Hey there, lovely readers! 🌟 I wanted to share a bit about my experience with having a word for the year, and why it might just be the game-changer you need. As a coach for South Asian women, I know the challenges we face in prioritising ourselves. Let me tell you how embracing ‘health’ as my word for the year transformed my life, and I hope it sparks some inspiration for you too.
Why a Word for the Year?
Having a word for the year gives me focus, a guiding light to navigate through the ups and downs. For many of us, especially South Asian women, there’s a cultural tendency to put others first, often neglecting ourselves. I’m here to break that pattern and share my journey in the hope that it encourages you to invest in your well-being.
‘Health’ Unpacked
Choosing ‘health’ as my word wasn’t just about hitting the gym or going on a diet. It was a holistic approach, breaking down into three key areas: healthy eating, exercise, and understanding my body better.
Healthy Eating
The journey started with an intolerance test with a nutritionist. Turns out, I had some surprises waiting for me! Dealing with gut issues for as long as I can remember, the test shed light on intolerances. Working with the nutritionist for a few months transformed my gut health, leading to increased energy, balanced hormones, no more bloating, and better skin. Yes, it meant tweaking my diet, and bidding farewell to dairy and yeast, but the positive impact on how I feel now is beyond words.
Exercise
I’m not a gym enthusiast, and a rigid routine wasn’t my style. Instead, I committed to daily, flexible exercise, aiming for around 30 minutes a day. Whether it’s yoga, walking, running, or light weights, I found what I enjoy. The key is adapting it to my schedule, especially when life as a mom throws its curveballs. No more guilt about missed gym sessions; instead, it’s about finding joy in movement. YouTube videos at home became my go-to, usually in the morning when my willpower is at its peak.
Understanding My Body – Hormones
Delving deeper into my well-being, I explored my hormonal cycles. A podcast, ’28ish Days Later’ on BBC Sounds, was a fantastic starting point. We aren’t taught enough about our bodies and the intricacies of our monthly cycles. Understanding which hormones play a role and when they fluctuate can be a game-changer for mood, appetite, skin, and more.
I highly recommend diving into ‘Period Power’ by Maisie Hill for a more profound understanding of these issues. It’s time to break the silence around menstruation, empower ourselves with knowledge, and change how we feel.
So, here’s to prioritising ‘health,’ making positive changes, and embracing a journey of self-discovery. In 2024 my word of the year will be ‘Mindset’ and I’m excited to see what changes that will bring when I focus on it.
If you would like any more information on what I did and the contact details of the people I used, just pop me an email and I’ll get back to you.Â