It feels like… I’m writing after ages! I have just been eating, drinking, watching movies, sleeping and doing everything else but writing during the summer holidays. Oh! Not to forget the numerous F.R.I.E.N.D.S. reels and shorts I’ve been continuously watching lately. I can already feel the central provinces expanding, although I am in the process of curbing the extensions before it’s too late.
However, I have repeatedly been asked how I take care of myself, at 42, despite two kids, house chores, writing, editing videos, travelling, etc. To summarize, I organize myself so that I’m not stressed, overworked, sleep-deprived or driven up the wall. I make time to eat healthy, don’t take up too many projects and resist temptations whenever they pass by me.
I will elaborate, of course. So, here are a few rules I follow in order to stay healthy, wealthy and wise. Sane, too!
I mostly start my day with a simple but nutritious breakfast. I avoid oily, fried or heavy foods. Instead of frying eggs, I soft-boil them for a lighter option. It’s also wise to avoid added sugars and junk food in the morning.
Also, I skip breakfast if I have plans for a lunch outing.
I avoid overeating (and wasting) as much as possible. The idea here is to listen to our body’s needs rather than what our tongue wants. If you feel that you’ve eaten more than usual at lunch, consider skipping dinner or opting for something light, like a fruit. Staying hydrated with water before bed can also help avoid hunger.
I generally prioritize healthy eating habits while at home. I avoid junk and eat my meals at regular intervals. Remember, even if a vegetable like okra is nutritious, preparing it in unhealthy ways, such as deep-frying it in excessive oil, can negate its benefits.
When out with friends, I’m not fussy. I eat whatever is available while with them. Like in February, I must’ve gone out to have Andhra thalis at least three times in two weeks and thoroughly enjoyed them. But then I come home and stick to my rules.
Even while travelling. In some places, the local food is to die for. In Spain, I went berserk devouring raspberry gelatos almost every day. In Italy, it was various kinds of pizza and pasta. In Kuwait, it was all the food. So, I tried to apply the above rules whenever possible, like skipping a meal after a heavy one or limiting my intake. But, if I couldn’t resist, I’d just re-follow my rules once I got back home.
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Willpower is required if you want to resist daily temptations. Some people tend to eat whatever is offered to them without consideration because, according to them, ‘one bite does not matter.’ But, trust me, it does. Every drop makes an ocean. Every little unhealthy bite contributes to our weight increase and an unhealthy gut. The idea is to focus on making mindful decisions rather than succumbing to every craving like smoking, excessive drinking, fattening yummy food, projects that can take the life out of you, etc. Maintaining discipline with the choices we make can help us stay on track with our healthy lifestyle goals.
Midnight snacking, or eating late at night, can lead to several health issues, including weight gain, disrupted sleep, and other metabolic problems. However, if you do need to snack before bed, choosing nutrient-rich, healthy options can help lessen the negative effects. While snacking (at any time), try and include fruits, nuts, seeds, etc., rather than samosa, parota, cakes, ice cream, sugar-filled drinks and the like.
Or again, drink a glass of water instead.
Trust me, since 2023, I’ve been drinking water regularly. I’ve seen and felt the positive effects it has on my body. It keeps the unnecessary hunger away. It helps my skin stay hydrated. It makes most of the headaches go away. Drinking water regularly not only helps our limbs stay healthy but also helps with various other health issues.
Exercising daily is vital to keep our bodies agile and healthy. A sedentary lifestyle or making excuses not to walk regularly can have long-term effects on our health as we age. Apart from the summer holidays, I aim to walk for at least 45 minutes every day. When I’m heading home, I like to do arm and neck circles.
Dancing is a physical activity that gives me immense joy. I should get back to it soon!
One of the most important rules for staying healthy is doing what you love doing. Many people tend to forget their passions or let life get in the way of doing what brings them peace. This works against everything healthy. It’s essential to carve out time for our hobbies and interests. Like for me, writing brings me peace. 😉 No, I don’t write all day, but I do dedicate a couple of hours to writing amidst my responsibilities as a homemaker.
Never compromise on sleep. Getting enough rest can lead to fewer illnesses, a healthy weight, reduced stress, improved moods, and enhanced overall health and metabolism. To ensure good sleep, it’s important to prioritize regular exercise, limit caffeine intake and avoid large meals right before bedtime. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, engaging in relaxing activities before bed, and creating a comfortable sleep environment, such as keeping your room clutter-free, dark, and cool, as well as using comfortable pillows and mattresses, can all contribute to a good night’s sleep.
Regular health check-ups are necessary to understand if we are on the right track or not. Major illnesses don’t come suddenly. Our body gives us several indications (allergies, regular common colds, headaches, diabetes, aches and pains, etc.) before it breaks down into something more serious. I make it a point to do a blood test at least every year if not every six months. I also get my blood pressure and sugar levels checked every two months.
These are a few rules I follow to keep myself healthy, wealthy and wise. How wealthy? Well, health is wealth, right? 😉 Did you really think I’d give you some financial advice? Hahaha!
How wise? Once you learn to discipline yourself, avoid unnecessary drama and feel peaceful from within, you’re already heading towards wisdom. So, basically, to stay healthy, wealthy and wise, you must first make time to sit back, reduce your workload and find yourself.
All the best!
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45 Comments
We’re on the same page when it comes to self care, but that’s not surprising. Healthy lifestyle is the best bet to a happier and longer life with very few health problems.
High five, Varsha!
Health is surely wealth. We have to realize that good health does not happen overnight. We have to change our lifestyle. I always make sure I get yearly checkup. I need that at my age.
That’s good, Madhu!
These are much needed pointers to keep oneself fit and up. Thanks for sharing
You’re welcome, Sindhu!
Such an important reminder, Cindy. Simple doable rules that we often take lightly unless there is a major health issue. Regular blood work is extremely important, irrespective of age. Eating right at home is something I follow too.
That’s good, Ritu!
These are some great tips! After becoming mom I started taking care of myself seriously! I also resumed my running journey again and loving it
That’s awesome, Kanchan!
When you get quality need everything comes in place and the moment you miss it life seems like a mess and what was happening with me till February and after that I put myself into a meditation cycle which is actually helping me to enjoy safe, and blissful these days and i am happy and much sorted in life. Regrarding hobbies these days I am really not getting time for it and I am guilty. Aside food I am taking in the best possible way I can and yes … so far so good. Your list alerted me that I still need to work on few and I will. Thanks Cindy
You’re welcome, Samata! All the best!
I love the points you listed. Though they seem simple, I know it needs dedication and willpower to follow through. I suck at having a proper sleep schedule and also midnight snacking 😛
Yikes! Take care of yourself, Shalini!
I nodded my head in affirmation with each point listed above. Having lived abroad for a couple of years, avoiding temptations is very easy, whereas it’s a challenge in India when you have a variety of delicious food within your reach. I am trying to apply all my rules to avoid temptations while I lived abroad in India.
Haha, that’s good, Swati! Being mindful is important.
These are great tips for self care. I try to abide by all of these, but often indulge in midnight snacking, especially when I have an early dinner.
Oh! Mandira! Having an early dinner requires you to sleep well and eat next only in the morning. Only then early dinners will help our health improve.
It is a very useful blog to keep oneself fit in every way from physical to financial, it will help one to grow in a better way.
Great tips. I too am trying to become fitter and more disciplined this year. Yoga and early dinner and have started to swim . Wish I had started earlier .
Better late than never, Chandrika! All the best!
You have penned really helpful tips to get the eating habits in check. I always keep straying from the “healthy eating journey”. It feels like it moves in surges. Maybe, living alone has that impact. When you almost eat your every meal alone, you get bored to put efforts in cooking. But your post has triggered that surge again. I will be cooking now!
Just cut fruits and eat. No cooking required.
These are some amazing tips. We as moms need to follow this. sometimes we just take these simple things for granted.
some fitness tips would be good too. try to share as well.
You’re welcome, Sadvika! Fitness tips are there in my blog with keyword physical fitness.
A very healthy lifestyle. I try to walk and exercise as much as I can do in a week, stretching is so helpful in maintaining blood flow. Sleep, I need to improve on the quality and also do more energy boosting stuff. I normally eat dinner early and going out or outside food is practically nil.
That’s good, Ambica! More power to you!
I wish I read this blog six months back. All the things you precisely mentioned, I had to learn the hard way. How simple disciplined routines can change our lifestyle and health for good is perfectly captured through your words. I always used to feel right when mom said better your health then go for health checkups or don’t eat oily or sweet before tests thinking one day can change the reports but I have recently come to realisation that regular checkups is a must and should not be postponed. Very well explained blog Cindy thank you so much!
Better late than never, Sameeksha!
Absolutely loved this list! I especially resonated with the rule about never compromising on sleep—it’s something I’ve learned the hard way, but it truly shapes your energy and mindset.
Very true, Jeannine!
These are some really healthy rules one can incorporate into their life. I, too, started taking care of my body after being diagnosed with fatty liver and high cholesterol. We all need to take care of our bodies, for sure.
Please take care of yourself, Pamela! More power to you!
Absolutely loved this, Cindy! It’s refreshing to see someone embrace life’s indulgences without guilt because, let’s be honest, who can resist gelato in Italy? Your tips are a reminder that wellness isn’t about perfection; it’s about making choices that serve us, even if that means dancing in our living room for cardio. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with such authenticity and humour.
Thank you, Meetali!
Loved the honesty, the humor, and the helpful tips—especially the part about “central provinces expanding” 😂 Definitely needed this reminder to get back on track (after bingeing one too many F.R.I.E.N.D.S. reels myself)
High five, Manali!
Loved this post Cindy..it felt like a real conversation. Balance between enjoying life and staying on track is so relatable. Listen to your body, not your tongue really hit home. And yes, dancing for joy totally counts as exercise. Thanks for the gentle, honest reminder to live better, not just healthier.
You’re welcome, Anjali!
All good advice, Cindy and doable too. I have been following all these and more for years, but I dont know when it snaps all of a sudden. All my efforts are swept away, and I start floundering. A doctor, a few months ago, said that I am leading a toooooo healthy life! Now, what does that mean? I have been recently diagnosed with high BP and cholesterol. It beats me how!
Hmmm, maybe you could find the root cause of this. I’m sure you’re aware that stress also plays an important role in life, Harjeet.
I completely resonate with all the points you have shared, such golden insights! I remember, how in the past, whenever I had headaches, I would rush for an eye check-up but nothing happened and then I improved my water intake and voila! The heaches eventually reduced. Thanks for sharing your experiences along with the points!
You’re welcome, Pinki!
These are great rules to stay fit Cindy and I am sure anyone who follows them will feel better than before.I find resisting temptation to be the most difficult and also the most rewarding. I would just like to add being mindful to this list and to live in the present.
True, Preeti, following all these rules needs one to be mindful of their activities and consumptions!