Back to Basics
Hi, I’m Lauren and welcome to We The Well!
This is my FIRST blog post ever (eek!) and today I’m sharing 3 simple tips to incorporate into your health routine!
But, before I do that, let me start by introducing myself. I’m a 4th year medical student and health coach passionate about all things health and wellness. I’m a strong believer in investing in a healthy lifestyle and taking a proactive approach. I’ve always valued a “healthy lifestyle” (thank you Mom and Dad!), but my experiences throughout medical school have shown that despite everything we “know” to do, putting that knowledge into action can be a difficult task. Developing a healthy lifestyle takes time and patience, requires energy and practice, and most importantly, calls for a desire from within.
With contradicting fad diets and workout regimens promising quick fixes and optimal health, it’s easy to question what’s right for you. We as a society are bombarded with information…if you want to achieve this do that…if you want to look like this buy that. Don’t get me wrong, I love experimenting and trying new things, but investing in a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated, and it truly shouldn’t be. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned throughout school is that maintaining our health requires consistency and longevity, aka lifestyle changes that you will continue to utilize for years to come.
As a future healthcare provider, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance of promoting health and wellness within my community, and when working with patients, I’m reminded that the basics are what build the foundation for growth. For my first blog post I felt it was appropriate to start small, and share a list of 3 simple tips that anyone can incorporate into their health regimen regardless of where they are in their journey. I’m not reinventing the wheel and I’m sure you’ve heard these before, but in my experience, personal and professional, these tips serve as a great resource for fostering healthy habits as you discover your own motivations for manifesting a healthy lifestyle. So without further ado, let’s get started!
Tip 1: YOU ARE ENOUGH
If there’s one take away from this post, it’s this. No matter where you are in your health journey, tell yourself every single day that you are enough and you are worthy. “I don’t deserve to feel my best…I don’t deserve to healthy…I don’t deserve to be happy”…disease or no disease I see and hear this all the time. It’s easy to compare ourselves to others and fall into the trap of “I’m not worthy”. You are absolutely worthy of a happy, healthy life. Remember to use what you see as motivation and inspiration rather than imitation, and don’t forget it’s never too late to invest in your health!
Tip 2: FOCUS ON WHAT TO ADD
Rather than focusing on what you should avoid, focus on what you can add. This can apply to anything (exercise, self-care…) but, because what we eat can dramatically impact our overall health, I’ll focus on foods. With an emphasis on whole foods, think about foods to add to your diet that nourish your body and promote healing. We all know to eat more fruits and vegetables and limit processed foods, but this idea of “crowding out” empowers you to make healthier choices while still leaving room for those guilty pleasures and limiting any feelings of deprivation. When it comes to the “how”, start by making small concrete tangible goals. Remember we’re aiming for consistency and longevity so realistic goals are key. This is completely individual so whether you decide to set one goal per week or month, make sure it’s attainable!
Tip 3: KEEP IT SIMPLE
Lastly, if it ever feels like too much work, it probably is. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and engaging in physical activity doesn’t have to be hard or complicated…you don’t have to follow a strict diet or workout regimen. Nourishing our bodies definitely requires some thought and energy, but maintaining balance throughout the process is equally important. If you ever feel overwhelmed or exhausted, reflect on why and simplify.
Everyone is worthy of a happy healthy life and I hope you find these simple tips encouraging for wherever you are in your journey. I look forward to sharing much more with you and I hope you enjoyed!
xx, Lauren