I lost my way. I gained too much weight – I was carrying at least 35 pounds more than I should have. Watching friends struggle with preventable health issues was a wake-up call. I realized that if I didn’t make some serious changes, I might be next.
Now, I’m just a few years away from turning 60. I’ve tried just about every diet and wellness trend out there – keto, fasting, you name it. And through all that trial and error, I’ve learned what actually works.
For me, adopting a plant-based lifestyle has been a game-changer. It’s not only good for the environment — it has also helped me lose 30 pounds and unlocked a level of energy and clarity I hadn’t felt in years.
The transformation isn’t just about what food, it’s about small, intentional habits that support your body, mind, and soul.
Here are ten that have made a real difference in my life – and can help you, too.
1. Adopt a The Mediterranean Diet, a Plant-Based or Vegan Diet
Going plant-based wasn’t just about health – it was about aligning with my values. What really surprised me was how much more energy I had. My digestion improved. My skin cleared up. Headaches and inflammation vanished. I felt lighter and stronger.
You don’t need to go all in overnight. Even swapping in a few plant-based meals each week can make a huge difference.
This book, How Not to Die helped me kick-start this diet.
How Not to Die reveals the scientific evidence behind a diet that can prevent and reverse many of the causes of disease-related death.
2. Practice Daily Mindfulness or Meditation
Keep it simple: take a few quiet minutes each day to breathe and tune in. It’s like hitting a mental reset button. Sometimes I paint and breathe in silence. I also use that time to send love and kindness to people I care about – and to those suffering around the world.
Regarding mindfulness and breathing, I highly recommend this book, Peace is Every Step… here’s a review I wrote.
3. Move Your Body Every Day
Movement doesn’t have to mean the gym. I walk, stretch, row (on a machine a neighbor was giving away), or dance around the house. The more fun it is, the more likely you’ll do it. And it works – it wakes up both my body and my mood.
4. Journal for Reflection and Growth
Journaling helps process my thoughts, track progress, and celebrate wins—big or small. I also write down compliments people give me, which helped during a time I wasn’t feeling so great about my life. Consider this book, it helped me… Write it Down, Make it Happen – about manifesting by writing.
5. Prioritize Quality Sleep
Sleep is everything. I’ve learned to treat bedtime like a sacred ritual: no screens (most nights), a consistent schedule, and calming techniques like cognitive shuffling. This may help you sleep deeper, wake up clearer, and feel better all day.
6. Limit Screen Time and Do Digital Detoxes
Cutting back on mindless scrolling and setting phone-free zones in my day has freed up mental space and helped me connect better with the world around me. Big Tech is perfecting their AI and it is learning to keep you hypnotized. Be aware!
Here’s a article I wrote exploring how to navigate life in this AI-saturated world with humor, heart, and a touch of weird. Keep It Real: Navigating AI in a Hyperreal World
7. Cultivate Gratitude Daily
Each day, I write or say three things I’m grateful for. It sounds simple, but it shifts my mindset in a big way. The more I do it, the more I notice what’s good. I also remind my friends, family and business partners now much their efforts mean to me.
8. Connect with Nature Regularly
Whether I walk in a park or just sit outside, nature grounds me and clears my mind. It fuels creativity and calm.
Have you ever heard of Forest Bathing?
9. Practice Intentional Breathing
When I feel stress creeping in, I stop and take a few deep, slow breaths. It’s amazing how quickly it resets everything. Try simple techniques like box breathing or 4-7-8. Need guidance? here’s a few breathing techniques from Mindful.org.
10. Set Boundaries and Learn to Say No
This one took me a while to learn. Saying “no” doesn’t make you selfish – it makes you strong. It protects your energy and lets you focus on what truly matters.
Final Thoughts
These habits are about progress, not perfection. Small steps initially are key.
Here are a few more links to articles on this site. You can read about why it’s important to make art. Another option is exploring the benefits of guiding others regularly. Or consider reading about Buddhism to learn techniques like awareness, letting go, and embracing impermanence.
Try one or two suggestions above and notice how they shift your energy and outlook. Consider helping others too, here’s an article on I’m excited to hear what works for you – here’s to thriving in body, mind, and soul!
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