How to Take Care of Your Health
The thing about health is that it’s supposed to be a lifelong program. You learn good habits in childhood, and they last you all the way into adulthood. Trouble is… I didn’t learn them in childhood. Or teenagerhood for that matter. I didn’t start good health habits until middle age! Here’s 11 things I wish I’d done in my 30s when my body was more capable. But it’s never too late to start.
Strength Training Regularly
Skipping strength training was a huge mistake, and I feel it now I’m older. Building muscle in your 30s makes a massive difference later. Now I’m trying to catch up, but honestly, I wish I’d just picked up some dumbbells years ago.
Prioritizing Sleep
Back in the day, I wore five hours of sleep like a badge of honor at work. Big mistake. Poor sleep affected my mood, focus, and even my weight. Now I see sleep is just as important as diet and exercise. I really underestimated how much damage sleep deprivation could do long-term.
Stretching
I used to laugh off stretching like it was just for yoga fans. More fool me. Daily stretching keeps you flexible, prevents pain, and reduces the risk of injury. It’s one of those things that takes five minutes but makes you feel ten years younger… and I never did it.
Wearing Sunscreen Every Day
In my 30s, I thought sunscreen was only for the beach. Now my skin looks a lot older than the skin of many other people my age. Thank god, though, I never got skin cancer, but I know plenty of non-sunscreen-users weren’t so lucky.
Drinking More Water
I used to run on coffee and soda, thinking that was just fine. It wasn’t. Once I started drinking more water, everything improved. It’s such a simple and easy change, but one I ignored for way too long. I definitely wish I’d built that habit earlier.
Going for Regular Checkups
I avoided doctors like the plague in my 30s. If I wasn’t sick, I figured I was fine. Big mistake. Preventive care could’ve caught some things early, and saved me a lot of trouble (and money) later. Always go to the doctor the moment you feel the slightest discomfort!
Cutting Back on Sugar
I had a serious sweet tooth when I was younger and didn’t think much of it. But sugar creeps into so many foods (even bread!), and over time it messes with your energy, skin, and weight. Now I’m trying to undo years of sugar consumption and it’s not easy.
Taking Care of My Posture
All those years hunched over a laptop caught up to me, and they’ll catch up to you too. Poor posture led to back pain and tension I never saw coming. I should have listened to people and done exercises to mitigate the damage.
Cooking Better Food
I used to eat out constantly at fast food places, blithely unaware of what this was doing to my body. So not only did I make myself unhealthy, I missed out on learning how to cook healthy meals and control what went into my food.
Having a Workout Routine
I worked out sporadically, here and there, nothing consistent. But turns out consistency is what builds the health benefits. Now I wish I’d found something I enjoyed (even walking!) and stuck with it.
Managing Stress Properly
Once upon a time, being stressed at work meant you were doing a good job. That is a terrible way to think! I really wish I’d taken more time out to rest, relax and listen to what my body and brain were saying.
