Health, especially physical health, is something I’ve always had an odd relationship with. Growing up, I was decently athletic. I played multiple sports and even succeeded in a few of them. I was “an athlete,” but I didn’t enjoy it much. I greatly preferred the stage. A couch to read on. My writing desk.
Not much has changed since then, except now I’ve been through college—during which I played no sports and basically sat and read for a living. Now that I’m out, I still do a lot of reading, but I’m also trying to find out what “health” looks like for me. What I’m discovering is that it doesn’t just have to be running (thank goodness). Rather, health is something that comes through a variety of lifestyles and practices. Here are just a few that I’m taking up for my own journey.
Yoga
I have long been skeptical of yoga, but after seeing the positive effects that it had on my roommate and other friends, I thought there might be something to what happens on the mat. A friend bought me a yoga mat for a graduation gift, and from that point on, I was hooked. It’s worth noting that I’m not doing yoga in a studio. I’m not spending money. Who knows if I’m even doing the real thing? What I do know is that whatever I’m doing has already given me a designated 30-50 minutes a day of stretching, moving and relaxing. More importantly, it helps me carve out time for silence. If you want to jump in on the fun, go to youtube and follow Yoga with Adriene. Her chanel is massively popular and contains videos for waking up, losing weight, and killing stress. It’s a low-stakes work-out, and you’ll find yourself hooked the second you nail one of the many rejuvenating stretches.
Water (But not the Normal Kind)
I hate water.
It’s a big joke among my friends. I’ll drink an ice-stuffed glass at a meal time or two (if I’m being healthy that day). I drink it when I exercise. But on it’s own? Not so much. I find water completely boring. No flavor? No point. I’ll go through my day avoiding it, choosing flavored drinks that often contain dehydrating caffeine. So how do you get someone like me who hates water to drink it? Throw some flavor in it!
I’m not talking about packets, I’m talking about fruit. Pinterest has loads of fruity-water recipes that make drinking water feel substantive. Just this morning I made a cucumber, strawberry, lime concoction that felt fresh and satisfying. Try a blueberry and orange combination. Or raspberry and mint. The options are endless, and a picture of icy, fruit infused water gives your kitchen a nice, decorative flare.
Alterative Workouts
Who says working out has to just be running or lifting? Those things are great, but there are other options too. Take a fitness kickboxing class (they are a blast!). Try gardening. Pick up a Martial Art that will incorporate mental and physical health. Trust me--time flies when you're learning a new trade and getting a workout in while you're at it.
So get creative this summer. And don't get down on yourself. For some, health is gaining weight. For others, it's losing it. For everyone, it means moving, stretching and making the most of the bodies and lives we've been given.
