When Life Feels Too Overwhelming: Finding Your Way Back to Health

Some days it feels like life is just too much. Work deadlines, family responsibilities, household tasks – it all piles up until there’s no space left for you. And little by little, your own health slips to the bottom of the list.

I hear this all the time, and maybe you’ll recognize yourself in these stories.


Maria’s Story: Carrying Everyone Else

Maria is 52, a devoted mom and professional. She’s the one everyone leans on. But when she gets home at the end of a long day, she often feels completely drained.

Here’s a glimpse into her diary:

“Today was another blur. Work was nonstop, and by the time I got home, I still had to make dinner, tidy up, and check in on my kids’ homework. I was exhausted, but I pushed through because… who else is going to do it?

The truth is, I feel like I’m running on empty. My body is heavy, my mind foggy, and I catch myself snapping at people I love just because I’m tired. I know I should take better care of myself, but when would I even fit that in?”

Maria’s story is deeply emotional. She feels the weight of responsibility, but also the heaviness of neglecting herself. She wants to change, but she’s overwhelmed – not lazy, not unmotivated, just… stuck.


Michael’s Story: Wanting a Clear Way Forward

Michael is 48, practical and hardworking. He knows his numbers aren’t good – his doctor has warned him – and he keeps telling himself he’ll start exercising. But mornings come too fast, nights feel too short, and the days are filled with stress.

This is what he wrote in his journal:

“Got up late again. I keep telling myself I’ll go for a walk before work, but after a lousy night of sleep, all I want is coffee.

Work is stressful – too many meetings, not enough time – and by the time I’m home, I don’t have the energy for much. I know my blood pressure isn’t great and the doctor warned me about my weight. I should be doing something, but honestly, I don’t know where to start.”

Michael doesn’t want hype or gimmicks. He wants clear guidance that works in real life, not another plan that sets him up for failure.


The Common Thread

Maria and Michael are different in how they experience and express their feelings – one feels more emotionally weighed down, the other more practically frustrated.  But both are caught in the same cycle:

  • Life feels overwhelming
  • Health has slipped through the cracks
  • They know change is needed but don’t know where to begin

Sound familiar?

What they need isn’t another diet, another PDF of rules, or another empty promise. They need support, structure, and a partner in their journey.

The important thing to know is this: You are not failing. The systems you’ve tried before weren’t designed for lifelong results. Health is not about more willpower or stricter rules. It’s about creating space for small, sustainable steps that work with your daily reality.


Why healing is a Journey, not a destination

This is why I never talk about quick fixes or one-time solutions. True health isn’t a destination you arrive at – it’s a journey you walk. Sometimes you’ll move forward quickly, sometimes more slowly, but what matters is that you keep going.

And the beautiful part? You don’t have to walk it alone. With the right guidance and support, you can:

  • Find your energy again
  • Understand the emotional side of change
  • Learn to care for your body in a way that feels kind and realistic
  • Break free from the cycle of “starting over”
  • Create routines that fit into your life
  • Reconnect with the version of yourself that feels vibrant and alive

Because true health isn’t just about losing weight or fixing lab results – it’s about reclaiming your energy, your joy, and your sense of self.


A Gentle Invitation

If you recognize yourself in Maria or Michael’s words, know that there is a way forward. You don’t have to carry this alone. Together, we can create a path that feels supportive, realistic, and truly transformative. Let’s explore how you can take small, meaningful steps toward your health – whether through one-on-one coaching, a group program, or joining me at my retreat. For more information visit here.

🌿 Healing is a journey – but you don’t have to walk it by yourself.

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About Me

  My name is Marly Oosterhof, and I’m a Medical Doctor who transitioned from focusing solely on curing to embracing a more holistic approach to healing. In 2005, I founded Vita Wellness and Health, where I’ve applied my expertise in medical weight loss to help numerous patients reclaim their health through personalized coaching and guidance.

Having faced my own medical challenges, I’ve sought a more integrated approach to health and wellness, earning certifications in nutrition, homeopathy, and lifestyle medicine, among others. My true passions lie in health, wellness, travel, and food.

What I am: A physician with a deep love for holistic health and lifestyle.
What I’m not: A photographer, chef, nutritionist, or personal trainer.

In this blog, I’ll share what excites and inspires me, with the hope of encouraging others to make lifestyle changes. Most photos will be taken with my phone, and I love sharing the meals I create, so please bear with me! 😊