Work out 5x a week

I know in the past, I always emphasized the importance of working out and keeping your body moving. I wasn’t working out at all. Activities like vacuuming, cleaning, and carrying laundry up and down the stairs counted as exercise. It wasn’t until I sat down and reflected on my feelings that I realized I felt like a caged animal. I wasn’t at my best, isolated within four walls, lacking connection to the outside world.

So, I decided to make a change and started going to the gym. I now work out five times a week. This routine allows me not just to dress better for myself, but also to work with weights. It’s incredibly motivating to see others at the gym who share similar daily habits. There are about seven regulars I see there, and they are fantastic. I love seeing their familiar faces; they’re becoming like a community for me.

On top of that, going to the gym gets me out of the house. As a stay-at-home mom, my interactions have mostly been limited to my children and my partner. While YouTube and blogging can be done within the confines of my home, working out has become something I do for myself.

I’ve made it an obsession to focus on my physical health.

As a mom, it’s easy to neglect your body. Before having children, you often take your health for granted. After my first daughter, I lost all my muscle mass and dropped from 165 pounds to 110 pounds. But today, I weigh 130 pounds and am working toward a healthier weight. While I may not aim to return to 165, I am dedicated to achieving a healthy balance and building muscle again. Plus, I’m happy to say that I’m getting my figure back and feeling cute while doing it!

Drink water

It’s essential to supplement your water intake, especially before bed. Make sure to keep a cup of water by your nightstand along with your phone. The first thing you should reach for in the morning is that bottle of water. I don’t even keep track of how many times I refill my water bottle throughout the day; it feels like an extension of my hand. If it’s empty, I simply refill it, just like I would charge my phone if it dies. I prioritize staying hydrated.

As a result, I’ve noticed significant benefits: my skin looks glistening, my acne has dramatically reduced, and I feel less groggy. I used to be someone who said that water tasted bad, but I realize now that my taste buds were off because I wasn’t used to drinking enough of it.

Only three meals a day

I’m going to discuss a topic briefly, as I know many people can be sensitive about food consumption, myself included. I’ve struggled with food in the past, whether it was overconsumption or not eating enough. I’ve decided to be intentional about what I put into my body. What I consumed, and what I didn’t, was affecting my daily life. While I understand that not everyone shares my experiences, I believe it’s important for each person to consider how their eating habits impact their well-being. And, of course, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor about any concerns regarding food and nutrition.

Read an hour a day

Since June, I have read over 10 books. I was reading so much that I had to get a library card because the amount of money I was spending on hardcover books, which I would likely read only once, was astronomical. Reading has boosted my vocabulary, and I’m noticing improvements in my pronunciation. I’ve struggled with a speech impediment since childhood, and reading has allowed me to improve. It has also helped me reconnect with who I was when I was trying to disconnect from the world as a teenager.

I was a fanatic about the “Twilight” series and the “Percy Jackson” books, as well as anything related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—those are stories for another time if you’re interested. Reading was my escape from a harsh reality, which was not very pleasant. I used to read so much as a child that I would get grounded for going to the library. While other kids were grounded from their cell phones, I was grounded from books and the library, which is pretty crazy.

I owe everything to literature because, without it, I probably wouldn’t be here today. Plus, literature played a significant role in keeping my ACT score from dropping below 19. I ended up scoring a 34 in comprehension while all my other scores were below 15. So, I encourage everyone to read, read, read! If you’re not reading, try something beyond TikTok.

Listen to more music.

One thing I often got grounded for was music, which has always been my lifeline. The moment my birth mom and grandma showed me a Michael Jackson poster, I knew I would be a music fanatic for the rest of my life. When I heard that buttery voice on the CD player—sorry, tape recorder—I realized that music spoke to me in a way that it didn’t for anyone else. The beauty of notes and how everything comes together to create something extraordinary resonated deeply with me.

My significant other says you can tell my mood by whether or not I’m listening to music. Most of the time, when I’m in a good mood, music is blasting—Beyoncé, Rihanna, and so many others. Music is also a fantastic way to express yourself and communicate in your unique language.

Daily breathing

I think I’ve shared this with you all before, but I use an app called Headspace. I first discovered it when it was a series on Netflix. It helped me sleep, and I loved it so much that when Netflix removed it, I downloaded the app. I even bought a subscription. Since then, I have made it a point to complete my daily breathing exercises, and at night, I unwind by listening to many of their pre-recorded sessions.

Breathing exercises don’t have to be limited to sitting outside and taking in fresh air, though I highly recommend that as well. You can practice them right before bed or even while driving safely. Just to clarify, I’m not suggesting you should do intentional breathing while driving, but it’s important to focus on bringing in positive energy and releasing negativity in various situations.

Wash your face

I know I mentioned that my acne and overall complexion are improving because of drinking more water, but I also credit this improvement to my nightly skincare routine. I’m diligent about what I put on my face, and I make sure to wash my pillowcases every single week. I keep them clean and don’t let anyone else use them. After all, your face is the first thing most people notice, and having struggled with acne as a child makes me want to put my best foot forward. I don’t want anyone to be distracted by a noticeable blemish, and I also want to feel comfortable in my skin.

Here’s what I use on my face each night:

I apply Neveah lotion, which isn’t just for my face; I use it on my arms and legs too. It’s designed not to fully absorb instantly; you should leave some on to allow it to naturally evaporate into your skin. Additionally, I use a body scrub that the saleswoman said was quite expensive. I just felt like I needed something to help improve my complexion, so I decided to add it to my basket.

Asking for help

Lastly, I want to emphasize the importance of asking for help. I made this my last point because I know someone out there needs to hear that you can and should ask for assistance. It’s essential to have people in your life who can step up when you’re struggling or facing difficult times—they can make your life much easier.

For instance, I broke my foot while trying to do too many things at once. My dogs were under my feet, my son was around as well, and the basement was a mess. I accidentally stepped on a toy and injured myself.

Since then, I’ve assigned chores to everyone in the house. I realized I am not the only one who creates messes or plays with toys, though I don’t even play with toys myself!

Now, I’ve placed responsibility on my children, and, on top of that, I’ve asked my husband for more help.

There is nothing wrong with seeking a little validation and emotional support along with physical assistance. When I broke my foot, I felt hopeless and had to rely on my kids to help me. My partner stepped up to manage the nighttime routine. Now that my foot has healed, I’ve taken back a few responsibilities, but most of them are shared so that we are all working together as a family, rather than individually.

Take a break

I decided to take a break, not just for my mental health, but also for my children and the future of my family. We needed it because without this time off, I wouldn’t have been able to return to YouTube and finish my blog. I feel a sense of purpose to motivate others and to do so authentically. I work hard to ensure that I remain genuine.

I’m not the type of person who wants to come onto a screen and preach about something I’m not fully committed to; that goes against my values and integrity. My principles are worth more to me than gaining followers through dishonesty. You will never hear a lie from me.

I took this break because I recognized that it was necessary. My advice to you is to take that break, whether it’s just 10 minutes or a whole day. Use that time to recharge, discover what you truly want, and then go for it. That’s all I have to say on this topic. I appreciate your support!