Packing for Adventure

Daily writing prompt

What strategies do you use to maintain your health and well-being?

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I am amazed by people who only need to maintain their health and well-being. When I get to the maintenance stage, I’ll be celebrating!

For me, health and well-being is a constant uphill struggle. I have an unfortunately voracious sweet tooth, with my drug of choice being ice cream. Not all ice cream is created equal – I love the thick, creamy, high-fat kind. Dessert is my definite weakness!

I also have a natural inclination to lounge. I do have a genuine love for nature, but oftentimes I have to remind myself that even though laying in bed and scrolling through reels is easier, I never regret going for a hike.

My mental well-being is in question as well… I have battled anxiety since high school when it first felt like life was getting overwhelming.

I have found that being in nature and ensuring an active lifestyle is the best remedy for anxiety. I make goals to run a certain amount of miles in a year, and those running goals keep me in hiking shape (even if I come last in a race).

As for my sweet tooth, intermittent fasting has been a huge help to me over the last few years. It helps me feel like I’m in control. It provides less opportunity for mindless snacking.

Though I’m far from having it all figured out, I do have a toolkit that helps me keep going – go outside, move my body, fast with intention, and be kind to myself when I stumble.

Maintenance is the goal. Daily progress is the plan.