As I started to become more independent throughout college, I became increasingly interested in how I can optimize my health. Since I’m young, I want to make sure I’m forming good habits that will support me throughout life.
Part of being an adult means taking responsibility for your habits and actions, and that includes health-related habits.
Health should be treated as a top priority, as it allows us to function and thrive in everyday life.
To maintain optimal mental and physical health, here are some habits I strive to do each day:
- Drink enough water.
I always keep a water bottle at my desk to sip on throughout the day, and this helps me make sure I stay hydrated. I normally drink two full bottles, plus some extra water, tea, or lemonade at meals.
According to Healthline, drinking enough water is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It maximizes your physical performance, improves your cognitive function, and much more.
- Morning meditation.
Taking just a few minutes each morning to observe my breath helps me ground myself for the day ahead. I usually meditate right after setting my intentions for the day in a journal.
According to Calm, meditation offers numerous benefits such as improved focus, patience, empathy, and self-awareness. It can also lower blood pressure, improve sleep, and enhance your immune system.
- Exercise.
I like to follow a short full-body workout routine that includes a combination of strength training and cardio. This gives me a much-needed boost to kickstart my day.
According to the CDC, exercise provides multiple short and long-term mental and physical health benefits. In the short-term, exercise offers cognitive benefits such as improved thinking for children ages 6 to 13 and reduced anxiety levels for adults. Long-term, it can reduce health risks, strengthen bones and muscles, and even help you live longer.
- Stretch.
I conclude my exercise routine with a few simple stretches to loosen up and improve my range of motion.
According to Healthline, stretching can help improve range of motion and posture, increase blood flow to your muscles, and calm your mind.
- Go for walks.
I go for a walk almost every afternoon because I find nature to be very healing. When I’m on my walk, I love to observe the trees and flowers, feel the sunshine on my face, and say hello to strangers on the street.
According to Better Health, a regular walking routine can improve cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness, strengthen bones and muscles, and increase muscle strength and balance.
- Read.
Reading allows me to get absorbed in another world and take the perspective of various characters.
According to the 95 Percent Group, a reading advocacy group, reading can improve empathy, critical thinking skills, and vocabulary, among many other benefits.
- Be creative.
Lastly, I engage in activities such as creative writing and choreography to express myself.
According to two studies published in the National Library of Medicine, creative activities were found to be correlated with higher levels of wellbeing.
I’m currently working on a humor/fantasy story called “Unicorn DJ v. Steve Stewie: A Case of Spilled Stew!” It’s about a disco club owned by a unicorn (who is also the club’s DJ), and one night, a man named Steve spills stew all over himself and sues the club afterward. It’s ridiculous, but I’m enjoying writing it nonetheless!
What do you do to maintain and improve your health? Let me know in the comments.
All the best,
Adriana
Reflect and Nourish 
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