Learning from Regrets: Prioritizing Your Health Before It's Too Late

Unsplash [photo by Markus Winkler]

I have a few regrets in my life, and if I could turn back time, I would certainly make wiser choices, especially with regards to my health.

Indeed, my overall health, which I had taken for granted for years, suffered as I neglected my oral, physical, and mental well-being, doing just the minimum required. By the time I hit my 40s, my health started to deteriorate. While I tried to blame some of my health problems on aging, I knew deep down that wasn't the real reason. For example, my oral health declined because I skipped regular cleanings, visiting the dentist only when I had a toothache, often due to my childhood fondness for sugar. Aging can't be blamed for that. Eventually, I had to acknowledge my responsibility for not taking proper care of myself.

For many years, self-care was missing from my life as I balanced the demands of two jobs throughout most of my career, while also committing substantial time and effort to my education. I constantly faced burnout and exhaustion. The unyielding pace of my daily routine offered little opportunity for personal reflection or caring for my own well-being. It was only when I began working in healthcare and interacting with patients dealing with mental health challenges that I understood the importance of maintaining one's mental health.

Going back to working tirelessly all those years ago, if you were to ask me where all the money I earned went, I would struggle to provide a clear explanation. Despite the fact that I was working nearly every day of the week, often stretching myself thin between various responsibilities, I found myself without any savings or investments until I finally reached my forties. This realization was both sobering and enlightening, as I came to understand that the sacrifices I made in the name of hard work and ambition had taken a toll on my financial health and personal happiness.

And so......

A little over a decade ago, I began taking my health seriously after a health scare involving my younger brother, who had a heart attack at a surprisingly young age. This shocking incident served as a wake-up call for me, prompting a deep reflection on my own health and lifestyle choices. For years prior to this event, I had been managing hypertension, which, although well-controlled through medication, was a constant reminder of my vulnerability. However, as time went on, I found myself developing additional health issues, which further complicated my situation and raised my concerns about my overall well-being.

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Over the past four years, I have been on a dedicated journey to reclaim my health and life by making significant lifestyle changes that I believe are crucial for my long-term wellness. One of the first steps I took was to prioritize attending annual well-woman visits, which are essential for monitoring my health and catching any potential issues early. These visits have allowed me to stay informed about my body and have reinforced the importance of preventive care in maintaining good health.

In addition to regular checkups, I made a conscious effort to focus on my oral health, understanding that it is an integral part of my overall health. I began to incorporate more rigorous dental hygiene practices into my daily routine, including regular dental checkups and cleanings, which not only improved my oral health but also contributed to my overall sense of well-being.

While I'm not as enthusiastic about the gym as my husband, I stay active through activities like walking, dumbbell workouts at home, gardening etc. I also practice self-care to maintain my health and enjoy a better quality of life. I urge you to do the same. Don’t wait until your 40s or 50s, as I tell my young adult children. Begin today to implement the essential changes to your health and lifestyle. Even if you are over 40, it's not too late to start prioritizing your health now to achieve transformative results.

Please do not hesitate to share your on experiences and thoughts. I would love to hear from you.

Thanks for reading!