Growing up, I was always told by my parents that "if you have your health, you have everything." I took those words to heart as much as a kid could, but let's face it--there wasn't really much I could do about it at that age. As I have gotten older and experienced more things (especially since getting back from studying abroad), I have come to realize how true and important that statement really is.

I am not afraid to say that I haven't always led a very healthy life. I eat poorly, I rarely exercise, I don't get enough sleep, etc.---and those are just the physical aspects. I also seldom do the things recommended to be healthy emotionally or mentally. None of this really mattered to me in the past, though, because I could always get away with these behaviors because of my age, current state of my metabolism, and so on. I've used many excuses, such as wanting to enjoy life (in the form of a sugary ice cream cone) while I'm young and still able to, as my rationale for not taking care of myself. But like I said before, I've gone through a lot of changes since studying in and returning from Spain. I would like to say that I have had a change of heart even. Now, I would like to start taking better care of myself and learn to quit taking the current state of health I am in for granted. And if you feel you're in the same boat as me, I urge you to listen up.

For me, if I keep going at the rate I am going, there is a very real chance that I could experience some major health issues when I'm older--health issues that could affect my relationships with others and impede me from achieving whatever I am setting out to do at that time. I won't be able to rely on things like my young/high metabolism, energy levels, or mobility to keep me in shape. I would have to put in twice the amount of work I'm not doing now to stay the way I am now, and the lazy girl inside me just can't imagine that. It would be much easier if I (and you, if you're still with me) just started making little changes in our lifestyles here and there in order to become healthier in the future. If that means walking more, exercising once or twice a week, eating a fruit or vegetable every now and then, not eating every sweet that calls to me/you, and/or going to bed a little earlier, then so be it. At least we will be rewarded in the long run by all the various good things that come with being physically healthy.

Taking better care of yourself isn't all just about being healthy physically, though, it also involves looking out for your mental and emotional well-being. This is something that is often taken for granted in our society, unfortunately. Nowadays so many people struggle with mental health and/or emotional issues that often are left untreated and end up affecting their personal, professional and social lives, sometimes even more so than physical ailments. And while these issues may be a little more complex to deal with, it is just as important that we do. If you feel like you are one of these people (and let's be real, we all probably are in some way or another), here are some things you can do.

Keep a journal to review and reflect on your thoughts and feelings. Find some sort of creative method of expressing your feelings, like writing or drawing or making music. Take some time out of your busy schedule to relax and/or do something you love instead of focusing on work. And if all else fails, be open to talk to people about any issues you may be having, whether they be your loved ones or a professional. There is no shame in having these issues nor in wanting to talk about them. It's all just part of taking care of yourself and trying to save yourself from even more issues later on.

Now I could go on with this, but instead I am going to take my own advice and try to take care of myself a little better by doing one of the things I listed above. Which one exactly, you'll have to guess. Because if I really want to get the most out of life that I can, I need to step up my game and start caring more about my well-being. I do not and will not give up everything my future possibly holds by risking my health, and you shouldn't either.

It's now or never...