It’s easy to underestimate the significant influence that small, regular habits may have on our general well-being because we often take an “all or nothing” approach to life. I had the chance to talk about my experience and the simple habits that have changed my life in a recent podcast interview with Dr. Megan Lyons on her Podcast “Wellness Your Way.” She is the founder and owner of The Lyons’ Share Wellness, where she has shared her game-changing approach to wellness through personalized health coaching, corporate wellness programs, and motivational speaking.
The Wake-Up Call
I neglected aspects of my health for years while I balanced the responsibilities of family life and business. Gut issues were a constant, but I pushed them off as annoyances I would deal with when I had more time. I also grew tired of trying to resolve the problem after seeking help from various doctors and naturopathic practitioners without finding any real solutions. Even with cleanses, eliminating certain foods, colonics and many hours and money spent on supplements I couldn’t find a lasting solution. The result of not getting to the bottom of what was really going on was massive inflammation in my intestines that landed me in the hospital. My small intestines were collapsing, a condition called Intussusception, which is very rare and fatal if not treated immediately with an emergency surgery. The surgery resulted in thirteen inches of my intestines removed and was a very scary experience. Coupled with a recent diagnosis of ulcerative colitis served as a turning point, forcing me to rethink my approach to health. This crucial event served as a catalyst for a significant change in my perspective on health, a subject we covered in-depth in the episode.
Embracing Small Changes
I was committed to regaining my health after my recovery. With this new mindset, I focused on integrating small, sustainable habits rather than making drastic changes overnight. One of my first adjustments was replacing my morning coffee with a glass of water followed with lemon-infused water. The simple act improved digestion and set me up for better overall energy throughout the day since I wasn’t reliant on caffeine to wake me up, allowing my body to get into a better rhythm. Additionally, I started taking more time to simply acknowledge and care for my body in the morning with intentional acts such as dry brushing, deep breathing and stretching.
We also discussed how I started making conscious eating a priority during the episode. I became more aware of my body’s cues and improved my digestion and contentment by eating more slowly and when I was not in a rushed state. When I made these small changes on a regular basis, my energy levels and general health began to noticeably improve.
The Power of Consistency
The importance of consistency was one of our main conclusions. Seeking short-term solutions is tempting, but consistent, constructive behavior is the foundation of long-term wellness. Research supports this strategy, showing that even modest, regular habits can bring major long-term advantages. For example, studies link regular routines to improved emotional and behavioral control in children, and the same applies to adults.
Expanding Healthy Habits
Building on these initial changes, I explored other areas where small healthy daily routine could make a big impact:
- Proper Hydration: Prioritizing drinking more water with added electrolytes and minerals.
- Movement: Incorporating short, frequent walks or daily workouts (both low intensity and high intensity) into my schedule helped reduce stress and boost my mood.
- Sleep Routine: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, including activities like reading or gentle stretching, enhanced my sleep quality.
Although these procedures were straightforward and took little time, they became natural routines and had a significant impact. These were a few of the tactics we covered on the episode, showing how simple it is to put these changes into practice.
The Journey to Health Coaching
While I worked to form new habits, I was simultaneously enrolled at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition to become a certified health coach. This helped me build a foundation for which to apply certain methods for myself and give me the tools to help others one day. During the episode, I also talked about my experience and how this journey changed my purpose and career.
Empowering Others
In my coaching practice, I emphasize that health is not an all-or-nothing endeavor. It all comes down to making sustainable and manageable decisions. For instance, instead of feeling overwhelmed with making an elaborate healthy meal with 20 ingredients, a simple 5 ingredient soup made in 30 minutes will do the trick. Or instead of feeling that it is necessary to do intense workouts 7 days a week, just making time for a walk or any movement that you like can be best place to start because it is something that becomes achievable and therefore, lasting.
In the podcast, I discussed how clients frequently express shock at the significant advantages that can result from these small changes. By concentrating on tiny, constructive steps, people can gain confidence and momentum, which will ultimately result in more significant lifestyle adjustments.
To Wrap-up
I’ve learned throughout my journey that simple, regular routines pave the way to optimal health. Our well-being can undergo significant changes if we accept minor adjustments and stick with them over time. One of the podcast’s main takeaways was that gradual, deliberate changes are more likely to result in long-lasting change than major overhauls.
What’s one small habit you can start today? Just one. It might not seem like much, but those tiny steps build momentum and create real, lasting change. Let’s take this journey together, one simple action at a time!
