If you’re looking to kickstart (or restart) you’re wellness journey; this is the perfect day to begin. We’re sure the fitness girlies will flood your timelines with inspiration, so get ready to add videos and carousels to your saved folder.
Nearly 50% of Gen Z adults exercise several days per week, which is above average compared to the general population. Therefore, it’s safe to assume our readers don’t need to be reminded about how important a healthy lifestyle is– you’re most likely at the gym or looking up recipes on TikTok right now. Let this encourage you to keep it up because consistency is key.
Monica J.R. Williams-Rilley, MD, Board Certified Family Physician and a Cliovana Expert Practitioner specializing in functional medicine and sexual health and wellness, strongly warns about what inactivity can do. “It’s essential to understand that a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to various health issues, including controlling healthy weight and mental health challenges,” she says.
Williams-Rilley encourages all Black Gen Z women to find activities they enjoy because life depends on it. Along with finding enjoyable exercises, she recommended seven habits to incorporate into your daily routine to keep you healthy and fit. It’s the day-to-day actions that transform a lifestyle.
Exercise
Evidence supports that regular exercise includes benefits such as improved energy and metabolism. It aids in weight management and promotes good mental health.
Stress Management
Mastering stress management early on is crucial. Techniques like practicing deep breathing and engaging in meditation can effectively alleviate anxiety.
Stay Hydrated
It’s a piece of advice you’ve heard before, and for good reason. Ensuring that you consume half of your body weight in ounces is essential (i.e., 100 pounds, a person should drink 50 oz. of water daily). Consider enhancing your water with fruits or a dash of Himalayan sea salt. Moreover, staying well-hydrated can assist in warding off weight gain and supporting weight loss efforts by promoting a sense of fullness and giving a slight boost to metabolism.
Maintain Gut Health
Good gut health is critical to optimal wellness. Gut health is the basis of a robust immune system! Make sure your body is fueled with the proper nutrients and nutrition.
Rest
Prioritize rest and indulge in it as much as your body requires. Adequate sleep is fundamental for your overall well-being, as it’s when the body and mind rejuvenate, digest, and recover. Establishing a conducive environment for a restful night’s sleep is pivotal. Consider taking a break from screen time and trying Epsom salt baths or foot soaks as an excellent means to relax both body and mind, given their magnesium content, which encourages relaxation. Taking a magnesium supplement before retiring for the night can also be beneficial.
Preserve Sexual Health
So many young women tend to ignore this vital aspect of their health. Get your routine check-ups, understand the implications of STDs, take precautions, and control your sexual health. As you age, this becomes vital as the shifting patterns of hormones can get particularly trying.
Staying Connected
Research shows that maintaining social connections can alleviate loneliness and nurture well-being. It would be best if you did not underestimate the power of staying connected to family and friends and being open and receptive to receiving support when needed.
The road toward wellness differs for everyone, and Williams-Rilley wants us to embrace that. “This journey to better health is about honoring our unique experiences and needs. It’s about nurturing our bodies and souls in an authentic and empowering way,” she says. “So, let’s inspire each other to move, breathe, and thrive in ways that celebrate our identity and dreams.”
About the author: Shelby Denise Smith is a full-time Social Media Editor and part-time Freelance Writer. She loves writing about news, wellness, and beauty and hosting impactful conversations with influencers and experts.