This week's blog isn't focused on photography but on a topic close to my heart: a healthy lifestyle. We all aim for a long, healthy, and joyful life, don't we? But where do we begin? I'll share a brief backstory of my health journey and offer you a few tips to start your path to a healthier life as well!
Disclaimer: I am not a certified health expert or physician. Any advice or tips I offer are merely suggestions. For any health concerns, please consult your physician.
My Journey to a Healthy Lifestyle
Childhood
When I was a kid, I was always on the move. I grew up in a neighborhood full of kids my age, and we were constantly outside doing something fun. We’d ride our bikes, shoot hoops, jump rope, and my absolute favorite was playing flashlight tag at night. When you're a kid, you don't really think about the choices you make or how they'll affect your future. You're just being a kid. As kids, you shouldn't worry about the future. Enjoy the present and see the world through young eyes—it shapes who you become as an adult. I never really gave much thought to the future or what I wanted to do when I was a kid. Now, looking back more than 20 years later, I'd say I was living that active and healthy lifestyle I still aim for as an adult. Being outside is essential for me. Fresh air, sunlight, and the sounds of nature are what keep me going.
Adulthood
I've recently developed a passion for cooking. I enjoy eating, especially when it's fresh, healthy, and made from whole foods. I LOVE my cold press juicer by Ninja. I use it every moring. I'm not a vegetarian or vegan, but I make sure any animal products I eat are cruelty-free, free-range, and minimally processed. One major reason I eat the way I do is because my friend Sara got me into Blue Zones. I'm super thankful she shared this lifestyle with me. **If you would like me to make a post about the wonderful world of Blue Zones, let me know in the comments! I'd love to share more detail on this.
Religion
I grew up in a Christian home. We went to church twice a week, and when I was in high school, I got baptized in a creek where I used to swim, kayak, and catch crawdads. Religion can be a sensitive topic for some people, but I believe that having some kind of spirituality is key to living a healthy lifestyle. Over the last 3-5 years, I've started to question my religious beliefs. I'm really thankful for the way I was raised and the example my family set for me. As you grow and change, you start to connect and build a relationship with your god, or as I like to call it, your Source, and that relationship is just between you and Source. No one can force you to believe in something bigger than you. I think you find that naturally within yourself. I've started adding Zen practices into my daily routine. Yoga and meditation really help me chill out, focus on my breathing, tune into my body, and connect with my Source. In our hectic world, I make sure to set aside some time to relax and embrace Wu Wei (the art of doing nothing).
My Circle
We've all got those few friends or family members who just get us, right? For me, I always considered myself an introvert growing up, and I guess I still am in some ways. But as I've been figuring out who I am and trying to live a happy, healthy life, I've met some amazing people who really care about me and understand me—or have even helped me discover who I really am. We don't need and really shouldn't have millions of social media "friends/followers". How would we possibly connect with that many people on a deeper level anyway? When it comes to my circle, I need and want that deep connection with like-minded people. The circle doesn't need to be be large at all. It could even be just one other person, but it's super important that you have someone in your life that supports you, loves you, and cares about you.
References
As I mentioned Blue Zones earlier, I've come across others who share the same goals and ambitions. People like Dan Beuttner, Darin Olien, Rich Roll, Alan Watts, and Abraham Hicks to name a few. When you're passionate about something, you typically dive deep, seeking out resources and references to expand your understanding and incorporate those concepts into your life. I really enjoy reading and learning about healthy habits and research. I believe if you're going to walk the walk you have to be able to talk the talk, as they say. That way when others have questions, you can share the knowledge you've acquired to assist them on their journey.
So Where Do I Start?
Most people decide to live healthier because their doctor says something like, "You should lose weight, hit the gym, or eat better." Because someone told them to. We all know we should be doing those things but I get it. Life gets in the way and we don't concern ourselves about our mental, physical or spiritual health until a health scare arises. The choices we make every day ultimately decide our future. So even just a small tweak to your daily routine can make a huge difference. Small habits can lead to large outcomes.
Nutrition: What You Put In, You Get Out
We've all heard the saying, "You get out what you put in." A small change that can make a big difference over time is what you feed your body. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Eat more whole foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. My favorite breakfast is plain whole grain oats topped with fresh blueberries, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a teaspoon of local honey, a handful of pecans, and some organic coconut milk for extra flavor.
Try to avoid processed foods, added sugars, and too much salt. One of my go-to apps (not sponsored, lol) is Yuka. I use it whenever I'm grocery shopping. Just scan a product's barcode, and the app gives it a score from 0-100, with 100 being excellent. And the best part? It's free!
DRINK MORE WATER. I'm just as guilty as you, I love my morning coffee. But staying hydrated with fresh, clean water is a must for a healthy lifestyle. The general rule of thumb is to drink 1/2-1 oz of water per pound of body weight. ie a 150 Ibs person would consume 75-150 oz of water a day. My all time favorite water bottle that I use daily is my blue bottle by Blue Bottle Love. I fill it up and place it in direct sunlight for 30 minutes to an hour and enjoy every ounce!
Get Up and Move
A body in motion is vital. Many people have jobs that require them to sit for more than 40 hours a week. Regardless of your occupation, it's important to maintain your body's strength and health to handle whatever challenges your day presents.
Pick an activity you like—whether it's walking, swimming, yoga, or hitting the gym. It doesn't have to be boring or tough. Our bodies are built to move. If you need a little push, team up with a friend or family member who can keep you on track and join you for a couple of laps around your local park.
If you're able, choose the stairs at work instead of the elevator. Try asking for a standing desk if you work a desk job. And when you wake up, do a quick 5-minute stretch before grabbing your morning coffee. It's a great way to earn that cup!
Physical activity is just as important as what you fuel your body with. Carving out an hour or 2 a week to get some fresh air or get a sweat on is a good starting point. Who knows, you might start liking it and carving out more time throughout the week for physical activity.
Sleep to Recover
Sleep is a game changer. Our bodies require time to rest and recharge. You can feel when you've had a good night's sleep, and you can feel when you haven't. Make sure you're giving your body the right amount of rest it needs to keep you going.
We've all been told to get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, that still applies to a healthy lifestyle.
Getting into a good sleep routine will make it easier for you to go to bed at a decent time, and your circadian rhythm will kick in.
When it's bedtime, try to cut back on screen time and dim the lights. I have my phone programmed to go in sleep mode which greys out my screen and I know it's time for bed. If I need some light, I turn on my red light lamp or my pink Himalayan salt lamp.
Mental Health
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Making time for it in your daily routine is a great habit to get into.
A great way to relieve stress is journaling your thoughts, breath work, and meditation. A habit I've started doing every morning this year is journaling. I find that it helps me gather my thoughts and is a great way to release any tension or stress I might be going through by putting it in pen to paper.
You are important, and what feels good to you is also important. Whatever brings you joy in life, pursue it. You will live a more fulfilling life when you care about and enjoy what you're doing. Find those small happy activities and enjoy reveling in them.
Find your crew, your circle. Surround yourself with a strong support system. Your circle doesn't have to be large but having someone in your corner that you feel gets you, that's important.
Healthy Habits
Start on one or two small changes and build from there. I recently read a book by James Clear called Atomic Habits. It's a great source to look into if you're unsure where to start or what to do.
Set realistic goals and track your progress to stay motivated. It's so easy to compare yourself to those around you. DON'T DO THAT. That person isn't you. You are on your own journey to a healthier lifestyle and they are on theirs. Focus on yourself and you will be surprised how quickly you start seeing results in your favor.
Conclusion
Living a healthier life is not about perfection but about consistent, mindful choices that support your well-being. By focusing on balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, quality of sleep, and mental well-being, you can create a sustainable lifestyle that enhances your energy, happiness, and overall health.
Remember, small steps lead to big changes. Start with one or two healthy habits, stay patient with yourself, and celebrate your progress along the way. A healthier, happier you is within reach––one positive choice at a time!
I'd love to hear what changes you plan to make in the comments! All my love and support! - Jake
Sources
Over the past few years I've done tons of research, read a bunch of books, and follow a lot of inspiring people who live healthy lifestyles. Here are the main resources I rely on and use.
Sources
Dan Buettner - Founder of Blue Zones
Must read –– Blue Zones of Happiness
Darin Olien - Author
Must read –– Fatal Conveniences
Rich Roll - Podcaster
Alan Watts - Philosopher
Must read –– The Wisdom of Insecurity
Abraham Hicks - Inspirational Speaker
Must read –– Ask and It Is Given
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