3 Ways to Stay Healthy in My 30s

This week, FoundHealth is excited to publish a guest blog by Ashley Gee, co-founder and writer for A&O ‘Discover Inspiration’. We will be working with A&O to release anecdotal blogs on ‘Tips for Staying Healthy in Your 40′s/50′s’ over the next month. Stay tuned and enjoy!

It’s official. I’m in my 30s. Not 30, but actually in my 30s. It’s not depressing as much as it’s just, surprising. It had to happen I guess. I mean I know I’m older because I feel it. I feel different than I did 10 years ago, I feel different than I did five years ago. This body made me realize that my lifestyle required some adjustments if I want to stay healthy in my 30s and beyond. And while I can’t turn back the hands of time (I’m not sure that I even want to) but three substantive alterations to my routine will keep me in fighting shape.

1. Eat consciously. I always had a pretty fast metabolism and didn’t need to “worry” about my weight. In my 20s I could eat pizza and cheeseburgers nearly every day and not think twice about it. No high blood pressure, no high cholesterol, healthy BMI. But, now I feel the effects of a pizza binge. I feel sluggish after eating fried food. I’ve put on a couple of extra pounds. So, I’ve embraced clean eating and keep my favorite indulgences, like ice cream, to a minimum. I can look and feel as good as I did in my 20s, I just have to understand my limitations.

No, I'm not dieting...I'm just eating healthy!

2. Get beauty sleep. In my 20s I could burn the candle at both ends. Work all day and party all night, was my motto! Well I have to say those days are behind me. If I don’t get 8 hours of sleep I feel it. My body needs a proper night’s rest in order to repair itself. Catching z’s also keeps my mind sharp so I can power through 10-12 hour days. Did you know that that National Sleep Research Project says that,” anything less than five minutes to fall asleep at night means you’re sleep deprived. The ideal is between 10 and 15 minutes, meaning you’re still tired enough to sleep deeply, but not so exhausted you feel sleepy by day.

Beauty sleep is crucial!

3. Minimize stress. In today’s world it’s a full-time job to keep the incessant mental chatter to a dull roar. I’m fully ‘wired’ so my mind never seems to quit. As I’ve matured more responsibilities have come up. I’ve advanced in my career, which is great, however, this also meant a busier lifestyle. That busier lifestyle meant more stuff, which lead to, you guessed it. Stress started to wreak havoc on my body. Gastrointestinal problems, lack of sleep, irritability and teeth grinding are all effects of that have crept into my life. This is by far the hardest element that I’ve tried to tackle, but I’ve learned methods to help take control. Exercise is by far is the best medicine. Taking the time to hit the gym helps me release tension, keeps my digestive system working well and sleeping soundly.

Yoga is great for relieving stress!

Staying healthy requires vigilance, but by taking charge and respecting my body, I can stay healthy and have as much energy as I did in my roaring 20s. The best is yet to come!

What changes did you/have you made to say healthy in your 30s? Empower the community by leaving a comment!

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