Steem4nigeria Accelerator Contest Week 105: 🌿Healthy Habit 🌿

One Saturday morning, while I was walking to buy akara and pap From the seller shop. As I passed the small field we used in playing football near my street, I saw a group of people in the field—young and old—doing doing regular workout, which includes jumping jacks, jogging, and stretching.

As I look more clearly, I saw One elderly man, I think maybe in his late sixties, was leading the group with so much energy in him. I couldn't just walk and pass, i paused and I watched them. In fact ,I asked myself, “If this old man can move his body like this, what’s my excuse to start?”

However that moment stayed with me for days. It wasn’t just about fitness but it was about taking control of my life and my body. That was the beginning of my journey into this particular habit am about to share and I'll also share how this one habit changed everything for me.

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✅ What Is One Healthy Habit I Practice Regularly?

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Honestly,the healthy habit I now practice regularly is, early morning exercise. Every day, before the sun is more brighter, i step outside for a 30 to 45-minute workout. I start with light stretches, then brisk walking, sometimes jogging, and I end the workout with breathing exercises. I don’t go to any fancy gym or use expensive equipment.

I join the stay fit team to excersice. Days which I couldn't go to the stayfit training center, I'll use the open space near my house, wear my regular sportswear, and carry a bottle of water with me. It’s not just about excersicing to build muscles or loss weight. It’s about keeping my body active, all the time.

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🕒 When and Why Did you Start This Habit?

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However,I started this habit in early February 2024, after I noticed some negative changes in my health. I was always tired anytime I did some intense task, my back will ached me constantly and I will pause whatever I was doing. Also I couldn’t sleep well at night. Funny me,I do felt like I am much older than my actual age.

One day, I went for a routine check-up and the doctor told me, “You need to start moving your body. Your blood is not flowing well.” That was how I was motivated to start excersice. Me and drugs,is 1 and 10. I didn’t just want to be taking drugs everytime or live in fear of sickness which can put me indoors. So I decided to start exercising my body, even if it was just walking or jocking around our compound.

I can recalled that at my first day, it seems very hard for me. I didn't have any other option than to continue,and little by little, it became part of my lifestyle and habit, I'm finally use to it.

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🌿 How Has It really improved Your Physical, Mental, or Emotional Health?

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Truth be told the changes have been so great on my body. So Physically, I feel very lighter and smart when working and I can jump more higher than before and I feel more stronger also. My back pain has reduced perfectly, I sleep much better now without waking up in the middle of the night. Normally,When I do finally wakeup in the morning, I'm always full with more energy to do my work much better. I don't longer feel tired frequently by midday at work.

In the other way which is Mentally, I’m more smart and sharper. Why I said so is because I can focus more better at work,even multitasking. I’ve noticed that I’m more creative and less forgetful. Then Emotionally as the third, I feel more confidential and peaceful on my day to day lifestyle.

No doubt,exercise has really becomes more than just movement—it’s therapy to me. It’s my way of resetting and preparing for whatever the day will brings ahead.

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⚠️ What Challenges Did you Face While Trying to Keep Up With It?

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I must say,there were many challenges when I started. Firstly it was lack of motivation to keep going. Some mornings, I will just want to continue and enjoy my sleep especially when the weather is still very cold. Secondly if I finally get up from bed,my body would just be feeling heavy, and I’d start making excuses to myself. But I reminded myself of why I started. I even wrote down my goals and placed them near my bed.

Another challenge was weather. This particular one do occurs to me during rainy season, it was hard to go outside I always felt like I should stay indoors on bed and cover duvet. So I created a simple indoor routine—jumping jacks, squats, and stretches in my bed room.

I also faced discouragement from people. Some friends laughed and said, “You don turn fitness coach?” But I ignored them. Now, some of those same friends that were laughing at me are asking me how they can start as well.

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💬 What Advice Would you Give to Someone Who really and surely Wants to Start This Habit Too?

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Well,firstly, Start little by little. Secondly, don’t wait for perfect time and weather conditions. Thirdly use what you have,don’t wait until you register on a gym or you buy fancy shoes. Don't wait and keep thinking to have all the equipment, and sport wears,Just start with what or anything you have. Infact, even 10 minutes of walking every morning can make a difference.

Fourthly you have to be consistent. The results won’t just come on one night, but if you stay committed, your body will be happy and thank you. Fifthly to be able to enjoy it ,you should find a routine that works much for you. That is if you enjoy music, play it while you're exercising.

Note that you shouldnt forget to track your progress of the excersice so far. You should Write down how you feel each week. And don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a day—just continue the next day don't regret.

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My Final Thoughts on this

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In this area people always think and say that exercising or workout is just for athletes or people trying to lose thier weight. But we shouldn't think that way or join them in saying it,because it's a lie. Excersice is for anyone who wants to live a healthy lifestyle. Since I started this habit, my life has really changed positively ,in ways I would have never imagined if I didn't started.

If your wondering whether it’s worth to start it—trust me, it is. Your body is your home. Take care of it. Start today. And surely you’ll be glad you did it.

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I place my invite to:
@josepha,
@kouba01,
@kidi40,
to participate.

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📸The picture is mine, shoot on Tecno Spark30📱

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Cc:
@steem4nigeria