Adopting a healthier lifestyle can feel like an uphill battle, especially for young women who often grapple with maintaining consistent habits.
This is backed by research from a major Dutch insurance company, which identifies fatigue, stress, and lack of time as the top barriers to adequate exercise and relaxation.
Read also: ‘How do you know if you have a healthy lifestyle?’
One in five people report not feeling fit enough to exercise, while 30 percent say they're too tired to relax—even though we all know these are essential for long-term health.
Young women are particularly challenged: 45 percent struggle to get enough exercise, compared to 31 percent of men. For women under 50, the issue is even more pronounced, with fatigue, stress, time constraints, and household duties playing key roles.
Hidde van der Ploeg, a researcher and health scientist at Amsterdam UMC, advises: “The key to sustaining a healthier lifestyle long-term lies in setting realistic, small-step goals. Ambitious targets like running a half-marathon or cycling up the Alpe d'Huez can backfire. Instead, start simple—walking or cycling a short distance delivers real health benefits. Even one block on a tough day can meet your daily movement needs.”
Source: Silver Cross
