Why Getting Healthy Is Not a One-Time Goal
As the New Year approaches, many of us turn our thoughts to resolutions and goals for the coming year. Among the most popular resolutions is improving health—a goal that is as challenging as it is worthwhile. While health often takes center stage at the start of the year, it is not a goal to be completed and forgotten. Rather, it is a lifelong journey, requiring constant recommitment.
For women managing Type 2 diabetes or other chronic conditions, the stakes are even higher. Health isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about improving quality of life, preventing complications, and ensuring you can care for those you love. Let’s explore why health is a year-round goal and how you can make progress by focusing on small, consistent changes.
Health Is a Continuous Journey
Case in point: another year, and once again, I find myself reflecting on my health. Five years ago, a shoulder injury shifted my focus, a torn MCL in my knee happened the year before. Then, during the pandemic, I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes after living with prediabetes for more than 15 years. Whether it’s due to clumsiness or a need for better self-care, my health challenges have made one thing clear—getting healthy isn’t a destination. It’s a journey that requires ongoing effort.
My personal health journey began in earnest when I turned 40. That’s when I was hit with a reality check: high blood pressure, prediabetes, and a diagnosis of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). These diagnoses were a wake-up call, pushing me to reevaluate my lifestyle and make health a priority.
Like many women, I grew up in an environment where health issues like weight, diabetes, and hypertension were present but rarely discussed. It wasn’t until my own health was at risk that I realized the importance of making lasting changes. My experiences have fueled my passion for helping women over 40 take charge of their health and pass along what they learn to their families.
What Does It Mean to Get Healthy?
Getting healthy looks different for everyone. It might mean improving your nutrition, starting an exercise routine, managing stress, or achieving better sleep. For women with chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes, it might mean stabilizing blood sugar levels or reducing reliance on medication.
The key is to start with small, achievable changes and build from there. For example, my health focus this year includes restarting an exercise routine around physical therapy for my shoulder. Even though my shoulder injury wasn’t severe, I’ve found it harder to get back on track than my knee injury due to the challenges of everyday life. When the diagnosis of diabetes came, I completely gave up and found it really hard to get into the right mindset and take control of my health.
2020 was particularly difficult for me. As a healthcare worker, the stress of the pandemic was immense. On top of that, caring for my mother during her illness, and eventually losing her, took a significant toll on my physical and emotional health. My nutrition suffered, and exercise became an afterthought. But as challenging as it was, it underscored the importance of recommitting to my health—not just for myself, but for those who depend on me.
Nutrition: The Foundation of Health
In my opinion, nutrition has the biggest impact on overall health, especially for managing chronic conditions. The Standard American Diet (SAD) is a major contributor to poor health, and improving what you eat can yield dramatic benefits.
Focus on getting essential nutrients—phytonutrients, vitamins, and macronutrients—from whole, unprocessed foods. While supplements can play a role in filling gaps, they should complement a healthy diet, not replace it.
Small, sustainable changes can make a big difference. Start by:
- Replacing processed snacks with fresh fruits, vegetables, or nuts.
- Adding more fiber-rich foods like whole grains, beans, and leafy greens to your meals.
- Reducing added sugars, which can wreak havoc on blood sugar levels.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Every healthy choice you make is a step in the right direction.
Recommitting to Health Over and Over Again
Getting healthy isn’t a one-time decision. It’s something you recommit to repeatedly. The earlier you start, the better, but it’s never too late to make changes that improve your quality of life.
For women with chronic conditions, finding your “why” is especially important. Your “why” is the deep, personal reason you want to improve your health. For me, it’s about being there for my family, traveling, and enjoying hobbies without being sidelined by illness. When you have a clear “why,” it’s easier to stay motivated, even when results aren’t immediate.
Small Steps Toward Big Change
Living a healthier life doesn’t mean overhauling everything at once. Start with small steps and build momentum. Here are some ideas:
- Move more: Reducing sedentary time is critical for better health. Even short bursts of activity, like a 10-minute walk after meals, can have a big impact.
- Prioritize sleep: Poor sleep can worsen blood sugar levels, stress, and overall health. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can make it harder to manage diabetes and other conditions. Practice mindfulness, deep breathing, or yoga to reduce stress.
- Build social connections: Supportive relationships can boost mental and physical health. Make time for friends and loved ones, even if it’s virtual.
The Power of Mindset
Improving your health isn’t just about what you do—it’s also about how you think. Adopting a growth mindset can make all the difference. Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, view them as opportunities to learn and adjust. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and remember that health is a journey, not a destination.
Final Thoughts
My wish for you this year is to prioritize your health, whether it’s managing a chronic condition like Type 2 diabetes, reducing your risk for future illness, or simply feeling more energized. Remember, health isn’t a goal you achieve and forget about. It’s a lifelong commitment that requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to adapt.
Use the new year as an opportunity to commit or recommit to your health. Start with one small change, and let that momentum carry you forward. Together, we can build healthier lives for ourselves and our loved ones.
If you have specific questions or topics you’d like me to address, feel free to reach out at [email protected]. Let’s make this year your healthiest yet!
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