35 was hard for me! I was totally out of control. My physical and mental health was deteriorating every day.
I am sure that everyone pushing through this pandemic had their own struggles that they were trying to overcome. For me, I was concerned about my health taking a downturn, which took a toll on my mental health.
Fortunately, I haven't contracted COVID yet, but I got dengue last year. I was hospitalised. It took a toll on my body, causing many physical issues that led to mental stress. For example, I would run out of breath after climbing the stairs up to the first floor. In addition, I was losing a lot of hair. It was a scary sight whenever I used to see a bunch of hair on the drainage after every wash.
Something had to be done. But it wasn't going to be easy. Mainly because I lacked consistency. I have a history of starting an activity and then leaving it halfway.
But to achieve results, I had to bring consistency in the life-changing habits that I was going to take on.
First of all, let me tell you the habits I inculcated 4 months ago.
1) Drinking a minimum of 3 litres of water EVERY (freaking) DAY!
2) Reading any book for a minimum of 10 minutes every night before bed! (I prefer non fictional)
3) Working out 5 days a week!
You may be disappointed to read the 3 habits because these are very BASIC. But, this is something we've been hearing since our school days. Our parents told us to do it, our teachers taught us, and all the self-help books say the same thing.
But that's the crux! Somewhere in our busy routines and our complex lifestyle, we forget the foundation behind a healthy body and mind.
I was determined to build a strong foundation for my body to enjoy better mental and physical strength. However, it also meant that I had to develop consistency and patience.
Consistency to keep going on, even on the days when I didn't feel like it. Patience to keep doing it until I start seeing the results.
I am glad to say that I've managed to do it for the last 4 months, and I am yet to see the desired results. But here are a few positive changes that I am seeing:
1) My bowel movement is highly functional now.
2) My hair loss has gone down, and I see baby hair growing too.
3) My endurance has been going up each day.
4) My skin is clearing up, and my skin quality is improving drastically.
5) I am feeling so much more positive.
6) I am so much more excited and energetic throughout the day.
7) The quality of my sleep has improved a lot.
8) I have better control over my food habits. I hardly eat out now.
9) All the knowledge from the books is making me more aware.
Let me show you some of the results.
After 2 months of consistent strength training in the gym, I started outdoor cycling again in January. I was doing an average speed of 18 km/h. However, I used to feel exhausted and was taking longer recovery time.
It went to 21 km/h (same route). As I said, I haven't reached my desired fitness level yet. But these small victories help in being consistent.
Because of a structured routine now, I must admit that I do not find time to get involved in a negative cycle of overthinking or anxiety. I am pretty exhausted and just go off to sleep like a baby by the end of the day.
With this post, I hope that you find some inspiration to invest time in your personal self-care. As the saying goes, a river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence. So just forming a good habit is not enough. The key is in being consistent with it.
I would love to hear about your habits that are proving to make a difference for you.
Until next time.
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