Whenever I find myself cracking ribs or catching colds, I see it as a neon sign telling me I’m not taking care of myself. Now some people might say that because I have osteogenesis imperfecta, it’s logical that I fracture or catch colds. True.
But if I reflect on my actions prior to a fracture or sickness, I can see where my actions didn’t help the situation. I’m not perfect in this area because sometimes I’m simply exhausted being good. Sometimes, I want to eat a slice of pizza even though I’m lactose intolerant. Sometimes, I want a juicy burger with crispy fries. Even though, I know I will pay the consequences for it.
Life is about moderation. But reality hits harder for us than others. So I’ve made changes in my life for a healthier lifestyle that cater to my needs and wants. I’m sharing this with you, but my specific healthy habits aren’t for everyone. You must create your own.
Therefore, without further ado, here are my top ten must-take actions to establish healthy habits.
- Set Realistic Goals: Start by setting achievable and realistic goals tailored to your abilities and limitations. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. People usually write goals that they give up on after the fourth day. Do not compare your goals to other people’s goals. Your life, your journey. I’ve written about this before in my newsletter. I’m sure you’re a subscriber. If not, be sure to subscribe. Link will be at the end of this article.
- Consult with Healthcare Professionals: Seek guidance from healthcare professionals, such as physicians, physical therapists, nutritionists, or rehabilitation specialists, to develop a personalized plan that considers your specific disability and health needs. Unless your relative knows the ins and outs of your medical condition, take their advice the way I take my coffee…light.
- Prioritize Physical Activity: Engage in regular physical activity suitable for your condition, whether it’s seated exercises, wheelchair workouts, aquatic therapy, or adapted sports. Aim for a mix of cardiovascular, strength, flexibility, and balance exercises. Here’s where things get tricky. I like Tae Bo and dancing in my wheelchair. Once my local JCC opens up their accessible pool, I will be there doing laps. You have to decide what you are willing to do on a regular basis. It doesn’t mean every day. It doesn’t mean for hours. It’s about starting a healthy habit that will stay with you. Make it fun so you will not treat it like an ex. You know avoidance and disgust. ha ha
- Adopt a Balanced Diet: Focus on consuming a healthy meal three times a day or as your body sees fit. Consider consulting a dietitian to ensure your nutritional needs are met while managing any dietary restrictions or challenges. Here’s where things can get tricky. Some of us don’t want to eat three times a day. Some times we prefer smaller meals throughout the day. I think everyone is unique. Luckily for me, I am not an expert in this area. Therefore, you will need to seek an expert. I do know to avoid precessed food and pure fruit juice and plenty of water. I think those are healthy habits. Every now and then, I will sip a mimosa or sangria. Remember, moderation is key.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate certain health conditions. Keep a water bottle within reach to encourage regular intake. Would you be willing to add lemon or cucumber slices to your water? Do whatever you need to stay hydrated. Your entire body will thank you.
- Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management: Incorporate relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness exercises, to manage stress and promote mental well-being. Prioritize self-care activities to reduce feelings of anxiety or depression. So yeah, I asked someone about that because I don’t do any of that. However, it’s a healthy habit. My friend says that I do something like it because I like to be silent with nature. I will find a quiet place, listen to the birds, look up at the clouds, and think happy thoughts. If that works for you, go for it.
- Establish a Sleep Routine: Aim for a consistent sleep schedule and create a conducive sleep environment to improve the quality and duration of your sleep. Address any barriers to sleep, such as discomfort or pain, with appropriate accommodations or assistive devices. I can write 800 articles about this topic. My body has protest sleep for a long time. It wants to sleep, but it can’t get comfortable until I toss and turn forever. But I made a few changes to create a healthy habit at night. Obviously, I’m not on my phone. My friends know that I will not be looking at my phone at last thirty minutes prior to sleep time. If something is on my mind, I write it in my journal. Definitely helps!
- Seek Social Support: Build a support network of friends, family members, peers, or support groups who understand and empathize with your experiences. Stay connected with others to combat feelings of isolation and promote social engagement. This is probably the best healthy habit! If you say you have no one, go search for someone the way you would search for your guaranteed winning lotto ticket. I’m not exaggerating. Having healthy friendships is like winning the lotto. Even in my newsletters, I discuss the amazing friendships in my life. You can also remove friendships that aren’t healthy for you. So pruning friendships is another healthy habit.
- Adapt Your Environment: Make necessary modifications to your living space, workspace, or daily routines to enhance accessibility and independence. Utilize assistive devices, adaptive equipment, or technology solutions to overcome physical barriers and streamline tasks. For example, when I moved into my new place, the shower was those dungeon looking showers where you had to step down. Obviously, I couldn’t do that. So we took two shower benches and placed them in an L shape. Now I slide from the wheelchair to the shower bench, then slide again towards the shower knob. I also have those long grab tools that some of us call a reacher. There’s one in almost every room in my home.
- Track Progress and Adjust Accordingly: Keep track of your habits, progress, and challenges using a journal, mobile app, or wearable device. Regularly evaluate your habits and make adjustments as needed to ensure continued growth and improvement. I have a bullet journal, although I’m not as consistent with it as I am with my not so fancy journal. I have an Oura ring too. It’s helped me. While I’m not suggesting you spend that much money on a ring, it’s wise to document what works for you and why it works for you. Of course, what doesn’t work for you and why it doesn’t work for you. Even having a daily chat with your friends is a great way to keep track of your healthy habits. Never give up on yourself. Nothing will work right away. Sometimes we have to fight the negative self talk and replace it with self love.
Remember, building healthy habits is a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and self-compassion. Celebrate your successes, learn from setbacks, and stay committed to prioritizing your health and well-being.
If we want to live the audacious life we’re meant to live then we need healthy habits. Our disability doesn’t stop us from living with audacity.
I’d love to know what healthy habits you have in your life. Maybe I can adopt those too.
If you liked this article, you will like this one. Sometimes we have to remove people for a better life. Please comment here with your thoughts. Thanks. https://www.audacitymagazine.com/removing-inconsiderate-relatives-and-friends-improved-my-life/
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