I think it requires intentional effort for one to stay healthy both physically and mentally. The activities we observe daily have a say in keeping one healthy enough. I watched my aunty jog every 5am to 7am while I was still a teenager, burning calories, which is fine due to how fat she is. Bad enough, after hitting the gym and all manner of heavy exercises, her eating habits will simply spoil her effort.
It's okay to visit the gym, shed those fats, and keep fit, but it's not enough. We need more than that to really stay mentally and physically healthy. Personally, there are little practices I observe daily on the quest for a healthy and refreshed life. Every day, I stay intentional with the way I hydrate my body system. Even when I fast most of the days, I make sure to drink water because of how important it is to always hydrate our body system. Most of my days, I drink water first on an empty stomach to wake up my system before my breakfast, which should also be something light.
There are ways I make up for not going to the gym, which are simply stretching my bones and joints.Most times my kids and I form exercise partners, and we playfully observe simple exercises; it counts and is a simple way to stay fit as well without necessarily visiting the gym.
What about my eating habits? I am intentional about it too, to a large extent. I wouldn't deny that I don't eat junk at all, but that only happens once in a while, not as a regular habit. My kids have questioned me several times on why I don't prepare noodles for them to take to school while many of their classmates bring noodles for lunch. The reason is not far-fetched; I watch what goes through my mouth. The noodles, shawarma, pizza, and other junk food aren't a regular thing for me; I prefer more natural food, at least and mostly homemade food, very important, while incorporating vegetables and proteins.
It can be tempting to always go for chilled Coca-Cola products and other processed drinks, but I stick with the natural drinks, fruits, and veggies the more. It can be as simple as cutting cucumbers and having that as dessert.
Every day as a mom, a wife, a realtor, and a writer, I engage in different kinds of activities, but taking breaks when needed is a must to rest my mental health. I remember a lot of times when I just shifted many chores behind, lay down, turned on the fan, and observed little rest and sleep. Sometimes, I just sit outside in my environment and enjoy the natural breeze. I feel that these little things matter for me to stay mentally and physically healthy. Sometimes, when I don't feel like sleeping at noon, I pause my activity, turn on some cool music, listen to it, and just rest very well, that's enough! This action has a way of bringing peace within me and recharging my spirit.
These simple daily routines nourish my soul, mind, and body. Doing that helps me regain lost energy, stay mentally and physically fit, and keep thriving in my world.