2024, although turbulent professionally, was the year I became more focused and healthy than ever before. I want to share a story about my 2024 year in health, and hopefully, you can glean some insights on how to make 2025 your healthiest year yet.
For me, I really love fitness, probably to a fault. I lean on it when times are tough to help me cope with stress. I also lean on it when times are good as an excuse to get outside when the sun is shining, making it a healthy outlet.
2024 was the year I was fed up. I entered 2024 unemployed, tired from yet another failed startup attempt, facing a very difficult job market, feeling lonely, nearly broke, and just completely worn down from everything that had happened over the years. I was anxious, barely left the house, didn’t hang out with friends in person, had no hobbies, and lacked the energy for the ones I used to enjoy. I was just a husk of a man.
I told myself that if I did nothing else in 2024 but overcome my anxiety and get my mental and physical health back on track, I would be perfectly content, even if I tried and failed miserably.
Phase 1: Heather Signs Me Up for Activities
Heather loves signing me up for things. This time, it was an 8-week pottery class.
The class went tremendously well. Since I had an abundance of time, I went to the studio six days a week, spending 2-6 p.m. there. I was relentless. I made as much as I possibly could, learning while I looked for jobs. I wasn’t getting many interviews, so being at the studio was much better for my mental health.
Phase 2: Consistency in Training
A lot of psychologists say that anxiety and mental health issues can be improved through fitness and routine. So, I decided to get my ass out of the house every day. My goal was to walk or run every morning, meditate at least three days a week (usually through yoga), and try to eat a healthier diet.
By the end of the year, I had exceeded my goals. I was more active in 2024 than ever before, logging a total of 372 hours of activity, just over an hour a day on average! This helped boost my confidence, which is another key to reducing anxiety. The more confident you are, the less anxious you feel.
Phase 3: Socializing
We started booking events to attend together. I bought some concert tickets, and we went to some great shows at The Greek Theatre. It was wonderful to finally get out and be in big crowds again. I hadn’t been in a crowd in years, so this was very anxiety-inducing for me.
I also wanted to travel. Coincidentally, we were invited to several events, including two weddings, one in Santa Monica. I managed to get on a plane for the first time in about eight years! I even took two flights last year.
Phase 4: What’s Next?
This year is all about refinement. I have a great system in place where I get up early, run in the morning, and now lift weights in the evening. I’m also writing more and in the process of removing things that don’t add value, like certain social media platforms, so I can spend more time writing in spaces like this.
2024 was the year I took control of my health and mental well-being. If you’re looking to make 2025 your healthiest year yet, I hope my story inspires you to take that first step, no matter how small, and keep going. It’s worth it.