The importance of prioritising your health amid life's juggles

Kiarni Hall, Business Operations Manager, Harcourts Queensland, on finding balance

I've been toying with the idea of being this open about my health for a while now. It’s not always easy, but I think it’s important message to share.

There’s so much pressure on social media to portray a perfect, curated life—whether it’s through perfectly planned grid layouts or fun reels showcasing highlights and while that’s fine in its own way, it can also mislead people into thinking that everyone’s life is as polished as the images they see online.

The reality is, we all face struggles, and I believe it’s time we talk about them more openly. So, here’s my attempt to be real, to share some things that I have learnt, to stress that everyone’s journey is relative to them and them alone and the importance of prioritising yourself, even when it feels like everything else is demanding your attention,

Life can be a constant balancing act, especially when you’re trying to manage work, family, and personal well-being. With endless to-do lists, responsibilities, and unexpected challenges, Ive found that it’s easy to push your health down the priority list.

But maintaining your best mental and physical health is essential for everything else to function well. I have learnt that when I neglect my health, it not only affects myself but also impacts everyone around me. 

Here’s are a few of my practical tips I’ve gathered over the years that have and continue to help me.

1. Get Help When You Need It

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it’s often overlooked. I’ve been on anxiety and depression medication since I was a teenager and have regular checkups with my GP, which keeps helps me to keep on top of my mental health. I also have an incredible psychologist who I know I can call when

I’m struggling. Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s essential to check in with myself and get support when I have needed it.

Struggles can sneak up from time to time, even when things feel under control, and that’s when I have been known to reach out for help. It has taken a huge amount of time and development for me to believe that this is not a sign of weakness and instead a sign of strength and self-awareness.

For those that would like to seek health but are unaware doctors can put you on mental health plan which connects you with a professional and in some circumstances can reduce the cost, and some companies even offer free counselling services. So, if you’re unsure where to turn, reach out to HR or look into available support networks. It can make all the difference.

2. Build a Strong Support Network

No one should have to go through difficult times alone. Over the years, I’ve gathered a core group of people around me whom I know I can turn to for support.

Of course, my husband is my primary source of comfort and understanding, but outside of him, I’ve built a solid network of friends and family. I have a couple of friends with children around the same age, so we can commiserate and share tips on juggling work, family, and everything else.

I also have four very close friends who work in real estate as an agent, coach, principal, and CEO—these people truly understand the demands of the industry and offer perspectives and advice dependant on the circumstance. Each of these people offers something different, and it has been invaluable to me that I am not relying on just one person to meet all of my emotional needs. A variety of support is key.

3. Make Time for Yourself

It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of daily responsibilities, but making time for yourself is essential for maintaining balance.

As I write this, I’m currently walking on the walking pad, enjoying my first annual leave day for 2025. Don’t get me wrong, it took some conference with a few of the support people I listed above to keep this day in the calendar, this year we have hit the ground running and I was unsure if I should take a day off when my mailbox was so full and my to do list so long, but they reminded me why I booked these days and so I dropped the kids off at daycare and now have a few hours to myself.

Later, I’ll likely get a remedial massage and then I’ll go do the groceries. The goal of these days for me is simple: do whatever makes me feel fresh and relaxed without having to justify it. For me, that’s a combo of house tasks and personal time, especially because I tend to have a bit of a control issue. These annual leave days were just a thought last year, and I never took the time to act on it. But after a health scare late last year, I made it a priority for 2025.

I’ve pre-booked four leave days—one per quarter—to focus on resetting and recharging. No guilt, just time to recalibrate. I appreciate this strategy may look a little different depending on your type of employment and your role but as an employee I urge you to not feel bad about taking leave—it’s your entitlement, and your employer doesn’t actually want you to accrue too much anyway. Take the time you need to stay mentally and physically healthy.

4. Prioritise Physical Health in a Way That Works for You

For me my physical health is just as important as my mental health.

Since we’re being so open, I’ll share that I was unexpectantly diagnosed with an autoimmune disease during the pregnancy of my youngest daughter. My symptoms include unexplained weight gain, brittle nails, and complete and utter exhaustion although these symptoms are different for everyone.

This diagnosis has and continues to really rattle me, it’s been a lot to adjust to and has really brought home just how important it is to ensure your physical health remains relative to you, and you alone. I don’t have any formal health qualifications, but I’ve learned a lot through listening to my body, especially throughout my mental health journey.

I’m someone who’s absolutely sick for vegetables, I probably don’t eat enough protein, I love a good sour lolly and I don’t mind a margarita so for me finding a balance has been key. I do physical activities that suit my body and my schedule - this includes an early morning walk on my pad in the garage or doing light resistance training.

Previously I used to spend hours in the gym and lift heavy weights, at one time I was even training for a marathon and would be in the gym before and after work but not only does that not suit my body anymore it also doesn’t suit my lifestyle and this is something I am slowly becoming ok with.

I’ve experienced firsthand that when an activity feels like a chore it won’t stick to it but if I genuinely enjoy something, ill continue to do it. I believe that finding what makes me feel good and committing to that is what keeps me healthy, pivoting when daily demands require and not comparing my journey to anyone else’s. As my nan has always said, you never know what goes on behind closed doors. 

Balancing Life’s Juggles

When life feels overwhelming, I remind myself that prioritising my health is not a luxury but a necessity.

I believe that the key to managing my work, family, and personal health is balance—something that is unique to the individual and requires regular maintenance and self-awareness so remember to seek health when you need it, build a strong support network, prioritise self-care and find a physical routine that works for you.