to illness.
  • Spend more time with people and your loved ones. Meaningful interactions can boost your mood, reinforce your support networks, and strengthen your health.
  • Eat a healthy and balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy grains and healthy fats. Try to avoid saturated fats and refined sugar, which is particularly bad for the brain and for your mental health.
  • Reduce stress by practicing mindfulness, exploring creative outlets like art or music, or finding personalised ways to unwind and relax.

“We partner with our members on their health journey and uniquely design and tailor healthcare outcomes through Multiply, our wellness reward programme that incentivises healthy behaviour,” says McHugh. “Think about your health like you do your retirement and start investing in it earlier by eating better, sleeping better and improving your connections – this can have a great impact on your life in the long-term, ultimately costing you less in medical expenses.”

Start from where you are today – by making small improvements, those small nudges can create positive behaviours that can improve your overall health. Your future self will thank you for it.

Listen to this insightful conversation about investing in your health and visit the Multiply website to start getting rewarded for every healthy choice you make.

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