My 4 Simple Practices for Healthy Living

The phrase "healthy living" is thrown around a lot. Health is a very individualized, personal feeling. I find that the idea of a healthy lifestyle is intriguing on the surface but can be a bit intimidating to actually practice, especially if you are unsure what "healthy" means for you personally.

I would say I have been on a health journey for the last few years of my life, inspired to find my own definition of this phrase. I have tried trend after trend -- everything from supplements to juicing to Spirulina powder. While these are all still parts of my own practices for a healthy lifestyle, I have come to realize that being "healthy" doesn't have to mean checking all the boxes of the latest fitness/food/lifestyle trends. Healthiness simply comes down to practicing habits in your own life that bring you joy, wellness, and a sense of confidence.

So, in reflecting on how I define "healthy" and the implications of it for me personally, I have compiled a list of daily routines that I practice which keep me feeling grounded, confident, and fulfilled.

1. Gratitude

It may seem surprising that gratitude is number one on my list of healthy living tips. However, I have noticed that with a grateful mindset, my whole outlook on life improves drastically. In taking time each day to recognize and acknowledge that which I am grateful for, I find mental clarity and peace which sets the tone for my whole day.

2. Lots of sleep and waking up early

Being well rested is no joke. I can totally feel the effects of an unrested night throughout my whole day. So, I am very intentional about my sleep. When I finally get into bed after a long day, I find it deeply rewarding to mindfully close my eyes and decide that now it is my time to sleep. This gives me a chance to have one last reflection on my day, pray a prayer of gratitude, and drift off. I try to avoid electronics in the bed, with the exception of a goodnight call to a loved one. Keeping my bed a simple, electronic-free zone keeps it feeling sacred and I find that I rest better in it.

Early wake-ups may seem completely UNhealthy for some people. If that is your path, respect! Personally, I love waking up early. It allows a leisurely morning routine with plenty of time for self care. It also allows me to see the sunrise, which to me is one of life's greatest joys. I am definitely a morning person, so early rising also leads to a higher level of productivity in my endeavors.

3. Intentional eating

My choice of the word "intentional" here is quite important. To me, intentional eating involves listening to my body's cravings. Yes, even when they are for Oreos or Doritos! For the most part, though, I have noticed that my cravings tend to be for nutritious foods. I crave foods that are rich in whatever my body is lacking. Intentionally satisfying those needs is a great act of self love.

If you ever wondered (and I know you probably did) what my staple food is, wonder no longer. It's spinach. This is no joke, I am passionate about spinach. Around my freshman year of college, when I was eating in the dorms, I found that my cravings for overall nutrient-rich meals were not being met. So I decided I needed to adopt a habit to improve the nutritional value of my meals. The dining hall food changed daily but one thing remained a constant: the salad bar. I decided to try adding spinach to as many meals as possible, and let me tell you... I was hooked. Whether it is eggs for breakfast or pasta for dinner, spinach can go with just about anything! This drastically improved my individual sense of wellness and I continue this practice to this day in my own cooking.

4. Mindful breath

As the title of this blog suggests, breath is highly significant to me. Throughout the day, no matter where I am or what I am doing, I am breathing. This also means that no matter where I am or what I am doing, I can take a moment to focus inwards and think about my breathing. This tidal action that we do time and time again sustains our whole existence. The dynamics of breath are so complicated yet so simple. Taking a moment to ground myself with the reminder of this mundane yet profound act is truly the way I feel the greatest sense of health and wellness.

In closing, I will leave you with a phrase that one of my mentors says often.

"Inhale a whole lot of love in, and exhale a whole lot of love out."

xoxo, AIS