Season 30 is right around the corner. I can’t believe that I am in the last few weeks of my 20s, yet I’m ready to embrace this new decade. Never was I that person that dreaded turning 30, if anything, I have always been grateful to live another day of life. As I prepare for my 30s, reflect on this past year and set my intentions for the upcoming one, I want to share some healthy habits that I’ve started during my 20s. These ten healthy habits allowed me to grow both mentally and physically, as well as become this confident woman that I am now. If you are not in your 20s, it is not too late to start these now. I’ll be carrying these and expanding on them more in my 30s chapter.
Physical and Mental Healthy Habits
Exercise Regularly
One of the best things that I did for myself in my 20s was start exercising regularly. I was able to find and create a routine that worked for me and have been consistent at it for a decade. The older we get, the harder it is to start but it is not impossible. Exercise is great for your mental, physical and emotional health. You don’t have to become a powerlifter or a gym rat to exercise. As I have said before, any movement is good movement. Sign up at your local gym and start a new sport. It can be badminton, swimming or rock climbing. Do something that is fun for you or an activity that you used to do as a child that you want to start up again.
Pay Attention To Your Diet & Stay Hydrated
The number one reason that I got into health and wellness was because of my paternal grandparents. When I was early teen, I remember seeing multiple pill bottles on the dining room table in front of them. I asked my grandpa, “What are all of these for?” He started to list all the health complications that he had and these pills were for those complications. At that moment, I knew that I did not want to be in that position when I was older. I made a choice and I paid attention to my diet. Unfortunately, all those health complications are hereditary but that stresses how important it is to me not to be put in that position.
I cannot stress enough to start creating healthy habits by eating well and staying hydrated. It will pay off for the rest of your life. The sooner you start adopting these habits, the more likely you are to avoid having serious health complications in the future.
Reading: Healthy Habits
This has been one of the most difficult habits for me to adopt consistently but I do my best. Grad school killed reading for me. It took me three years to not see it as a chore and as a leisure activity. I cannot be the only one, right?
It doesn’t matter if it is fiction or non-fiction. Reading keeps your brain sharp, improves your concentration and relieves stress. The thing that helped me get back into reading was writing it on my to-do list and telling myself that I would read one page a day. It’s a very simple and easy task. That one page a day became two pages to a chapter a day.
Annual Check Ups
Get your annual check ups in order. You can have them done all during the same month or scattered throughout the year. Regardless you have to get them done. In our 20s, we think we are invincible and nothing can happen. Baby, let me tell you. Don’t wait until something is wrong to book an appointment. Treat and schedule these appointments as preventative care. That includes the doctor, dentist, optician, gynaecologist, allergist etc.
Sleep
This topic, I can talk about it for days with my eyes closed. Gone are the days where I could stay up to 1am or 2am and still function the next day. I want to be in my bed by 10.30pm latest. Don’t think about asking me to leave my house after 9pm, it’s not happening. My bonnet is already on.
Lack of sleep is a health concern that isn’t taken serious until something happens. Get your minimum 7 to 8 hours of sleep a day. It can make you sick, feel groggy and unproductive. Honestly, it’s not worth it. I have had days where my brain feels like it is going to explode because I wasn’t sleeping well.
Life Healthy Habits
Make Meaningful and Quality Friendships
Friendships in your 20s take a lot of effort. We are all navigating different milestones, challenges and lifestyle choices at different times. You may not live in the same city or country as some of your friends. This can make you lose track of those relationships. Make time to call a friend, hang out and plan trips with them. Remember that friendships are a two-way street so make sure that you are not the only one putting the effort in.
Unfortunately, I have had my handful of friendships where I kept giving and wasn’t receiving anything back. As painful as it was, I took a step back from those friendships and cultivated new ones where the effort came from both sides. You are a privilege to experience. Don’t let anyone treat you any different.
It is harder to make friends in adulthood. That’s the truth. I don’t have the answers on the best way to make new friends. What has worked for me is going outside of my comfort zone. Sign up for that pottery class, go to the gym, go to that new church. Sign up for that event and book that solo trip and meet other solo travellers.
Create A Financial Budget
Buy a financial budget spreadsheet to track all the money that is coming in and where it is going. Create an emergency fund for rainy and unexpected days. Create sinking funds for the things that matter to you like a travel fund, home decor, shopping fund. If you haven’t started now, start saving a percentage of your income and put it in a pension fund. Prior to 2019, I was spending money like it was going out of fashion. One day, I looked into my account and the maths was not mathing. January 2020 I bought a cheap budget spreadsheet. Whatever it takes, it is better to get a handle on your money now.
Invest In Yourself
You are your biggest investment. The only person who is going to invest in you in your 20s and above is you. Do things that will boost your confidence and help you develop into a better person. Never stop learning. You are always a student of life, don’t take that for granted.
Travel Healthy Habits
I consider travelling as part of my overall wellness. You learn so much about yourself, the world and your place in it when you travel. Make a vision board and a list of all the places you want to see. Don’t just say it but make it real. Go on that dream holiday, book a solo trip to the Maldives. Life waits for no one and the world is not going to wait for you.
Allow Yourself To Make Mistakes
Lastly, allow yourself to make mistakes. I mean that. As long as you are learning from your mistakes, you are doing something constructive. Give yourself grace when the mistakes happen. You’re human and not perfect. By making mistakes, you’ll find a way to improve and do better.
I hope those 10 healthy habits help you create an inspired and fulfilling life as they have done for me. Don’t forget to like, share with a friend and subscribe to join the blog squad. Follow me on Instagram, check out Reelsmas and enjoy the experience.
Until next time,
Folakemi
