A few weeks ago, I wrote about what life feels like at 34 and how I was drifting away from my healthier self. I also shared my doubts about starting yoga and whether I could stay consistent.
What Life Feels Like at 34: A Working Mother's Thoughts on Stress, Fam
Today, I'm happy to say that I found my way back with even more determination. I feel healthier, more confident, and much more at peace—both mentally and physically.
The biggest turning point came when two different doctors, for two different health issues, gave me the same advice: stress was the root cause, and I needed to start yoga and meditation. That was enough for me to stop overthinking and simply begin.
These are the three videos that became part of my everyday morning routine:
Neck & Shoulder Relief
Nervous System Reset
10-Minute Yoga for People Who Sit All Day
To find the right exercises, I took help from ChatGPT, which recommended the Yoga with Adriene channel. These three sessions together take just 30 minutes every morning, making it a simple and worthwhile investment in myself.
I have been following them consistently, and the difference has been remarkable. The health issue that once troubled me has reduced significantly, and I genuinely feel much better.
Along with yoga, I also make time for meditation. If my mornings allow, I meditate after yoga; otherwise, I do it in the evening.
Meditation has taught me that it's not about stopping your thoughts; it's about gently bringing your focus back whenever your mind wanders. The more I practice, the calmer and more focused I feel.
I also include a 40-minute (around 3 km) evening walk, which has significantly improved my sleep and energy levels.
To track my progress, I use a Samsung Watch to monitor my sleep, stress, and energy. Watching these improve reminds me that small, consistent habits truly make a difference.
Energy Score
Sleep score for today
Sleep score for previous week
Food That Works for Me
Food also became an important part of this journey.
Instead of following social media diet trends, I chose simple, nutritious foods that work for my body. They make me feel strong, light, energetic, and naturally support my weight management.
The best part? Healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated, time-consuming, or compromise on taste.
What I Eat in a Day
🥚 Breakfast
- Two whole eggs or
- Lightly roasted whole wheat bread with 100% pure peanut butter and 100% pure almond butter or
- A homemade Indian breakfast
🥣 Weekday Lunch
- Rolled oats soaked in milk
- Mixed nuts
- Fresh blueberries or raspberries
- Dried berries
- One spoon of chia seeds
I prepare this in the morning before starting work, and by lunchtime it's ready to eat. Since I work from home, it's quick, filling, and saves me a lot of time.
🥘 Dinner
- Whole wheat rotis with paneer curry or any dal or
- Sautéed paneer with plain curd or
- A big glass of milk if I don't feel very hungry
🌾 Weekend Lunch
- Millets or quinoa
- Homemade dal, curry, or pickle
The more I nourished my body, the fewer cravings I had. And the more confident I felt, the easier it became to stay consistent.
Last month, I also had a full body health check-up. My HDL (good cholesterol) was low, while my LDL (bad cholesterol) was slightly high, and I wanted to improve that.
These are a few small changes I made after my health check-up:
🥜 Daily: Soaked almonds and walnuts to help improve my HDL (good cholesterol).
☕ Coffee: Replaced sugar with a 1:1 monk fruit sweetener.
🍵 Tea: Switched from regular Indian chai to green tea.
💊 Consistency: I never skip the vitamin supplements prescribed by my doctor.
Today, I genuinely feel lighter, and I no longer let the weighing machine define my progress. I've learned that weight naturally fluctuates due to factors like water retention, salt intake, and hormones.
If I wake up feeling lighter, healthier, more energetic, and confident in my own body, that matters far more than a number on the scale.
My Daily Health Routine
🌞 Morning
- 30 minutes of yoga
- Meditation (if time permits)
🥣 Food
- Simple, balanced meals that suit my body
🚶 Evening
- 40-minute walk (around 3 km)
- Meditation (if not done in the morning)
😴 Health Tracking
- Samsung Watch to monitor sleep, stress and energy levels
Sometimes, the biggest transformation isn't just losing weight.
It's finding yourself again.
This journey taught me that a healthier life isn't built overnight. It's built through small, consistent choices you make every single day.
Keep showing up for yourself. Your future self will thank you.