For most of my life, I thought being healthy simply meant not having a fever or not being on medication. If I could go to work, do my chores, and get through the day, I assumed I was doing fine.
That changed last spring.
One morning, I woke up feeling completely drained — not the kind of tired that a cup of coffee could fix. My mind was foggy, my shoulders were tense, and even climbing the stairs felt like a chore. I wasn’t “sick” by medical standards — no cough, no sore throat, no fever. But deep down, I knew something wasn’t right.
I went to see my doctor, expecting a quick prescription and a return to normal. Instead, she asked me a question that caught me off guard:
“How are you sleeping? Eating? Moving? Managing stress?”
I realized I didn’t have a good answer. My meals were rushed and processed. Sleep was inconsistent. Exercise? Only if you counted running to catch the bus. And stress? Let’s just say my mind was always “on.”
That day, I began to understand that health is not just the absence of illness — it’s the presence of balance.
It’s nourishing your body, caring for your mind, and creating space for rest and joy.
Since then, I’ve made small, intentional changes:
- Prioritizing sleep like it’s an important meeting
- Moving my body daily — even if it’s just a 20-minute walk
- Adding more fresh foods to my plate
- Practicing mindfulness to keep stress in check
The difference has been life-changing. My energy is better, my mood is lighter, and my body feels like it’s working with me, not against me.
💡 Takeaway: Don’t wait for illness to remind you that your health matters. Your body is whispering to you every day — listen before it has to shout.