Rewriting the Rules: A Few Places to Start

You don't have to overhaul everything this week. Pick one.

Book the appointment you've been putting off. Book pathology and use the referral you've had for a few weeks to check in on Iron levels, folate, Zinc levels etc. Not "someday" - this week. Whatever screening, check-up, or follow-up you've deprioritised for everyone else's calendar, put it on yours first.

Pick one non-negotiable this month.** Sleep, movement, or a boundary you keep letting slide - choose one and protect it like you would a commitment to someone else.

Practice saying: "I can't do that right now."** Try it once this week, even on something small. Saying no to one thing is how you say yes to your own health.

Ask yourself:** if your health were a line item in the family budget, would it be funded or cut first? Sit with the honest answer, then make one change because of it.

**We want to hear from you.** Reply and tell us: *what's the one thing you'd protect first if something had to give?* We'll share reader answers in next week's issue.

And if you know someone stretched thin right now, forward this along. Sometimes permission to put yourself first lands better coming from someone who's living it too.