As I approach my 30s, I have learned to be more conscious of my health. I began this journey by assessing my daily routines, eating habits, as well as my physical and mental state.
At the beginning of this year, I was in complete denial of any detrimental habits. I still remember telling my partner,
“Honestly, I might be one of the healthiest persons I know.”
Certainly, it was difficult to accept that tiny habits that were remarkably ingrained into my routines were harmful.
As I have mentioned in previous writings, I started to improve my health earlier this year by quitting all added/harmful substances that I used to use to cover up negative emotions. Those things were easy to spot. But I knew deep down that other habits needed to change as well; I could not tackle them with ease. I began to journal and track my mood/energy with hopes to improve my self-awareness.
After a few months of introspection, I realized that I lacked contact with my spirituality, adequate sleep, and calmness. I began to target those deficiencies by adding to 5–7 min of meditation in the morning and going to bed before midnight. In the meantime, I continued to believe my diet and everything else was marvelous, though I could tell there were adverse symptoms I was experiencing in my stomach, energy levels, and mood.
I resolved to go to the doctor, and there it was; some of my lab results came back abnormal. Especially my cholesterol and vitamin D. The results blew my mind! They were not atrocious at all, but I expected a “perfect report.” I thought to myself, “How could I have abnormal labs when I am so healthy?”.
I blamed it on the doctor. He relayed some recommendations about exercise and diet changes. My answer to him was
“I do all of that and more… I exercise 7 days/week, eat a high protein diet, and eat out 2 x week max, that should be more than enough to be healthy… (right?)”.
Once I finished with my inner tantrum of denial and dissonance, I told myself it was time to make real changes in my life.
These are the 15 habits I have been trying to incorporate into my life.
I would be dishonest to say that they happen every day, but the days I follow through with them, my stomach health, energy level, and mood are splendid!
Avoiding phone use in the mornings
Fully body (and face) stretch after my morning/hygiene routine.
Meditating for 4–7 min (this will really change your life)
Simplifying my morning coffee (abstain from added sugars and dairy)
Listening to happy/refreshing music in the morning
Eating an apple a week.
Eating 1–2 greens/vegetables a day
Reducing red meat (1 x week max)
Including super-foods and vitamins in my diet (Magnesium helps me relax at night)
Drinking lots of water (it surprisingly helps my anxiety)
Exercising/Moving every day for at least 20 min
Going to bed before 12 AM
Limiting alcohol consumption
Journaling and planning my days ahead
Practicing positive affirmations
My recommendation for you is to STUDY YOURSELF.
Observe your routines and habits. Ask someone you trust for their opinion on your habits. Be critical about the things you do every day and know that there is always room for improvement. Go to a doctor for your physical check-up. Talk to people that engage in healthy practices and learn from them (also question them). Become conscious of all levels of YOU (physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, medical…). Make “new habits” a fun challenge by tracking your progress and trying new things.
I hope you found the aforementioned helpful, and please feel free to share your experience with any healthy habits you have incorporated into your life recently.
Daniela Marin, MS
Co-founder of PsycHustle
President of HealingRight
Miami, FL
Please note that I am not a doctor or a medical provider. I am a simple human, stating the things that are causing a positive impact on my life.
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