Things I Did in 2025 That Improved My Health

In 2025, I made intentional changes that supported my physical, emotional, cognitive, creative, and spiritual well-being. None of them were extreme or trendy. They were practical, sustainable, and deeply grounding. Here’s what made the biggest difference.

1. I Started Working Out Consistently

At the beginning of the year, I noticed I was getting more winded than I liked—especially walking up subway steps. Recovery took too long, and I felt embarrassed. That moment was my wake-up call.

In January 2025, I booked a session with a personal trainer. I worked with them for about four months, and that time was exactly what I needed. We focused on moving my body safely, building strength, and helping me feel comfortable in the gym.

After that, I took it from there. I now go to the gym 2–3 days a week—nothing fancy. I use machines, strength train, do some cardio, and stay active through walking. The results have been noticeable: my clothes fit better, I feel stronger, I walk faster, stand taller, and genuinely enjoy how my body feels.

2. I Incorporated More Fiber Into My Daily Meals

I knew I wasn’t getting enough fiber, and my body made that clear through sugar cravings and energy crashes. Instead of overhauling my entire diet, I made simple, sustainable changes.

I started adding ground flaxseed to my peanut butter, chia seeds to my jelly, and using whole-grain bread—creating a fiber-rich PB&J that keeps me full for hours. I still eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, but this has become my reliable go-to on days when my fiber intake might otherwise fall short.

3. I Started Practicing Yin Yoga

I needed to stretch more, and yin yoga ended up being exactly what my body needed. I do 30-minute sessions on YouTube about twice a week, and the difference has been significant.

My joints no longer crack, my knee pain has decreased dramatically, and I feel more flexible and relaxed. The sleep I get afterward is deep and restorative. Yin yoga also has a meditative quality—it helps both my body and nervous system slow down.

4. I Leaned Into My Spirituality

I’ve always been drawn to Buddhism for its simplicity, practicality, and calmness. This year, I took my practice more seriously. I began attending meditation sessions and reading more Buddhist literature.

Living mindfully—practicing acceptance, presence, and peace—has helped me reframe stressors that once felt overwhelming. It’s been grounding and clarifying in ways that are hard to put into words.

5. I Took Long Walks Regularly

Living in a big city makes walking easy, and I fully embraced that. My walks started as a way to clear my mind, but they’ve become a core part of my wellness routine.

I think deeply during these walks. I process, reflect, and reconnect with myself. Even during colder months, I make the effort to bundle up and go outside. The mindset shift alone is worth it.

6. I Fed My Mind

I stopped scrolling and started reading. I mostly read nonfiction—books that teach me something. I read actively, looking up concepts and diving deeper into topics that spark my interest.

Learning engages a part of my brain that feels joyful and alive. It’s deeply pleasurable, and it reminds me how much I genuinely love learning.

7. I Learned to Quiet My Mind

Through meditation, I learned how to slow everything down. There were times when my inner world felt loud—too many thoughts, too many feelings, too much happening at once.

Learning to quiet my mind brought relief. It helped me realize that most things simply don’t matter as much as we think they do. That perspective has been incredibly freeing.

8. I Channeled My Pain Into Art

This year included a painful breakup that left me emotionally shattered. Despite the pain, I still had to show up—to work, to teach, to support clients. My emotions needed somewhere to go.

They went into my art. I wrote poetry. I created abstract pieces that reflected my inner world. The process was deeply cathartic, and the result was raw, honest work that tells the truth of where I was. Looking back at it now reminds me how far I’ve come.

9. I Connected With Nature and Slowed Down

I fell in love with my neighborhood park and went there almost daily. I watched people gather, observed trees and animals, listened to music, cried when I needed to, and simply sat with myself.

Nature helped me feel grounded and collected. I also began watching more nature documentaries, deepening my appreciation for the beauty of the world around me.

10. I Spent Time Alone With My Thoughts

I spent a lot of time reflecting—intentionally sitting with my thoughts. I’ve come to know myself on a deep level, and that self-awareness has been grounding and clarifying.

Understanding my reactions, pain, and patterns has been essential—not just for my personal growth, but for the work I do professionally.

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I look forward to whatever 2026 brings—and to the lessons, growth, and reflections I’ll be sharing this time next year.