As I really get into my “mid-to-late 20s,” I’ve been prioritizing figuring out the habits and routines that serve me and make me truly feel like my best self. Through much trial and error, I’ve found the things that work for me when it comes to living a balanced lifestyle. I not only focus on my physical well-being but also on my mental and emotional health. And of course, I still have bad days and days when I don’t practice these habits, but being able to loosely stick to these things without putting too much pressure on myself has been the key to living a life that I am proud of. Keep reading for the five realistic habits that have made me feel like my best self:
1. Make myself delicious, well-balanced meals
Over the past few years, I’ve discovered a new love for cooking and preparing myself meals that are both fun to make and nourishing to my body. I find the process of cooking a meal that’s a little more in-depth to be extremely meditative, and I love experimenting and trying out new things in the kitchen.
I’ve also learned to invest in nutrient-dense foods because prioritizing my health and general well-being is a genuine expression of self-love. I always make sure that my kitchen is well-stocked with produce, and for years, the #1 staple in my kitchen has been fresh avocados. I put them in and on everything, from salads to pasta dishes to, of course, toast. Fresh avocados are not only delicious and satisfying, but they also provide nearly 20 nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and phytonutrients. If you’re looking for some recipes, be sure to check out this FREE handout featuring delicious avocado-based dishes inspired by a Mediterranean-style of eating!
2. Get active because I genuinely want to
I have struggled to find a workout routine that works for me for pretty much as long as I can remember. I’m someone who goes through phases of really committing to a specific routine—whether it be taking classes, working out in a gym, or working out at home—only to get burned out after a couple of months and then not really work out much at all.
I always put pressure on myself to stick to certain “rules,” such as working out a certain number of times per week or even hitting a step goal. However, I’ve discovered over the past year or so that the workout habit that works best for me is one that is flexible and includes activities that I genuinely enjoy. I listen to my body and do whatever type of physical activity suits me best on that particular day, including doing nothing at all if I feel like it doesn’t serve me. I’ve found that I feel like my best self when I fit in physical activity I actually look forward to, and for me, that includes long walks, tennis, and yoga.
3. Actually make an effort at budgeting
For most of the years of my adult life, I’ve actively avoided taking the time to budget my money. I’m a pretty laid-back person, so for a long time, I operated with an “out of sight, out of mind” viewpoint. However, I’ve been using a budgeting app for about six months now, and I can confidently say I wish I had started sooner. Having knowledge of the money that I earn, knowing how I spend it, and seeing real-time updates for my spending categories have definitely helped me feel more in control of my life and all the “grown-up” aspects of it.
4. Make time for something “just for fun” every day
I have been on a journey of practicing more mindfulness as a daily habit, and one of the main aspects of that is to do more things that bring me joy. I now have made a habit of making time to do something purely for fun every day. Sometimes these things are as simple as reading a book in place of watching TV or calling someone I haven’t spoken to in a while, or sometimes they are more adventurous, such as trying a new restaurant or exploring a new part of my city. I’ve found that in a world where we are often consumed by work and responsibilities, prioritizing fun and joy can be the key to keeping yourself grounded and happy.
5. Start each morning with journaling and affirmations
As hard as I have tried to become one, I am just not a morning person. But instead of beating myself up about that, I’ve found that there are other ways to start my mornings off on the right foot. Although I might not be waking up super early and fitting in a bunch of activities before starting work for the day, I can do a few little things while I drink my coffee in order to go into the day feeling balanced and ready.
I made myself a list of affirmations for 2022, so I like to read those aloud every morning. Then, I’ll do a little bit of journaling, whether that be gratitude journaling, manifestation journaling, or even just open-ended thoughts. I’ve discovered that starting my day in this way helps me work through anything that may be weighing me down so that I can tackle the rest of my day with focus and energy.
This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Fresh Avocados — Love One Today, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
