As I reflect on my health journey, I’ve learned one truth: there are no quick fixes. No magic diets. No "all-or-nothing" approach that truly lasts. The only way forward is through small, powerful, ongoing steps that all add up. 

In my 20s, I did a complete 180 with my health. From someone who never gave food or exercise much thought, I suddenly became laser-focused on being skinny (which I equated to being healthy). I started calorie counting, took up running and crossfit style bootcamp workouts multiple times a week, and saw drastic weight loss in a short period. For a while, I thought I’d cracked the code. But what I didn’t realise was how unsustainable my approach really was.

Like many, I spent years chasing that "ideal" version of myself I’d seen in my 20s. I tried it all: keto, fasting, restrictive meal plans. But each attempt brought diminishing returns, leaving me frustrated and defeated. During the pandemic, being at home 24/7 I leaned hard into restrictive eating, and while I thought I was doing my body a favor, I ended up wreaking havoc on my gut health. My body was crying out for balance, but I wasn’t listening.

The past few years have been a new chapter, managing the pain and symptoms of endometriosis. Earlier this year, I had surgery, which I hoped would be a turning point. It was—but not in the way I expected. Recovery was more grueling than I’d anticipated, and it forced me to reassess what health really means. I had to give myself permission to rest and recover, a far cry from the "push through" mentality of my younger years.

For years, I thrived on high-intensity workouts, believing more sweat meant better results. But as stress from a high-pressure job took a toll on my cortisol levels, I realised I was doing more harm than good. The constant jaw pain I was experiencing that led me to have botox injections, mouth guards and x-rays was my body telling me something needed to change.  Over the last year, I’ve shifted my focus to different forms of movement, like strength training, stretching and walking. These changes haven’t been easy mentally, but they’ve been essential in creating a healthier, more sustainable routine.

As I move into my late 30s, the lessons keep coming. I’ve let go of the fantasy that a few weeks of “clean eating” and a couple of workouts can transform how I feel about myself. My health is an ongoing commitment—a daily practice of listening to my body, understanding what it needs, and treating it with kindness.

I now focus on:

• Understanding and being kind to my body, from gut health to hormones, I’m learning what works for me.
• Smart supplementation, finding what I need to support my energy and healing and prioritising taking them everyday. 
• Exercise for my mind and body, moving in ways that make me feel strong and mentally refreshed.
• Sleep and setting boundaries, two non-negotiables I’m still learning to protect.

My journey isn’t unique. It’s a reflection of what so many of us face—highs, lows, and the constant pull of unrealistic expectations. But what if 2025 could be the year we stop chasing perfection and start embracing progress?

There’s no secret formula, just small steps that you have to prioritise, ongoing.