The word “habit” is often associated with the word “bad”, however, I think forming daily habits and practices that nourish our spiritual, mental, and physical well-being are vital to being able to walk through this life with intention, to be able to grow as a person, and to be able to function in our family and community in ways that provide value to ourselves and others. 

I am not a personal development expert, all I can share with you are the habits that I use to help me thrive on a daily basis and to keep moving forward on my own path of growth. For me this starts by beginning my day with intention, getting my mind and heart in the right place to walk into my day aligned with my core values and goals. What needs nourishment first to accomplish this? My soul. Before I eat (even before coffee, y’all), I have a period of prayer and meditation. It does not need to be a long period, most week days this takes me 10-20 minutes. It is not about a lengthy practice, it is about setting my mind on the right path for the day. I follow this by reflecting on gratitude and trying to carry that positivity into a new day.

I try to end my days with just as much intention. Before going to bed, I use prayer and meditation combined with a general reflection on how my day went. This is a practice I’ve learnt from my Faith, on bringing myself to account on a daily basis. What did I do well today? What do I need to work harder on improving? What was challenging for me and why? Did I lead with my faith and gratitude, or with ego and fear? How can I watch for those in the future? Did I practice love and kindness throughout my day?

I exercise hard for 30-40 minutes 4-5 days a week. I follow a program of lean muscle building, combined with cardio.  It is intense, but for a short time commitment, I get great results, feeling mentally and physically stronger. I work out any anxiety and stress, and feel the emotional high that comes from the endorphin release when you get your heart pumping and your muscles working. I also know that I’m investing in my long term health and well-being, which has become even more essential to me as I have watched my parents dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Diet is a pretty personal thing, and what works for one may not work for another, and I am definitely no dietician, I just do what feels good and nourishing to my body. I have (mostly) cut out refined sugars (“mostly” because complete avoidance is difficult when eating out or at other’s homes, and sometimes I just feel like having a piece of cake at a birthday party!), but other than that I do not cut out whole food groups. That said, my diet is largely fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. I have a weakness for whole milk Greek yogurt and cheese, so those too. And water, I drink A LOT of water. It makes every part of your body healthier from your brain, to your kidneys, to your skin. The way I look at it is, that eating clean, healthy food serves to fuel your body in a way that will make you feel good and be more able to show up strong (mentally and physically) for your life.

What practices do you find essential to living your best life?