There is always a moment in our lives that changes everything. There is that moment when we have a wake-up call that transforms our lives. Or an aha moment, if you want to call it that.
For me it was 11 years ago when I got sick.
When I moved to the US in 2015, my life changed completely. I stepped into a new culture, language, society, mindset, a different way of living, eating, and the list can go on.
I love diversity the most, so it has been easy for me to adapt to the new culture and assimilate many new things this great country has to offer.
But after a year of being here, I started to struggle with one major problem: my overall health.
At the beginning, I was very careless about my food. I was eating a lot food on the go and microwave-ready meals at home.
It didn’t take long for me to awaken to reality. I gained over 20 pounds in one year, and my body just didn’t feel well. I had frequent headaches and a bloated stomach all the time. My vision worsened too.
But the worst was yet to come.
A year later after i moved in the new country, I was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy. I was only 27 at that time. This condition is often linked to very high inflammation in the body.
It was a scary moment that changed everything for me. This was my wake-up call. I answered it, and my life changed completely ever since.
I chose to make small, meaningful changes in my lifestyle.
No diet or big restrictions, just small changes that made a huge difference for me.
As the days passed by, I noticed how good I started feeling again. I was full of energy every day, and my skin improved significantly.
I lost the unwanted fat, I got back in shape, and ever since, I’ve never stopped. No matter how busy life gets, I am always on track with my health.
Now, after 11 years, I am still following the same lifestyle and I’m full of energy every day.
If you want to change the way you feel in your body, the most important thing is to be patient with yourself and to enjoy the process. Also, do not compare yourself with anybody; your body is different from anybody else’s, and you are in a different chapter of your journey.
Below I want to share with you the baby steps I made to improve my physical and mental shape, adopting a lifestyle change.
Here are 21 steps from my Journey to Wellness that helped me feel healthy again and they might help you too.
1. Read life-changing books about nutrition and wellness — it will help you create your mindset.
2. Research what’s really in your food, especially hidden chemicals and additives. Worry less about calories number. Make sure your food is clean and safe to eat.
3. Read ingredient labels and avoid harmful preservatives. When you read your food product label pay attention to the long preservatives’ names listed on.
4. Learn about genetically modified (GMO) foods and their impact on your health.
5. Cut out fast food entirely.
6. Eliminate fried food from your meals slowly.
7. Try a short cleanse, avoiding meat, dairy, and eggs for a few days, when you can. It helps you to get rid of the inflammation in your body.
8. Choose local and organic products when possible — visit your fresh farmers markets.
9. Replace GMO vegetable oils with healthier options like cold-pressed olive (for salad dressings), avocado oil and coconut oils for cooking options.
10. Use coconut sugar or raw honey instead of refined white sugar.
11. Switch to pink Himalayan or Celtic salt for mineral-rich seasoning.
12. Replace harsh cleaning products with eco-friendly alternatives.
13. Use aluminum-free deodorants and non-toxic toothpaste.
14. Choose SLS- and paraben-free soaps, shampoos, and conditioners.
15. Upgrade your cosmetic products with clean alternatives.
16. Use coconut oil as a natural moisturizer and makeup remover.
17. Choose glass over plastic for water bottles.
18. Install a water filter to your sink to clean fruits and vegetables with it.
19. Practice yoga and meditation to release emotional stress whenever you have time.
20. Prioritize movement and workouts — they’re just as important as nutrition.
21. Connect with people who’ve overcome health issues by changing their lifestyle.
Just add new small things slowly into your life and stick with them over the long run, it will make a big difference.
Progress is the key. The changes won’t happen overnight. Slowly, you’ll notice the difference. Your body will be stronger, and your mind will have more clarity, but the most important thing is that your self-esteem will increase.
If you’re reading this article and still feel stuck or unsure where to begin, start small.
Start with one step at a time. You don’t need to wait for a health issue to appear to make changes.
Improving your well-being doesn’t require any perfection. You’ll be surprised by how powerful small decisions can become over time.
Recreate yourself — one step at a time. This is just the beginning in your Journey to your wellness.
What other changes are you willing to make in 2026 to improve your lifestyle?
