When ever anyone talks about living a healthier life, I get a sinking feeling in ly stomach. In large part because whilst eating and living a healthy life may seem obvious to some. It is complicated to others. Which is why we want to break down health and what it means for each of us. Whilst healthy means and looks different on all of us. Generally speaking, being healthy means that your body operates at its optimum level. What does this mean exactly. Well to know this answer you have to ask yourself a few questions. Chief among them being when do you feel you have the most energy. And when do you feel the most tired. For me, I know that I feel most awake and at peak health when I am working out regularly, drinking my morning lemon water, drinking more water in general and getting outside every day.

Whilst the above mentioned things are pretty much the fundamentals for everyone. I have noticed that for me, they actually work. And I do see and feel a difference. Another daily habit that improves both my mental and physical health is cooking. Whilst cooking for some is a stressful endeavor. For me it is an opportunity to be creative and feed my body the food it craves and likes. This can be anything from pasta to soup or roast chicken. What ever it is that time I take to prepare food is integral to ensuring that I actively partake in my overall well being.

With that being said, not everyone feels the same way. Which is why I want to take it back to basics and go back to tried and true habits we can all use for a better and healthier life.

1. Drink water firs thing in the morning and throughout the day
2. Limit refined sugars from sweets and soft drinks
3. Focus on feeding your body whole foods like fruits, vegetables, good quality protein like meat and fish and whole grains like brown rice and pastas when possible.
4. Move your body. Before having a child I thought moving my body just meant working out but now I know that even going for a walk in the park with my daughter counts as movement. No fancy equipment or data needed to stream a workout.
5. Get enough sleep by going to sleep at a reasonable hour. Depending on your body and your needs, aim for anything between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night.
6. Do something you love every single day. Love drawing, find time to draw every day, even if it is for five minutes. Love fashion? Sit back and enjoy your favorite fashion magazine. What ever it is, ensure that you do what you love every single day even if it is for 5 minutes.

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I was recently watching the movie the other women when a line I had heard before but never paid much attention to stood out for me. In the movie (spoiler alert) a housewife finds out that her husband has been cheating on her with another women. She confronts said woman and tries to get the details of the affair including how many times they had sex. In one instance the mistress says they have had sex about 50 times in the two months they have been together, to which the housewife responds “do you not have have a job, do you not have hobbies?”. And whilst this one line is meant to be taken in a light hearted manner, it does get to an important point.

That even if one is married or in a relationship, it is a good idea to have other interests. Which got me thinking? As a mom, wife and friend, I often find there is very little time for me at the end of the day. Whether it’s work, my husband, chores or a busy toddler, the idea of hobbies is almost laughable. But it shouldn’t be. especially in todays high stress day.

And whilst I’d love to say that scrolling through instagram is a hobby. It is not. And rightfully so. The Oxford dictionary describes a hobby as “An activity done regularly in one’s leisure time for pleasure.”. And whilst some people may argue that leisure time is not important, it is in fact an important part of self care. Of connecting with ourselves outside of others. A way to explore, expand on and harness new talents. For a while (before becoming a mother) cooking was my hobby. But nowadays it is more of a chore than a hobby. Which is why I am adamant to find new ways of growing and spending time alone that is both fulfilling and relaxing.

Some hobby ideas include knitting, painting, reading, learning a sport like tennis or golf. Sewing or anything else that interests you. The best thing about a hobby is also that it need not be too serious or too difficult. It is after all intended to help you relax, instead of cause you more stress. So this week while you take on all your responsibilities and chores. Take a moment to think about some hobbies you could be interested in. And then start doing one as often as possible. If you find yourself bored or stress, find another and another until you find one that meets your personal needs.

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