By: Stephanie Haywood

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that this past year and a half has been anything but normal. For many of us, the limited socialization, changes in work routines, and countless other challenges have been particularly difficult.

With the end of the pandemic on the horizon, restrictions are being lifted in most areas of the country. We can start living again—getting as much out of this life as possible! But to make the most of your reemergence, you may want to take some time to reflect on your life. Are you brimming with confidence, ready to tackle obstacles and achieve your goals? Are you feeling and looking your best, as well as fostering your overall long-term health?

If you see room for improvement, don’t worry. You’re not alone! Headsweats has some practical advice for how you can build your confidence and set the stage for living your best life:

Establish a Fitness Routine 

One of the best ways to foster your overall health and build confidence is to create a fitness routine that fits into your life and that you can stick to. Don’t try to go from the couch to running a marathon in just two weeks. Think of any physical activities you enjoy doing, and create an exercise regimen around those activities.

Some people like to run. Some like to walk briskly or ride a bicycle. Others prefer to lift weights or do a mixture of movements, such as those you get with HIIT workouts. If none of those sound good, think of a recreational sport you played throughout your childhood or one that you’ve always been interested in. Playing basketball, volleyball, racquetball, tennis, soccer, and countless other sports provides an excellent workout and can motivate you to tackle your goals.

It’s also important to figure out how you can be consistent in your fitness routine. If you like the social aspect, you may benefit from joining a fitness class or gym that will keep you accountable. If time constraints are your biggest concern, look for routines you can do from home. It doesn’t matter as much which specific activities you do; the other important thing is that you do them regularly.

Eat More Nutritiously

Your food and beverage intake is perhaps the single most essential aspect of your personal health routine. Simply put, diet impacts so many facets of your body, mind, and soul. Make sure the impact is positive.

While each individual may have different dietary needs, considering allergies and other factors, there are some foods that generally make for a nutritious diet. For example, whole foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, fatty fish, and nuts are hard to beat when it comes to healthy eating (barring any allergies). Drinking plenty of water and reducing the sugary beverages you consume will also help.

These days, maintaining healthy eating habits is more accessible than ever. No matter how busy you are, you can find countless recipes online that are healthy, delicious, and simple to prepare.

If you want to get really efficient, consider meal prepping. Choose one or two days each week to go grocery shopping and prepare meals for the next few days. There are plans online that will show you what ingredients to get at the market and how to make nutritious meals and snacks that you can grab from the fridge.

Foster Your Financial Health 

The state of our finances has a way of impacting our stress levels. Make your financial health a priority.

Create a budget that is both realistic and challenging. Factor in all of your monthly income, expenses, and debt, and leave room for saving each month. Simply making the budget itself will allow you to see the big picture of where your money is going, which can help you in making decisions moving forward.

Also, get creative with how you save money. Whether you’re saving for an emergency fund, travel, retirement, education, or anything else, look for necessary expenses that you can cut. And if you are a homeowner, consider decreasing the equity of your home through refinancing so that you can free up some cash.

Value Your Sleep

Too many of us neglect to get the sleep we need. Not only can sleep deprivation lead to a plethora of health problems, but it also keeps you from being as productive and confident as you could be.

Prioritize sleep in your life. Even if you’re busy, create a nighttime routine that allows your mind and body to wind down from the activities of the day. If you get the recommended seven to nine hours of restful sleep each night, you’ll be amazed at how much better you look, feel, and function.

Here are some activities to consider:

• Reading a book
• Doing easy yoga stretches
• Meditating
• Taking a warm bath
• Turning on calming music
• Writing in a journal

Along with finding relaxing activities to do in the evening, make sure your bedroom is set up to promote healthy sleep. Keep the temperature a little cooler than you have it during the day, make sure it’s dark, and try to avoid electronic devices an hour leading up to bedtime.

Enact Your Passion

Passion plays a critical role when it comes to living confidently and staying motivated to achieve goals. Make sure you have passion in your life.

For some people, this means changing their career to something they’ve always wanted to do. For others, it means starting a side hustle or a hobby that involves activities they love. Others find that simply spending more time with family and friends gives their lives more purpose. Take the time to explore what you’re passionate about, and figure out how to work it into your routine.

You deserve to be living your best life. Improving and maintaining your physical, mental, and emotional health plays a critical role in that process. Consider the ideas above for prioritizing your health and well-being. Find ways to keep building your confidence. And make sure your life has passion. In no time, you’ll be re-entering the world ready to dream and crush your goals, which is how you’re meant to live!

Read more helpful content and browse Headsweats’ wide selection of eco-conscious athletic apparel today!