Taking Control of My Health: Simple Changes That Made a Big Difference
If you’re anything like me, you probably didn’t give much thought to your health in your twenties. I always figured I was invincible—like most of us do at that age. But as I got older, reality set in. I started feeling more sluggish, gaining weight, and noticing that bouncing back from a late night out wasn’t as easy as it used to be. That’s when I realized it was time to start taking my health seriously.
This blog series is all about real-life experiences, and today, I want to dive into some of the key things I’ve learned on my journey to improving my overall health. No gimmicks, just small changes that have made a big difference in how I feel.
It All Starts with Diet
If you’ve read my post about hair loss, you know that diet plays a huge role in more than just how we look—it’s also central to how we feel. What I put in my body has a direct impact on my energy levels, mood, and general well-being.
I didn’t overhaul everything overnight, but here’s what’s worked for me:
Cutting Out Processed Junk: It wasn’t easy, but I had to start saying no to the fast food and snacks I used to reach for out of convenience. My new rule? If it comes in a box and has 20 ingredients I can’t pronounce, it’s not for me.
More Fruits and Veggies: Yeah, I know it’s basic, but I wasn’t eating nearly enough of these. Once I started adding more greens, berries, and even sweet potatoes to my meals, I noticed my energy levels improve. My digestion also got better, which was a win I didn’t even see coming.
Drink More Water: I can’t tell you how often I used to walk around dehydrated without even realizing it. Drinking more water has made a massive difference in how I feel throughout the day, and it’s one of the easiest changes I made.
Exercise: Finding What Works for Me
When I first thought about exercising, I had this idea that I needed to hit the gym every day and lift heavy weights. Don’t get me wrong, strength training is great, but I quickly learned that consistency is what really matters.
Here’s what worked for me:
Walking More: I underestimated the power of a good walk. It’s low impact, easy to stick with, and it helped clear my mind. I started taking 30-minute walks a few times a week, and it made me feel more active without the pressure of a hardcore workout.
Bodyweight Exercises: Push-ups, squats, and planks. I don’t need fancy equipment for these, and they’ve been great for building strength without overcomplicating things. When I’m feeling up to it, I’ll throw in some kettlebell swings or resistance bands.
Flexibility and Mobility: This one took a while to click, but stretching and mobility work has been a game-changer. I used to skip stretching entirely, but after a few mornings of tightness and feeling stiff, I started focusing on loosening up. A bit of yoga or just simple stretching before bed has made my body feel more fluid and less creaky.
Mental Health: The Often-Overlooked Piece
Let’s be real—mental health is something a lot of us guys don’t talk about. For a long time, I didn’t either. I thought stress, anxiety, or feeling down were just things you “tough out.” But ignoring my mental well-being was a mistake.
Here’s what’s helped me get on track mentally:
Meditation: I was skeptical at first, but I gave it a shot. Just 10 minutes in the morning to sit quietly, focus on my breathing, and clear my mind. It’s helped me feel more in control of my day and less overwhelmed.
Talking About It: Whether it’s with friends, family, or even a therapist, opening up about what’s on my mind has been incredibly freeing. You don’t have to face everything alone.
Getting Better Sleep: I used to stay up late, scrolling on my phone or watching TV, and wonder why I was always exhausted. Once I started taking sleep seriously—setting a consistent bedtime, turning off electronics before bed—my mood and energy improved drastically.
Supplements: Keeping It Simple
I’m not huge on taking tons of pills, but there are a few supplements that have made a difference for me:
- Multivitamins: Just a simple way to cover any gaps in my diet.
- Omega-3s: For heart health and to reduce inflammation.
- Magnesium: Helps with relaxation and has improved my sleep.
Again, I keep it simple. Supplements are no replacement for a healthy diet, but they’ve been a helpful addition.
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Stay Consistent
Looking back, improving my health hasn’t been about radical changes or jumping into the latest health craze. It’s been about making small, manageable tweaks that I can stick with long term. If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to any guy looking to improve his health, it’s this: Don’t try to do everything at once. Start with one or two changes, and build from there.
At the end of the day, the goal is to feel better, not to aim for some unattainable version of perfect health. Focus on what works for you, and don’t beat yourself up if it takes time. I’m still figuring it out too, but I’m already feeling better, and that’s what counts.