3 Ways I’m Getting Healthier In 2020

Hey Freehive! I hope your New Year is off to a great start. As you can see, I took a bit of a break from the blog as I needed to decompress. 2019 was full of change for me (I will share more later), and I needed some time to regroup. But on this little hiatus, I did do a few things that will contribute to an overall healthier me. And that’s exciting!

So, in my first post of 2020, I am sharing 3 ways I’m getting healthier this year. Let’s jump right in, shall we! 

Thirsty? Never. I Stay Hydrated

I live in the South — Atlanta to be specific — where the sweet tea is DIABETICAL! At some spots, you can substitute the tea for pancake syrup. An Arnold Palmer — called a Teamonade, an Uptown and an Obama at some southern restaurants — is my absolute favorite beverage. And Chick-fil-A does it to perfection. I’m addicted. 

***Shop this look here

However, I was drinking too many sugary drinks in 2019. Doing so was definitely counterproductive to my weightless goals too. So I made a commitment to drink more water, and that I did. For the entire month of January 2020, water was my beverage of choice. I only drank water for 31 days, with the exception of my morning smoothie that included 1/4 cup of organic pineapple juice. And you know what? It wasn’t hard at all. I actually love water, but my daily intake was between 24 and 32 ounces. Now, I am drinking a gallon or more a day. With meals, I prefer flavored sparkling water because it felt like I was having a soda or cocktail. 

I am so proud of myself for staying on track. Oh, and I am down 6 pounds as a result, when coupled with my fitness activity. 

Get Moving. Don’t Stop.

A couple of years ago, my husband bought me a Fitbit. I used it sporadically, but not as often as I should. I strapped it on on January 1, and haven’t looked back. It definitely motivates me to get moving, and keeps me encouraged to reach my goals. Getting to a healthier me in 2020 means to get moving. 

There are 2 sets of stairs at the end of my block. Twenty-nine on one side, 28 on the other. At least 3 times a week, I run up and down those stairs 10 times on each side. Not only have I shed some pounds, but my stamina and energy levels have increased. 

Did You Know? 

• Climbing just eight flights of stairs a day lowers average early mortality risk by 33%
• Seven minutes of stair climbing a day can halve the risk of heart attack over 10 years
• Just two minutes extra stair climbing a day is enough to stop average middle age weight gain

Declutter For A Peace Of Mind

I’m a shopaholic and pack rat. I don’t really like to get rid of anything. And that’s a problem. My clothes, shoes, accessories, handbags, etc. have overwhelmed my entire home. I was bordering on being a hoarder. 

But during January, I took the time to actually start the process of decluttering my closetS. With the items I no longer wanted, I hosted a closet sale (CA-CHING!), and donated clothing to various charities around town. 

I still have a long way to go, but the process has been very cathartic. The ramifications of less stuff are surprisingly far-ranging. A sleeker, neater, well-organized environment has my mind cluttered. And I fell less anxious and much more peaceful. I am well on my way to making my home much more of a calming and welcoming sanctuary that promotes even more self-care. 

So that’s what I have been doing all month long — taking care of me and forming habits that will help me be healthier in 2020 — and beyond. Each of these habits will continue throughout the year and beyond as I become a healthier Nikki Free. 

What are you doing to be a better healthier you in 2020?