A little while ago, I wrote a blog called The Only Three Skincare Products You’ll Ever Need. It has had my highest viewing figures ever—more than 12,000 so far. The Only Three Skincare Products You’ll Ever Need
Another question I’m asked regularly is, “How do you keep fit?” So, I thought I’d share my own personal story.
Most of my readers know that I spent many years working in the City of London. My day started with the 7:09 commuter train into Waterloo, then on to Bank. On a good day, I’d catch the 6:26 train home and arrive around 7:15 pm. Often it was much later. Convenience food, takeaways, restaurant meals and alcohol became my go-to choices.
Then, when I was 45, I caught sight of my reflection in a train window after a night out. I barely recognised myself. The very next day, I decided it was time to make a change. Five years later, I was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease Ankylosing Spondylitis. Surprisingly, that diagnosis pushed me to take my health even more seriously, and my lifestyle improved further.
For me, being fit and healthy isn’t about having the perfect body. It’s about feeling strong, having energy, looking healthy, and enjoying life. Glowing skin, shiny hair and a sense of wellbeing are simply welcome bonuses.
So, here are the 10 habits that have worked for me. I hope they might help you too.
1. Exercise
When I was working full time, I set my alarm 45 minutes earlier every morning so I could go for a run before work. In the evenings, I swapped the Tube for a walk back to the station whenever I could.
Now that I’m semi-retired, my routine has changed, but exercise is still a daily habit. I hike regularly, lift weights twice or three times a week, practise yoga at least twice a week, and do cardio on the remaining days.
2. Diet
People often assume I must eat very little to maintain my weight. In reality, I probably eat more than many people reading this.
Breakfast is usually fruit, yoghurt and muesli or porridge. Lunch is something light, often eggs. Dinner is cooked from fresh ingredients every evening. If I’m eating out, I’ll usually choose fish or, more often these days, a vegetarian option. I rarely order dessert, and my favourite snacks are apples and walnuts.
3. Alcohol
This has probably made one of the biggest differences to my health.
I used to drink far too much. Looking back, I’m amazed my liver forgave me! These days, unless I’m on holiday, I rarely drink more than once a week. I sleep better, feel more energetic and generally enjoy life more because of it.
4. Skincare
My skincare routine is surprisingly simple. I alternate between retinol, vitamin A and hyaluronic acid in the evenings. Expensive products aren’t always better—consistency is what matters.
5. Sun Care
If there’s one product I never leave the house without, it’s sunscreen. I use SPF 50 whenever I’m out in the sun and even apply it to my face during the winter months. Protecting your skin today is one of the best investments you can make for the future.
6. Sleep
I know not everyone finds sleep easy, especially during and after the menopause.
Fortunately, I sleep quite well, but I still have to work at it. I aim for around seven hours each night, avoid my phone before bed, and read instead. It helps me unwind and fall asleep much more easily.
7. Mindset
For me, staying healthy has never been about perfection—it’s about consistency.
When I first started getting fit, I rarely weighed myself because I didn’t want the scales to discourage me. Progress takes time. Even now, I only step on the scales after returning from holiday… mainly to assess the damage! 😊
8. Stress Management
I’ve written several blogs about managing stress because I genuinely believe it’s one of the foundations of good health.
For me, walking, reading, hobbies and spending time outdoors make the biggest difference. If I had to choose just one, it would be getting outside. Fresh air and natural daylight do wonders for both your physical and mental wellbeing.
9. Hydration
I try to drink at least two litres of water every day. In the morning, I have kefir, and in the evening I often enjoy a glass of kombucha. Staying hydrated is such a simple habit, yet it’s amazing how much better you feel when you do it consistently.
10. Have a Purpose and Stay Active
This is perhaps the most important habit of all.
The happiest and healthiest people I know have a reason to get out of bed each morning. It doesn’t have to be a career. It could be volunteering, learning something new, travelling, gardening, spending time with family, or pursuing a hobby you love.
Having purpose keeps both your mind and body active. If you’re struggling to find yours, I’ve written another blog on exactly that subject, and I hope you’ll find it helpful. Feeling Directionless? These 3 Questions Will Tell You If You Need a Life Purpose (And How to Find One)
Final Thoughts
None of this is revolutionary. There are no miracle products, secret diets or magic shortcuts.
The truth is that good health is built on small, consistent habits repeated over many years.
You don’t have to change everything overnight. Start with one habit. Then another. Before long, those small changes can transform not only your health, but the way you feel about yourself.
After all, getting older is inevitable. Feeling your best is something we can all work towards.
Until next time xxxxxx