For August, I focused on something simple yet grounding: getting outside for a walk every day — even if it was just for 10 minutes. Working from home has its perks, but some days I don’t step outside at all, and I know that’s not good for either my body or my mind.
So I made it a habit to walk to a nearby park after work, just to get some sunlight and fresh air. Some days were slow and relaxing, while on training days for my 5 km run, I easily crossed 10,000 steps without even realizing it.
I’ll be honest — I did miss a few days, but overall, I kept showing up. And the difference it made was huge. Walking helped me clear my head, reconnect with the world, and feel more alive. I also noticed I feel lighter on my feet, almost like there’s a bounce when I walk now.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but it felt like August flew by so quickly. This habit has helped me immensely — both physically and mentally. I’m really glad I chose it, and it’s definitely something I want to keep doing every day. 🌞👣
💡 Tips that Helped Me Build This Walking Habit
Just step outside for 10 minutes. Even on days you don’t feel like walking, tell yourself you’ll just go out for a few minutes — most of the time, once you’re outside, you’ll end up staying longer.
Explore new routes. Take different paths near your home. A little change in scenery keeps the walk fresh and exciting.
Make it mindful. Take a fruit or a small snack, walk to a peaceful bench in the park, and enjoy it there. It turns a simple walk into a calming ritual.
Connect with nature. Imagine a tree or a spot in the park as your “friend” and visit it every day. It makes the walk feel like something to look forward to.
Trick your mind with small tasks. Need something from the supermarket? Walk there. Have trash to take out? Use it as a reason to step outside and add a few extra steps.
Remember: every step counts. Even the smallest efforts add up when done consistently.
Habit #9: Meditate for 10 minutes everyday (September)
For September, I’m choosing the habit of meditation. I’ve read and heard so much about its benefits—reduced stress, better focus, more calm—but honestly, I’ve never been motivated enough to practice it regularly.
This month, I want to change that. My goal is simple: just 10 minutes a day. I don’t expect to become a meditation expert overnight, but I want to give my mind some space to breathe, slow down, and reset.
I’ll start small, stay consistent, and see how it feels by the end of the month. Even if it feels uncomfortable or difficult at times, I’ll remind myself that 10 minutes is doable.
I’ll update you in October with my progress—what worked, what didn’t, and how meditation has (hopefully) helped me feel a little more grounded. 🌿
This month’s new experience was something very different from my usual routine — I signed up for a 25 km relay race, where each person in the team runs 5 km. For weeks, this race was my motivation to keep running. I had set it as my goal, and I trained consistently leading up to it. You can see my progress here in my running journal.
On the day of the race, I felt a lot of stress and anxiety. Everyone kept telling me, “Just have fun”, but for me it wasn’t that simple. I tend to put pressure on myself even for things that are supposed to be easy or fun. Still, I showed up at the start line determined to give my best.
I ran the last leg for my team and finished my 5 km in 43 minutes, with a pace of 8:10 and a cadence of around 180. It wasn’t easy — there were moments I felt out of breath and tired — but I kept going. And finally, I crossed the finish line.
One part of the experience was bittersweet. I expected at least one teammate to be there when I finished since I was the last runner. But no one was waiting at the finish line. Some other teams even crossed the line together, hand-in-hand with their fifth runner, but when I arrived, I didn’t see anyone from my team. No one seemed to notice or acknowledge that I had just finished the race.
At first, this made me feel a little sad. I realized I sometimes focus too much on who shows up for me rather than simply appreciating what I’ve achieved for myself. This was one of those moments where I could have chosen joy, but instead I leaned toward disappointment.
But looking back, I am proud of myself. I trained, I ran, I finished. Even if no one was there to cheer for me at the finish line, I know what it took to get there, and I know the accomplishment is mine.
Another small part of the story — after the race, I ordered my favorite food back at my hotel and even craved a cola (which I normally avoid). My body was recovering, I was tired but pain-free, and despite the ups and downs of the day, there was a quiet satisfaction in knowing I did it.
This experience also made me reflect: last time I ran a big race (a half marathon), I stopped running afterward because I lost the motivation once the event was over. This time, I don’t want that to happen. I want to keep the momentum and let this race be not just a finish line, but a stepping stone to keep running and getting stronger.
So, August gave me a valuable new experience: not just a relay race, but a lesson in resilience, self-appreciation, and finding pride in my own effort even when no one else is watching.
This month, I decided to try aerial yoga—mostly because it looked fun! And it truly was. The experience felt playful and calming, especially the resting poses in the swings, which were incredibly relaxing. I’d definitely do it again someday.
That said, I also noticed some insecurities bubbling up during the class. Many of the others were very flexible and able to do advanced poses that I couldn’t. I found myself wishing I were stronger or fitter. But deep down, I know I shouldn’t compare myself to others. The only real comparison that matters is between where I am now and where I want to be.
I’m learning to accept myself, including my limitations, and to keep pushing gently toward a better version of myself—not someone else’s.
I’m proud that I showed up and tried something outside my comfort zone, especially since I usually don’t enjoy group workouts or yoga classes. Growth doesn’t always look perfect, but I’m here for it.
As for next month’s new experience—I’m not sure what it’ll be just yet, but I’ll surprise you when the time comes. Thanks so much for reading. Take care and be kind to yourself. 💛
I really tried, but honestly, I found myself being too lazy to stick to this habit consistently. I think I’ve been juggling too much at once, and maybe I’m not quite ready yet to take full responsibility in this area. I felt a bit disappointed in myself for not keeping the promise I made—but I’m not giving up.
Instead, I’m treating this as a challenge to rise to. To reset my system, I’ve started a 3-day juice fast, and I plan to continue drinking a juice every day afterwards. I know I can do better, and I will.
Habit #8: Go out for a walk everyday (August)
For August, I’m focusing on something simpler and more grounding: getting outside for a walk every day—even if it’s just 10 minutes. Working from home has its perks, but some days I don’t step outside at all, and I know that’s not good for my body or mind.
So, I’ve been walking to a nearby park after work, just to get some sunlight and fresh air. It helps me clear my head, reconnect with the world, and feel more alive. This month, I want to make that a daily habit. 🌿☀️👣
As I mentioned in my previous post, I decided to try CrossFit this month. It’s a high-intensity fitness training program that combines elements of weightlifting, cardio, and functional movements. I thought it would be fun to challenge myself in a new way!
On the day I went, the workout focused on endurance—and let’s just say, it was intense! Here’s what it looked like:
400m Run 🏃♀️
40 Alternating Dumbbell Snatches (22.5/15 kg) – lifting a dumbbell from the ground to overhead, switching hands each rep
40 Box Jumps – jumping onto and off a sturdy box
40 Calorie Row – using a rowing machine to burn 40 calories
40 Wall Balls – throwing a weighted ball at a target while doing squats
40 Alternating Hang Clean & Jerks (22.5/15 kg) – lifting a dumbbell from hanging position to the shoulder and then overhead, alternating arms
40 Burpees
400m Run (again)
Honestly, I was already out of breath after the first 400m run, so you can imagine how unprepared I felt 😄. But I gave it my all and finished everything except the final run. I felt great afterward—no pain or soreness that day or the next—but then… DOMS hit.
DOMS = Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
It kicked in two days later and stayed for nearly a week! My body clearly wasn’t used to that kind of intensity, and I might have pushed myself a bit too much.
I realized I’m not quite ready for CrossFit just yet—and honestly, I’m also too lazy to travel all the way there, finish a tough workout, and come all the way back home 😅. Right now, I think I’ll stick to home workouts and tutorials I can do at my own pace.
Still, I’m really glad I gave it a try. CrossFit seems like an exciting world, but it’s not the right fit for me at the moment. Maybe someday in the future!
I’ll share what I try next in my upcoming post—I haven’t decided yet. If you have any suggestions, feel free to drop them in the comments. Thanks for reading until the end 💛
For June, I decided to gently reset my mornings by waking up at 5 AM. With my sleep all over the place, I wanted to bring in some structure—not out of pressure, but as an act of self-kindness.
This habit felt like a small promise to myself: to show up, to slow down, and to start each day with more clarity. I knew it wouldn’t be perfect, but I was curious to see what might shift if I simply tried. 🌅
Habit #6: Wake Up at 5 AM Every Day (June)
Well… this didn’t quite go as expected 😄 Turns out, I’m not that disciplined yet! The best I could do was waking up before 7 AM—but honestly, that’s still a win. I’m no longer sleeping in until 9, and I feel more refreshed and intentional in the mornings.
So yes, maybe 5 AM wasn’t the right fit for me right now—but I’m glad I tried. Perhaps next year, when I have more energy and structure, I’ll give it another go. Until then, no guilt.
Sorry if I disappointed you 🌅✨
Habit #7: Drink a green juice or eat a salad everyday (JULY)
For July, I’m shifting my focus back to food and nourishment. Nutrition is just as important for the body as movement. From my experience with raw food fasting, I realized how powerful our bodies can be when they aren’t constantly burdened by digestion.
Though I’m vegan, I haven’t always been a healthy eater. I often miss out on balanced, nutritious meals. To change that, my new habit will be simple: drink a green or vegetable juice or eat a fresh salad every day.
I’m giving myself two flexible options so I don’t feel restricted. I know it might sound boring (even to me!), but I also know how deeply important it is to nourish my body.
I’ll take a photo each day and will share an update next month.
Here’s to gentle steps toward feeling better, stronger, and more whole. 🥬💚
I would love to hear from you. Thanks for reading until the end 💚
I’m preparing for a 5K run at the end of August, and I wanted to share my journey from Day 1 so you can follow along and see the progress unfold.
I’m using the Just Run app, which offers a structured program with three sessions a week. It follows a run/walk approach—running for 1 minute and walking for 2 minutes—perfect for building endurance gradually and sustainably.
My goal is to complete the 5K in 35 minutes. It feels like an ambitious target, but I want to give it my best over the next two months. Let’s see how it goes!
I’ll be posting updates three times a week to share my progress and reflections. If you’re starting something new too—whether it’s fitness-related or not—I’m cheering you on. Progress doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful. Keep going, even on the slower days.
Take care, and let’s keep moving forward—one step at a time. 💪🏽👟
Week 1 Day 1
I didn’t feel any pain today—maybe my body is stronger than I thought. That made me feel grateful.
I did feel a bit insecure heading out, since it’s been such a long time since my last run. But once I started moving, something shifted. I felt good—really good. I wasn’t out of breath, and I was surprised by how easily I could complete Day 1.
Now, I’m looking forward to Day 2. I feel hopeful and positive about completing this challenge.
Quote for today
“Run with your whole heart”
Week 1 Day 2(Update on 24.06.2025)
I’m so glad I bought the running pad—thanks to that, I could still get my run in. I felt great after finishing it! I also did a yoga session afterward for some much-needed stretching, and it really helped relieve the soreness.
I’m proud that I pushed myself to complete the workout, even when I didn’t feel like it. The pace is still slow, but I’m hopeful it will improve with time.
Quote for today
“One Day at a time”
Week 1 Day 3(Update on 26.06.2025)
I’ve finished Week 1. I feel a bit tired but without any pain. I felt a deep gratitude towards my body. Even when I haven’t treated it well in the past—without nourishing it with good food or movement—it has always been kind to me. I am really happy to complete the first week. I plan to celebrate by going to my favorite café tomorrow. Looking forward to Week 2.
Quote for today
“Celebrate small wins”
Week 2 Day 1(Update on 29.06.2025)
Today I felt really lazy and had no mood to run at all. I wanted to quit after the first round, but I told myself, “Just one more, and then I’ll stop.” Then again, “Just one more…” And somehow, I finished it.
I felt so much better afterwards. Sometimes, all it takes is just starting—even when we don’t feel like it. That tiny bit of momentum can carry us through to the end. Keep going.
Quote for today
“Keep showing up for yourself”
Week 2 Day 2 (Update on 01.07.2025)
Today I felt super motivated—even ran during the walking sets! I’m proud of the progress I’m making. I’ll keep going, one day at a time.
Quote for today
“We are stronger than we think”
Week 2 Day 3 (Update on 03.07.2025)
Today, I didn’t feel like running at all. I had to drag myself out, and honestly, it felt boring and meaningless at first. My mind came up with hundreds of reasons to postpone it—but I pushed through and finished the run anyway.
And you know what? It felt amazing once I was done. I think that’s what they call a runner’s high—that rush of energy and pride that hits you after a tough run. Even though it was just a small step in the bigger journey, it made me feel like I could achieve anything.
I believe in myself a little more now, and I’m going to keep pushing forward—one step, one run at a time.
Excited for Week 3! 🏃♀️💛
Quote for today
Every time I start my run, I listen to this audio—it really motivates me and helps me push past that initial resistance.
I’m sharing it with you in case it helps you too. Sometimes, just a few encouraging words can make all the difference. 💛
Week 3 Day 1 (Update on 06.07.2025)
I didn’t feel like running today as well. I wonder if there will ever be a day where I am actually excited to go for a run but as always I felt satisfied and happy after I have completed it. My sleep cycle is a bit disturbed again. I need to be a bit more disciplined to fix it but it’s difficult. I dint feel any pain or soreness today but just really tired because of less sleep. I will try to rest well today. I am also treating myself for dinner today in one of my favorite Bistros ❤️
Quote for today
“Keep moving forward” -Rocky Balboa
Week 3 Day 2 (Update on 08.07.2025)
Done and dusted! I’m really glad I bought the walking pad—on days when I feel too lazy to go outside, it’s such a game changer. Music has been a huge motivator too. I’ve made a playlist of my favorite dance beat songs, and I trick myself by saying, “Just one song.” But once I start, I end up enjoying it and finishing the whole session.
I hope the rest of the week only gets better. Someday, I’d love to run 5 km in under 30 minutes. That’s the dream—and I know I’ll get there. 🏃♀️🎶💫
Quote for today
“Your victory belongs to you. No one else. Take pride in it, believe in it. Stand on it. Earn it because it’s your’s” –WHY I RUN” by Coach Pain.
Week 3 Day 3 (Update on 10.07.2025)
Today, I was not able to go for a run because I went hiking. I hope it’s alright. I will skip today’s session and start directly with Week 4 Day 1.
Week 4 Day 1 (Update on 13.07.2025 20.07.2025)
I had to take a short break because I wasn’t feeling well. Today, I finally completed Week 4 Day 1. Honestly, I didn’t feel like running at all, but I pushed myself to show up—and I’m glad I did.
I feel like my pace is improving slightly, but since I’ve been running only on the treadmill at home, I’m not sure how that will translate when I run outside. Maybe for Day 2 or Day 3 this week, I’ll try going for an outdoor run—if I can overcome the laziness!
The good news is I don’t feel any pain. Still, I’m trying to find the right balance between pushing myself and protecting myself from injury. It’s tricky, but I hope with consistency, I’ll discover that middle ground.
I’ll keep you updated after Day 2. Thanks for being here with me. 💛
Quote for today
“Rest when needed but never quit”
Week 4 Day 2 (Update on 22.07.2025)
Week 4 Day 3 (Update on 27.07.2025)
I was super motivated to run today and felt great and confident after finishing the session! My pace improved too, which made me really happy. I’ve been running on the treadmill lately, and while it’s helped build consistency, I’m a little unsure how it’ll translate to running outdoors—where I’ll have to pace myself without the machine’s help.
Planning to test it out next week and see how it feels. One step at a time. 🏃♀️🌤️💪
Quote for today
“If you love life, life will love you back“
Week 5 Day 1 (Update on 04.08.2025)
Today I tried running outside instead of on the treadmill, and it was much more difficult than I expected. Controlling my own pace without the treadmill guiding me was challenging. I kept running out of breath and felt frustrated that I couldn’t maintain a higher pace.
But despite the struggle, I showed up. I reminded myself that every runner goes through this phase, and progress takes time. Right now, running 5 km at a good pace feels like a distant goal — but I know it’s not impossible. With patience, consistency, and perseverance, I will get there.
I’m looking forward to Day 2. Every step counts. 💪
Quote for today
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” — Nelson Mandela
Week 5 Day 2 (Update on 06.08.2025 15.08.2025)
Finally, I finished Day 2! It took me a bit longer than expected, but I’m glad I made it. Today I ran on the treadmill, and for the first time, I tried running without music. Honestly, I’ve always depended on music to push me, but this time I wanted to be fully present. To my surprise, I really enjoyed it — I felt more mindful and more connected to my breath.
Week 5 Day 3 (Update on 17.08.2025)
I also felt motivated enough to step outside for a run today. One important adjustment I made was starting slower. Instead of pushing too hard at the beginning, I jogged at an easy pace and was able to keep going steadily. This gave me so much confidence. Even though today’s program only required a 20-minute run, I decided to test myself and see if I could complete 5 km. And I did — in around 45 minutes! 🎉
I’m honestly so proud of myself. My confidence has grown a lot, and for the next few weeks, I won’t focus too much on pace. My main goal is to build endurance and keep running consistently. Speed can come later.
Quote for today
“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” – George Addair
Week 6 Day 1 (Update on 21.08.2025)
Week 6 Day 2 (Update on 23.08.2025)
Week 6 Day 3 (Update on 28.08.2025)
As I mentioned in my August’s New Experience post, I participated in a 25 km relay race today, so I’ll count it as my entry for this week.
Although the goal of the Just Run app is to take me from couch to 5 km, I’ve already accomplished that milestone. I’ll still complete the next three weeks of the program to finish it fully and see how much my pace improves. I feel more confident in myself that I will be able to do better. I’ll share updates on my progress as I go.
Week 7 Day 1 (Update on 04.09.2025)
Lessons I’ve Learned So Far
I want to share some tips or lessons I have learnt. I will keep adding more until I finish the program.
In the first weeks, music really helped me. But now, I’ve realized I don’t need it. Running without music helps me stay mindful and focus on breathing.
Start slow. Even if it feels “too slow,” it’s better to build up gradually and finish strong. Pace can always be improved later.
Running in loops or small paths feels easier. For example, if 6 rounds equal 1 km, I can mentally push myself by saying “just one more round.” It creates a rhythm and flow that keeps me going.
Focus on your breathing, but if it feels overwhelming, briefly shift your mind to something enjoyable. For example, I thought about what I was going to have for dinner after the run. I’m not sure if this is the ‘official’ way, but it helped me push through a few meters before returning to mindful breathing.
For me, the first 2 kms seem the most difficult. Push through those first 2 km, even when your mind says “just quit”—after that, it will feel lighter and more enjoyable. But always be mindful: don’t push through actual pain.
This month, I did something I never imagined I would do: I joined a fasting and hiking retreat that lasted 5 days. We hiked around 15 km every day while following a raw food fast—and I’m truly amazed by what my body was capable of!
🥭 Daily Routine
Each day began with a beautifully arranged fruit plate for breakfast. After breakfast, we would head off for our hike. Midway, we were given an energy ball made from raw ingredients like nuts and dried fruits—simple, nourishing, and just what we needed.
After completing the hike, we returned to our hotel, where dinner was something light yet creative—usually a raw salad or raw ravioli. I was pleasantly surprised at how satisfying these meals were.
🥾 A New Relationship with My Body
What impressed me the most was the sheer endurance I discovered in myself. I had never hiked more than a few kilometers in my life, and here I was, walking around 20,000 steps daily for an entire week. Even more surprising? I had no soreness, no exhaustion—just steady energy.
I think this is because my body wasn’t using as much energy for digestion, and that fuel was redirected into movement and recovery. It really made me believe in myself and trust my body’s strength.
🍃 Changes in My Eating Habits
After the fast, I gently broke my fast over a few days, and I noticed a big shift in my eating patterns. I felt more in tune with my hunger cues. I no longer felt the urge to binge or eat past fullness. My body felt satisfied and content with smaller portions. While weight loss during fasting is often water weight and can return, I also gained lean muscle from all the walking—which I’m proud of. The experience wasn’t about numbers; it was about transformation.
♨️ First Time in a Sauna
This month, I also tried a sauna for the first time! I experienced both the traditional Finnish sauna and the infrared sauna. It was incredibly relaxing and soothing. I did attempt to stretch inside the sauna and slightly tweaked my back—a small lesson learned: avoid intense stretching in high heat!
But overall, it was a calming experience that I’d definitely like to repeat.
💪 Thoughts on What’s Next
For June, I’m thinking of trying CrossFit—but I’m still not 100% sure. If I go ahead with it, I’ll share my experience in my next monthly blog. Thank you so much for reading until the end.
Wishing you love, support, and the courage to try new things. I’ll write again on July 1!
First time sauna experience
I also tried Sauna for the first time in my life. It was super realxing. I really enjoxed it. I tried both Finnish style Sauna and the Infrared Sauna. I wanted to do some streching inside the sauna and twiched my backa. little but it was alright after a day. I leaernt we should not do intense streching inside a sunava otehr than that I found it very realxinf and will definitely try ut agaubn,
Thoughts on next experience
I am thinking of joining a crossfit training but I am not sure yet may be that will be the new expereicne for June month. I will share it next month if I try it. Thanks for reading until the end. I wish you a lot of love and support. I will write again on July 1.
My apologies for the delayed post—I was traveling. But this habit turned out to be one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve had in a long time.
Dancing brought me moments of pure joy, contentment, and lightness—emotions I haven’t felt deeply in years. I started smiling at myself in the mirror more often. I felt more confident, more alive, and much more connected to my body and emotions.
One of the most surprising outcomes? I lost around 6 kilos this month and now weigh 62 kg. I feel lighter, both physically and emotionally. But I think it’s not only because of dancing. This month I also tried a lot of new experiences in May, and I’ll share those in another post tomorrow.
This habit not only improved my mood—it’s been my most efficient month in terms of weight loss and emotional healing. I’m glad I took it up. I’d like to continue moving my body with joy and shift my focus now toward building strength and muscle in a sustainable way.
Below, you’ll find my weight progress for the month
Habit #6: Wake Up at 5 AM Every Day (June)
For the past few days, I’ve been waking up at 5 AM. My sleep cycle has been all over the place, so I’ve decided to take this up as my habit for June.
I once read that the more we keep the promises we make to ourselves, the more we start building self-trust and inner stability. That really stuck with me. When we learn to trust ourselves, we’re better able to make the right choices and protect ourselves from harmful habits, people, or situations—like binge eating, smoking, or being drawn to those who don’t treat us with empathy.
So, this month, my goal is to wake up at 5 AM each day—not as a form of punishment or strict discipline, but as an act of care. A way of saying to myself: “You deserve structure, clarity, and peace.”
That said, if I miss a few days, I won’t be angry or disappointed. If my body needs more rest, I’ll allow that too. The key, like with most things in life, is to find the balance.
I’ll share how this habit evolves in my next update. Thank you so much for reading. I’m sending warmth, support, and gentle encouragement your way—whatever you’re working on, I hope it brings you closer to yourself.
I’ve always been curious about juice fasting after hearing so many good things about it—especially from the documentary Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead by Joe Cross. Watching his journey inspired me to give it a try myself. He says that the body can heal itself given enough time and when we fast, the energy spent on digestion is saved and our body can use it for healing us.
So, for April, I joined an online 3-day juice fast program. It came with a structured plan and easy-to-follow recipes. I was surprised at how manageable it felt—and I’m genuinely glad I did it!
🌿 What I Experienced:
I lost around 1.5 kilos during the 3 days. Some of the weight came back after I resumed normal eating, but I’m okay with that. The goal was never just weight loss.
I felt super light, both physically and mentally. It felt like I gave my hardworking body a gentle break.
I learned that it’s safe to do a juice fast once every 3 months, and I’ll definitely consider doing it again.
💡 Tips if You’re Trying It:
You might experience headaches, fatigue, or acidity—these are just temporary withdrawal symptoms, especially if you usually consume caffeine or sugar. These eased up for me as the day went on.
If 3 full days feels too daunting, start with a 1-day juice fast. That alone can still feel refreshing.
Aim for 5 juices per day, or swap in coconut water. If you’re feeling too hungry, it’s okay to have a banana smoothie or a piece of fruit. Be kind to yourself.
For motivation and guidance, I recommend watching Joe Cross’s documentary—it’s a great starting point.
This experience reminded me how nourishing and energizing it can be to take care of our bodies with intention. If you’re curious, give it a try—just listen to your body and go at your own pace.
12 Healing habits 