'I was a late bloomer when it came to exercise. Now, these are my 6 non-negotiables for looking after my health.'

I’ve been a late bloomer when it comes to truly embracing a consistently healthy lifestyle. I only really started looking after my health three years ago. 

Before that, I often dabbled in fads and trends for a few weeks and then moved on to something else, rarely sticking to any positive lifestyle habits for very long.

But, when good ol’ COVID came along, well consistency kept me sane, and this consistency included solidifying a healthy lifestyle and sticking to it.

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Funnily enough, this consistency has made a massive difference to my wellbeing. Not only has my physical fitness improved, but my mental health too. And, while the pandemic sucked, I do have to thank it for getting me to improve my health. 

Now, I am definitely not a wellness expert, but I do know what works for me. With all that being said, these are my six non-negotiables for looking after my health.

1. Getting my body moving.

It doesn’t have to be marathon training, or even running at all, just getting your booty off the couch and exercising makes all the difference.

Why? Well, not only does it get that blood pumping and digestive system moving along – the most important thing for me, is it helps clear my head and reduce my stress levels.

For me, exercise is daily walking (briskly), cycling, an occasional downhill jog (because gravity), and some core and resistance work with hand weights to strengthen my muscles. 

For others though? Well, it can be anything that makes you feel good. 

It could be rock climbing, playing tennis, or hitting the gym. And, if the gym is your pick, where better than the women’s only gym space. Fernwood is a supportive community that can get behind you and help you train in confidence.

Plus, Fernwood has state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, group fitness classes and reformer pilates to suit every fitness level. There is also free breakfast every morning and bathrooms stocked with toiletries, including straighteners. And, given that there are 70 locations across Australia, chances are, you have one nearby!

Image: Supplied. 

2. Occassional pampering.

My number two is probably a little indulgent – but for me, a monthly massage, a facial every now and then, and my hairdresser appointments are important to me. These treatments may not raise my heart rate, but they do make me feel a million dollars and leave me with a smile on my dial.

Having some alone time away from kids and responsibilities, as well as time to just zone out makes a world of difference when it comes to my mental health. Even if it is only for half an hour, that is half an hour where I am the priority (which, let’s be honest, can often fall by the wayside when you’re a parent).

3. Catching up with friends and family.

Whether it’s hitting the dance floor, grabbing a coffee, or even going for a stroll – catching up with friends is a mood lifter! 

Sometimes with schedules, commitments and life in general, this is easier said than done. I’ve found that even if it is a silly GIF or meme sent via social media or text, this can be all you need to get that friend fix (although, a boogie together is preferable).

Image: Supplied. 

4. Prioritising sleep.

Oh, how I adore sleep! It is integral to our health – physically and mentally. 

While the majority of us know this, it can often be a last on the priority list because life gets in the way.

For me though, well I’m a stickler for a solid 8 hours (minimum) at night because without it, well let’s just say I am not the easiest person to be around. So, with that in mind, I ensure that I’m in bed by 9.30pm and have the lights off by 10pm.

I also follow a strict sleep routine – journalling any worries prior to bed so I don’t lay awake thinking about them, no caffeine (no matter how much that latte is calling out to me) after midday, no screens once I enter the bedroom and lastly, reading a chapter of my book before turning the lights off to tire out my eyes.

Image: Supplied. 

5. Water, baby.

I take a water bottle everywhere, so much so, it is like a (super colourful) extension of my arm. 

I wasn’t always a water fan, but when I began breastfeeding my thirst was unquenchable and the extra water bearing limb grew in order to assist and it's never left.

Hydrating is of course very helpful to our bodies – from energy levels, and brain function, to keeping our skin healthy. 

I do however have an unhealthy amount of water bottles because, for me, they’re just as important to an outfit as any other accessory. So, you need options, right?

6. Being kind to yourself.

This last point has probably been the most difficult non-negotiable for me to implement and stick to. I am hard on myself and can be very critical. 

But, I also know that doing this can impact my mood, confidence and overall self-esteem, making them all very low. So, as Ross Geller would say, “PIVOT!”

And, that is what I always try to do with my self-talk. I actively work on shifting it to the positive because I know this can make all the difference and also that it has a flow-on effect with my other non-negotiables. 

Fernwood Fitness is a leading women’s only gym that specialises in women’s health, fitness and wellness. Find where to join your nearest gym.

Feature Image: Supplied.