Reflections on Health & Wellness: A Year in Review
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Reflections on Health & Wellness: A Year in Review
When I embarked on this journey, my vision was shaped by the vibrant portrayals often seen on social media – daily appetizing meals, meticulous meal prepping with aesthetically pleasing containers (a concept I'm not ready to abandon just yet). I truly admire those who have crafted an enduring and consistent lifestyle, showcasing their recipes and stories with curated detail. However, I recognize that I am still a novice on this journey, and I appreciate the slow and steady pace at which I'm making my way through.
Celebrating 1 Year of Health & Wellness
As I celebrate the one-year mark since committing to my version of health and wellness, you won't find an abundance of photos, reels, or social media content documenting my progress, except for a few YouTube clips and videos. These serve as timestamped snapshots of key moments in my personal evolution, for this journey is ultimately about me. There's a certain sanctity in keeping some aspects private. Yet, as I reflect on this year, I've encountered numerous instances where I had to pivot, allowing myself to heal without succumbing to societal pressures to force, push, or coerce my way through.
With more to learn, I approach the next year with openness and readiness to tackle new challenges. Here are some takeaways from this year-long journey:
1. Prioritize one area at a time.
Starting with a singular focus is more manageable than addressing multiple aspects simultaneously. I initially faced this challenge when purchasing Tupperware, intending it to be my approach to meal prep. However, I've since learned that it's more effective for my lifestyle to concentrate on ensuring I eat enough to avoid hunger, making this my primary goal. Similarly, for others, it could be committing to daily water intake, a gym or workout routine, or daily walks. Start with what you sense should be the core focus before adding anything else.
2. Schedule and go to your annual check-ups.
Regular health checkups are crucial for overall well-being. To manage them effectively, consider spacing them out throughout the year to prevent feeling overwhelmed. If follow-ups are needed, seek assistance from your primary care provider to schedule specialist appointments. Tackling these issues alone can be challenging, particularly with changing insurance carriers and healthcare buyouts – an experience I've had, switching through three different carriers in the last year.
3. Approach food intake mindfully.
- Utilize what you have, especially if on a tight budget – learn to read labels. It's okay if, for a period of time, your budget won't allow you to get all the things on your list.
- Avoid letting yourself go hungry; snack on smaller, frequent meals, and in between, go for water.
- Master go-to easy meals; for me, breakfast is non-negotiable. I strive to always keep my breakfast foods on the grocery list.
- Keep non-perishable snacks and water or electrolyte beverages nearby at night. For the nights where you may have skimped on dinner (and it will happen), you at least have a healthy midnight snack to fill you until the morning.
- Establish a nightly routine of resetting and cleaning the kitchen. You'll thank yourself a million times over for doing this as it helps alleviate the tendency to have to clean up and be overwhelmed in the morning, interrupting your routine.
4. Cultivate a consistent morning routine.
Identify three tasks to consistently incorporate into your morning routine and turn these tasks into a ritual to create a sense of safety and calm. I discuss this in more detail in my post on how to create a new routine. For this journey, the morning priority was and is breakfast, soft music, and listening to words of encouragement.
5. Prioritize emotional & mental health.
Acknowledge the importance of emotional and mental well-being in your overall health journey and seek support when needed. This might also include switching up your therapy approach, minimizing access to social media, and limiting time with individuals who consistently bring about unnecessary drama that you know you cannot solve.
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As I navigate the path ahead, I am guided by the understanding that sustainable change is a gradual process. Here's to another year of growth, self-discovery, and embracing the journey towards holistic health and wellness.
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