My Self-Care Journey: An Update

Months ago, I talked about how it was time to practice what I preach and actually take time and action for self-care.

I am happy to say that I have managed to actually follow through and I want to share my results with you all.

Starting a keto diet

First of all, due to my weight and other health-related issues, I made two major changes in my life. The first change was in my diet.

My 30-pound weight loss

I recently changed my diet upside down and started doing a keto diet. For those of you who don’t know, keto diets involve dropping carbs which adjust your body to burn fat instead. This makes your body and appetite act MUCH differently.

So far, after doing keto for about a month, I have managed to lose around 30 pounds. The funny thing is, that’s not even the greatest news.

Less of a need for antacids

I struggled with acid reflux (GERD) for years, having to take daily prescription-strength antacids to keep it under control.

After cutting out the carbs (I do extremely low carb keto), I have had ZERO issues with my acid reflux! I haven’t had to take a single antacid, not even over-the-counter brands.

My energy is at an all-time high and I have felt better physically than I have in years.

Regular walks during my lunch break

Speaking of energy, I have started regularly walking. Every day, I do my best to walk at least 3000 steps.

There is a path around a lake at my work that is roughly about 4 miles that I walk during my lunch break at least 2-3 times a week. The walks mixed with the diet together have definitely been factors in my weight loss. I have not felt so much need to keep moving and strive to improve since high school.

Adding in different exercises

Soon, I will be including more exercises like crunches, push-ups, and reps with weights I have at home. I didn’t want to go too hard and burn myself out as I have done in the past.

Plus, I use mobile games that require steps to keep me motivated because, thanks to my ADHD, it gets hard to keep active without little goals I can see on a daily basis.

I feel amazing in body and mind

Finally, my mental health improvements. Thanks to the results I have mentioned, I feel amazing in body AND mind.

I look and feel better than I have in a long time and it has done wonders for my self-image. I am not where I want to be yet, but I am drawing closer to being comfortable enough to do things like have my shirt off in public.

The increase in energy has made it easier to deal with my more depressive thoughts and allowed me to be more present in the lives of my friends and family.

I have even started to go out to my favorite bar (LGBTQ+ friendly) in town more frequently and have a fantastic time with my community (wearing masks and social distancing a needed of course).

I have also learned to start saying "No" more often and realizing that I don’t have to be everything and everywhere for everyone. That alone has brought my stress WAY down.

My self-care progress

All in all, I have been satisfied with my progress thus far and look forward to more in the future.

This is an ongoing, every evolving process that I hope to maintain. I am proving to myself more and more that I can be there for others and my work, and still find time to do what I need to do for myself.

My methods have worked great for me, but what is MOST important is finding what works for you. Experiment, see what works, and never forget the little things that bring you joy.