Healthy Lifestyle Review
We all need to take time to check in with ourselves here and there.
I believe most of us really know what we should be doing, but sometimes life just takes us in a different direction (hopefully temporarily).
But we can always start over at anytime, once we know where we want to go.
The best way? Create awareness in what we are doing each day.
You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. ~ Marcus Aurelius.
I’m a full believer in taking control of what you can in your life (and trying not to stress over the rest).
Clarify what you do want to happen and focus on taking those small steps going forward.
I like to keep it simple and view health and an equation of repair vs damage.
To do more repair/recovery and less of what causes more damage such as:
- Eat mainly nutrient-dense, minimally processed real foods (for vitamins/amino acids/nutrients and less processed/added sugars/rancid oils that cause can cause more oxidative damage and inflammation) .
- Get up and move more (even in 5 min bursts throughout the day) for better circulation, stress relief, fresh air/sunshine (Vit D) and toss in a couple workouts a week to help maintain your muscles.
- Reduce other lifestyle factors that cause chronic stress (inflammation) and focus on more relaxing activities and sleep for repair.
There is no one “perfect plan” for everyone, just what you can sustain in the long run.
So grab a journal or notepad, pour your favorite drink and find a quiet spot to reflect.
Answer as many questions as you like.
There are no wrong answers.
No judgements.
Just be honest with yourself.
Diet & Nutrition
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How has my overall eating look this year?
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Which foods or meals supported my energy, digestion, mood, and health?
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Which foods or meals did not?
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Which eating patterns supported my energy, digestion, mood and health?
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Which eating patterns did not?
- What were my favorite meals to eat?
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How well did my eating schedule fit my lifestyle, energy, focus, performance and sleep?
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How often did I eat more processed foods, added sugars, or convenience foods/snacks and why?
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What have I learned about how my body responds to certain foods or eating patterns?
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Which nutrition habits made the biggest positive difference in my health this year?
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What nutrition or health goals did I intend to focus on but didn’t follow through with? Are they still important to me?
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Which current food choices or eating habits feel least aligned with how I want to feel and function moving forward?
Exercise & Movement
- How consistent was my movement and exercise this year?
- Which workouts, routines, or forms of movement worked best for my body and lifestyle?
- Which exercises or training styles gave me the best results (strength, endurance, fat loss, mobility, or energy)?
- What types of movement did I genuinely enjoy and which did I tend to avoid? Why?
- How did my daily movement look outside of workouts?
- What simple movement habits could I realistically do in small daily bursts?
- What physical goals did I intend to reach but didn’t? Why?
- Which habits or behaviors contributed most to my progress?
- Which movement patterns, exercises, or routines no longer serve my body, health, or goals?
Lifestyle & Stress
- How has my overall lifestyle felt this year (physically, mentally and emotionally)?
- Which daily habits or routines consistently made my days feel better or more manageable?
- Which habits, environments, or situations added the most stress or friction to my days?
- What have I learned about my need for rest, recovery, and downtime?
- How well did I manage stress, and what signals did my body give me when stress was too high?
- Where do I need clearer boundaries with work, technology or other people?
- Where am I losing focus, getting distracted, or spending energy on things that don’t truly matter to me?
- What changes would help me feel calmer, more balanced, or more present in daily life?
- Are the people, places, and commitments in my life mostly supporting my well-being or draining it?
- What gives me a sense of purpose, meaning, or fulfillment in my everyday life?
Going Forward
- What do I want more of in my life this year? (Say YES to)
- What do I want less of? (Say NO to)
- What would an ideal “normal” day look like for me? (meals, movement, work, rest, etc)
- What diet and nutrition changes do I want to make or try this year?
- What new foods or meals do I want to try this year?
- What exercise and movement changes do I want to make this year?
- What lifestyle changes do I want to make this year?
- What activities or habits genuinely bring me enjoyment, energy, or peace and how can I do more of them?
- What small, realistic changes would have the biggest positive impact on my health this year?
- How can I stay consistent while still making meaningful long-term progress?
- What are the top three health habits I will prioritize this year and why do they matter to me?
You Got This!
Remember you are in control, and every day is a new opportunity to start fresh and make meaningful changes for your health and happiness.
- Aim for progress and not perfection.
- Let all the little wins add up (consistency is the real goal).
- Focus on what you want more of and stress less over the rest.
- Relax, smile, slow down and enjoy the journey…as it’s all we ever have.
Do something today that your future self will thank you for!