Beech Tree News Network

Once again, I’ve been thinking about health. Jim Berry said, “The kind of life we lead today is essentially the product of our habits – our daily routines, our daily processes.” Likely, most of us have healthy routines and not-so-healthy routines – some so much a habit that we no longer think about them. Recently, I have tried to identify my unhealthy habits or routines.

Wondering about others’ healthy routines, I asked friends and family, “What is one healthy routine or habit that you practice or one that you want to add to your life?” Their responses are listed below.

-Weight lifting and prayer.

-Journaling. I want to have better documentation of my life to look back on.

-I really try to avoid most processed foods, not completely succeeding, but trying. There’s many more things that I occasionally do, but not sure I can call them habits. I have been known to cheat on things here and there.

-Put any money left at the end of the week into your savings and make a point to save an amount weekly. Good for peace of mind, too.

-Nothing. I know it’s not funny, but I don’t do anything. I’m retired!

-I use Arbonne products daily for my health. This includes greens, gut health, skin elixir, mind health and protein shakes. I drink mostly water or water with fizz and green tea. I try to eat at least one clean healthy meal and healthy snacks. I want to add walking back into my daily routine now that the weather is warmer also.

-Walking 10,000 steps a day, half in the morning and half at night on my walking pad. It’s my stress relief! I also take several supplements and eat apricot seeds.

-I quit smoking six months ago after 30 years. I’ve been using the IV hydration packs in my water and drinking a lot of that, and my wife is making me eat apricot seeds every day.

-I have practiced – and would like to get back to – walking daily. It’s simple, free, and very good for a person. Some movement is better than no movement.

-I avoid sugar and drink only water and black coffee, but I don’t get any exercise. I need to start moving.

-Yoga.

-I want to start journaling again, I haven’t since summer.

-Walking daily needs to be added to my life. An occasional walk isn’t helping my health or longevity.

-One practice I gave up was smoking. It was a long, hard process. But when you put all your mindset into believing you can quit such an addiction, you can make it happen. You just have to believe in yourself and in your power of faith to give you the strength and willpower to overcome. I have felt so much better since, 1.5 years later. I have become more physically active as my “wind” has become stronger.

-Trying to get to the gym twice a week. It is not only healthy for my body, it is also healthy for my mental health. A time to decompress and unplug.

-Morning coffee.

-Maintain good relationships. Sleep well. Minimize vices: sugar, alcohol, tobacco, etc. Exercise regularly. One more – to be physically healthy, we need to be spiritually healthy as well. Regular Bible study and prayers are a must.

-Well, I’m not the healthiest living person…lots of Diet Coke and chocolate. However, once a month on a Friday after school, I take myself to Bowling Green for a manicure/pedicure then take myself out to eat. It’s a nice peaceful time for me and the Lord, and it really helps reset my mental health.

-In October 2023, I joined a gym. I attend yoga, aerobics, and strength classes. My goal is six classes a week. I feel much better, and I’m much stronger. I’ve made good friends, too.

-I eat fruit at least once a day. I need to work harder on my portions every day.

I read, “Your daily habits have the power to change your life” (www.gymaholic.co), and John C. Maxwell said, “If your habits don’t line up with your dream, then you need to either change your habits or change your dream.” Ultimately, living a healthy lifestyle isn’t necessarily an easy path.