Realising the Importance of Self-Care: The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything

Natalie Hanna Fit
May 30
3 min read

Updated: Sep 16

The Wake-Up Call

As a personal trainer and nutrition coach, I knew what needed to be done. But the truth was, I was not applying it to myself. That realisation was my turning point.

Turning 40 was a big birthday for me. It made me stop and think about where I was heading, not just for myself but also for my family. The truth was, I had not been making myself a priority.

The small habits added up over time, the skipped workouts, the mindless eating, and the lack of real focus on my own needs.If I could help others transform their health, why was I not doing the same for my own?

So, I decided to change. But I didn’t want to adopt an all-or-nothing approach, crash diets, or extreme workouts. Instead, I treated myself as I would a client—focusing on small, sustainable changes that I could build on over time.

The Power of Small Changes

I didn’t overhaul my life overnight. Instead, I made manageable adjustments that fit into my lifestyle:

I did not want to fall into the trap of crash diets or extreme workout plans. I knew they do not work long-term, and I did not want an all or nothing approach.

Instead, I treated myself the same way I treat my clients, focusing on small, sustainable changes that I could stick to and build on over time.

What Changed?

Prioritising Movement: I returned to structured training instead of occasional workouts. Strength training, mobility work, and daily activity became non-negotiable. I set myself clear step goals each week and made walking part of my daily routine, whether that meant taking the longer route, heading out for a walk after dinner, or simply staying consistent on busy days.

Focusing on Nutrition: I avoided restrictions. I became mindful of my choices, tracked my food to stay accountable, and made sure I was hitting my protein target and getting enough fibre. When I socialised, I learned to make better choices without feeling guilty. Sometimes that meant checking a menu ahead of time, sometimes it meant enjoying the occasion and moving straight back on track the next day.

Being Accountable: I tracked my progress, not obsessively, but enough to keep myself on course. Having those numbers gave me clarity on what was working and where I needed to adjust.

Shifting My Mindset: This was not about guilt or punishment. It was about finally making myself a priority and investing in my health.

The Reality: Change Takes Ongoing Effort

This was not, and still is not, a quick fix. Progress requires consistent work and accountability, even when life gets in the way.

There are days when motivation dips, when stress makes old habits tempting, and when time feels limited. The difference now is that I do not rely on being perfect. I focus on staying committed, even when it feels hard.

That is why accountability is so important. Having a plan, tracking progress, and checking in with someone makes all the difference. It is the system I use with my clients, and it is what I continue to do for myself.

The Results: More Than Just Weight Loss

Yes, I lost weight. But what I gained mattered more:

Energy to power through busy days.
Strength that carried into every part of life.
Confidence to feel in control again.

The process was not just about changing how I looked. It was about how I felt, more capable, more resilient, and more me..

Two side-by-side mirror selfies of a woman in a bedroom, showing a fitness transformation. She wears a sports bra and briefs.

Why This Matters for You

It is easy to put yourself last. To tell yourself you will start next week, or that it is too late.

But lasting change does not happen in one big leap. It happens in the small, consistent steps you take every day. And just like me, you will need to keep working at it, even when life feels busy.

If you are ready to start prioritising yourself, I can help. I will guide you through the same sustainable approach I used myself, so you can regain control of your health, energy, and confidence.

👉 Let’s talk about your goals.

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If you want to feel in control of your health again, let’s start today.