Steem4nigeria Accelerator Contest Week 105: 🌿Healthy Habit 🌿

Introduction

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Healthy habit is like a seed someone plants for daily life. If you water it steadily, it will grow to give you shade, fruit, and even joy you did not expect. For me, I have tried different things to balance life—sometimes it works, sometimes it fails. But among all the small things I held onto, one habit stands out above the rest. It not only changed my body, it changed my mood, my mind, and even the way I reason about life. Let me break it down.

What is one healthy habit you practice regularly?

The one healthy habit I practice regularly is morning jogging. It does not matter whether the sun is shining or rain is about to fall, once the time comes, I lace my shoes and go out to jog. Some days it is hard, but it is a habit that has taken root in me like it is part of me.

When and why did you start this habit?

I started this habit around 2021, when life was choking me in different ways. Stress was everywhere—school problems, family issues, little disappointments that came from people you trust, all together. That period, I always woke up weak, my body heavy like someone tied a stone to my chest.

One of my friends said, “Man, you cannot continue like this. Try jogging, it will free your head.” At first, I laughed at it. I said, “Jogging? What does that have to do with me?” But one day I just decided to try. That was how I began.

Why did I start? It is simple—my body and mind were crying for help. I needed something that would balance my mood, clear my head, and still make my body active. Exercise is the cheapest medicine anyone can use, and that realization pushed me into it.

How has it improved your physical, mental, or emotional health?

Physically, the change is clear. Before, I used to pant just from climbing stairs. Now, my stamina is strong. I can jog long distances without stopping, and I feel light in my body. I even lost some weight, which gave me more confidence when I wear clothes.

Mentally, the benefit is more than I can fully explain. Every morning jog works like a reset button for my brain. Once I finish jogging, I feel like someone who carried a bucket of water to wash dirt out of their mind. Stress reduces, thoughts line up well, and I can focus better for the day.

Emotionally, it feels like I discovered a new friend. You know that feeling when the breeze blows against your face as you run, your ears hear your own breathing, and your body sweats? That is therapy. Jogging has become a place where I drop anger, sadness, and even little joy. Sometimes I jog with music; other times, it is silence and birdsong that follow me. Whichever way, it always lifts my spirit.

What challenges did you face while trying to keep up with it?

Challenges were many. The first was laziness. Waking up early is not easy. Some days it is cold, the bed feels too sweet, and I just argue with myself. Another challenge was when it rained. I do not really like running in the rain, but I learned how to adjust—sometimes I wait until evening.

The second problem was consistency. That first month, body pain almost finished me. My legs ached, my waist cried. Many times I wanted to give up, but I remembered why I started. I agreed to endure the pain until my body adapted.

Another challenge was people’s talk. Some people would see me jogging and laugh, saying, “What is this one doing? Does he want to be an athlete?” But that is normal in life once you try to improve yourself, people will always have something to say. I just blocked my ears and continued my run.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start this habit too?

First, do not rush. If you want to start jogging, begin small. Do not push yourself to run a marathon on the first day. Start with walking, then slow jogging. Let your body adjust.
Second, find good shoes. If your feet are not comfortable, you will give up quickly. Good shoes will protect your ankle and knee, so that you do not end up with injury.
Third, consistency matters more than everything. It does not matter if you jog short distances. Even ten minutes every morning is better than saying, “I will start tomorrow.” Tomorrow always gets postponed. Start today, even if it is just one short round.
Fourth, do not mind people who laugh at you. Remember it is your health, your peace of mind. They will not share your sickness with you, so why will you allow them to stop your healing?
Finally, enjoy it. Play music you like, or find a partner who will motivate you. Sometimes the best part is not even the run itself, but the way your body thanks you afterward.

Final Thoughts

This jogging habit has taught me that small discipline can change a big part of someone’s life. It is not about being the fastest or the strongest. It is about building a small routine that steadies your body, balances your mind, and lifts your spirit. Life is already hard, so why should we not use the little things we can control to make it easier? Jogging is my own way, and anyone can find their own version.
So if you are reading this, and you always wake up with a heavy mind or weak body, I will tell you straight try exercise. Start with jogging if you can. It is cheap therapy, and the reward will surprise you.

I invite @samuelbrilliant @imohmitch @promisezella to take part in this contest.