[3/4] The Fresh Start Series: Health

Assalamu alaykum dear friend,

Welcome to Episode 3 of The Fresh Start Series!

(Or the episode that the writer needs waaaay more than the reader, lol, just like most of my writing so yeah)

As you may already know, I (desperately) need fresh starts in every aspect of my life, but health is probably the one I struggle the most with.

So what does a fresh start in your health look like?

When I think of this question, my brain likes to start by breaking “health” down into 4 different categories: nutrition, sleep, movement, and mental health.

1. Nutrition

How well do you understand your food-related things? Are you aware that there’s an “order” you should eat your food? Do you know what it is about your diet that’s causing you to feel this way or that way? Or what part of your diet is causing weight gain or hindering weight loss, or vice versa? How about supplementing? Is this something you’ve started but struggle to keep up with?

Action Items:

• Book that regular health check! Go to your family doctor and tell them your online sister said you should go in for a general check-up. You’re welcomeeeee!

• Read the book Biohack Like a Woman - I don’t like the title, but I love what I’ve learnt so far about nutrition.

2. Sleep

We (ahem, I…) don’t give my sleep the attention it needs. I’m literally writing this letter very late at night when I should be asleep… not proud of myself at all! #welistenandwedontjudge ☺️

So… what’s your relationship with sleep like? Do you pay attention to how you sleep and wake up? Do you give your body the rest it deserves?

Action Items:

• Buy a lock box 😮‍💨 for your mobile device(s). Put them away 1-2 hours before your bedtime. This means no screen time at all before bed. (You may use an e-reader though, if necessary).

• Build yourself a nighttime routine!
  Side note: please comment below if you have a nighttime/wind-down routine that works for you and you’d like to share. I neeeeed the inspo, thank you! I’m comfortable with my dream morning routine (would love to write a book about it one day, btw!), but I’m zero with nighttime routines outside of kids' bedtime things.

• Use a white noise app. You’re welcome!

3 - Movement

Dear beautiful sister… it’s time to stop running away from this one 😁 The aches and pains and stiffness you may be feeling are just trying to get your attention. Please give them the attention they need, listen to your body, and move your body.

Action Items:

• Take some time to sit with yourself and understand what your relationship with movement has been like so far. Is exercise a consistent part of your weekly routine? If not, what’s getting in your way? You can use paper and pen for this one. Dig deep.

• Download a “7 Minute Workout” app.

• Find a gym buddy (or a personal trainer!) and get to work :)

4 - Mental Health

Mental health is juuuust as important as (if not more than) physical health. It’s so important to take care of your mind and emotions, especially in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

How well do you manage stress and anxiety? Are you team overwhelm (hi!) or team zen? Do you take time for self-care? For relaxation?

Action Items:

• Read the Qur’an 🙂 and keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah

• Start a gratitude journal. Write down three things you’re grateful for each day (this is a good one to add to our night time routine).

• Make time for hobbies and activities that you enjoy. What fills your cup? Is it walks in nature? Catching up with that one friend? Or if you’re like me, visiting bookstores is the thingggg! Figure out at least one thing you enjoy and make time for it (add it to your calendar!)

Remember dear sister, none of this is meant to make you uncomfortable. Taking care of your health is a long and ongoing journey. A healthier you is able to show up better for ibadah (worship). Be kind to yourself and take small, consistent steps towards a healthier you.

May Allah bless you and increase you in good health, both physical and mental. Ameen!

Love + Du'a,
Maryam

P.S. What’ll make me smile so wide right now is if you reply to this email to tell me which of the action item(s) you’re going to try hard to implement this week, inshaAllah :) 🎉