After a stressful few months earlier this year, I aimed to transition back to my healthy routine by signing up for a 5K with my friends this past summer. And honestly, I was more motivated after the race to reinstate my lifestyle. During my freshman year of college, I adapted unhealthy eating habits which gradually led to changes in my appearance. While pulling several all-nighters and binge eating, I failed to realize I was neglecting my overall well-being. Amid the uncontrolled stress levels, I tried to find solace in food. Long after I realized my physical appearance was changing, I wanted to fix it by taking the shortcut. I put myself through a rigid diet plan and workout schedule to lose the extra weight. My friends often ridiculed the way I was constantly restricting myself, and I was in denial by reassuring myself that I was doing what was optimum for my body. As a result, I was only able to maintain this lifestyle for five months until I hit the plateau phase, and I relapsed by regaining all the weight the following semester.

Over the years, I learned ways to manage my fitness and food habits without sabotaging my mental health. For almost three years now, I follow intermittent fasting that helps me to manage my weight, curb my cravings, enhance my productivity and mental clarity. My weekly runs are what paved a path for me to foster an holistic lifestyle. I have been running for two years now, and it has added a new dimension to my life, giving me a profound sense of freedom, taught me to be more resilient. And importantly, it taught me to persevere despite my drawbacks and failures in my personal and professional life. I no longer deprive myself of eating to lose those inches around the waist, nor I am bothered about the stretch marks, but I am more self-aware of how to be my own architect of my health and body fitness. In many aspects, running has definitely helped me to achieve that positive mindset. Particularly at a time when we are nowhere near the end of this pandemic, it’s so critical to keep in mind that the human body is our responsibility. We need to treat it well with a nutritious diet and plenty of exercise; and in return, it will reward you with rich health.