3 Wellness Habits That Keep Me Feeling My Best
- kayleighfiddler
- Aug 12, 2025
- 5 min read
Wellness hasn’t always been a priority for me. For a long time, it actually consumed my mind in all the wrong ways — I thought everything had to be perfect. If my morning routine wasn’t followed exactly to a T, I’d convince myself the whole day was a write-off. In my head, wellness had to look flawless — and if it didn’t, then it wasn’t worth doing at all.
That mindset did more harm than good. I pushed myself too hard, ignored what my body was really asking for, and ended up treating myself pretty horribly. The truth is, that kind of “all or nothing” approach isn’t sustainable. It left me burned out, frustrated, and feeling like I was failing every time I missed a step.
Over the years, I’ve learned that wellness doesn’t have to be perfect (and it definitely doesn’t have to be Instagram-perfect). It’s about the small, consistent habits — the ones that fit naturally into your life — that truly make the biggest difference. These are the things that keep me feeling balanced, energized, and like I’m actually taking care of myself from the inside out.
Habit : Nourishing and Hydrating My Body
For the last few years, eating properly and drinking enough water was the bane of my existence. I ate way too much processed food, barely drank any water, and lived off sugary drinks and coffee. Even though I didn’t gain weight from these bad habits, I still felt the effects of treating my body so poorly. I was constantly bloated, always tired, and had crazy afternoon crashes. I couldn’t come home without needing a nap. I was moody, miserable, and dealing with constant mental fatigue—classic signs of a horrible diet and dehydration.
Eventually, it got to the point where I was paying people to tell me what I already knew. That’s when I made the switch. At the end of the day, I knew they were right—nothing would change unless I stopped treating my body that way and made serious changes.
Now, one of my daily habits is eating healthy and staying hydrated. I’m still nowhere near perfect, but I’m learning so much about my relationship with food. Instead of skipping meals, grabbing takeout morning and night because it’s easy, and relying on drinks that only claim to have “water content,” I now start my day with a glass of water—or at least a few sips from my water bottle. Depending on how I feel, I’ll have a meal replacement shake or make a bagel with some fruit—whatever’s easiest.
For lunches and dinners, I plan out my meals every Sunday. I prep the same lunch for the week and decide my dinners ahead of time. It keeps me on track, and on nights I don’t feel like cooking, all I have to do is heat it up and I’m good to go.
This routine has been a game changer. Even though it’s not “perfect,” I’ve learned that perfect is overrated. What matters most is that I keep learning, keep trying, and keep showing up for myself every single day.
Habit 2: Moving My Body Daily
This habit might sound cliché, but it’s the truth. For a long time, moving my body wasn’t something I could do with much freedom, and that made me even more discouraged to try. Since being approved to go back to the gym and do the things I love, it’s become so much easier to stay active.
At first, going back was hard. I couldn’t move the same way I used to, and it was discouraging to struggle with something that once came so easily. But over time, I learned how to work with my body instead of against it. Now, I have a set schedule for running and the gym, and I truly feel my best when I move.
Of course, there are days when movement feels impossible — but I’ve learned that on the days I hurt, moving usually helps. Sometimes that means swapping a run for a walk, going lighter on weights at the gym, and ending with a soak in the hot tub. Other days it’s as simple as stretching or foam rolling. Anything is better than nothing. Now, when my body aches, I take it as a sign that it’s craving my routine.
Not only has staying active helped me physically, but it’s also improved my mental and emotional well-being. Overall, movement has been truly transformative for my health and quality of life.
Habit 3: Protecting My Mental Space
This is a newer habit in my routine, but it’s one I’ve been really enjoying. I recently made the decision to focus more on my stress levels and cortisol. With scoliosis, my body is often stuck in fight-or-flight mode because of the stress on my nervous system — and I realized that so many things, from my poor sleep to my overall mood, were being impacted by it. Something had to change.
Now, I have a simple “stress routine” that helps me feel more grounded. In the mornings, I avoid immediately grabbing my phone. We’re creatures of habit, and our phones are often the first thing we reach for — but I’ve learned to start my day differently. I’ll either snuggle with my dog or stretch while still lying in bed, spending about five minutes just waking up and easing into the day.
Most of my routine though happens in the evenings. I make sure I always do something for myself that I truly enjoy, whether that’s Planning, journaling, watching TV, spending time with Liam or just relaxing. Before bed, I set my alarms, put my phone down, and read until I feel tired. I also take a few minutes for breathwork or quiet reflection. These small changes have made a huge difference in my stress levels, my sleep, and how I feel overall.
Final Thoughts....
These three habits — moving my body consistently, nourishing and hydrating myself, and prioritizing rest while lowering stress — have made a huge difference in how I feel every single day. They might seem simple, but it’s often the small, consistent choices that create the biggest impact.
I’ve learned that taking care of yourself isn’t about being perfect or doing everything all at once. It’s about listening to your body, giving it what it needs, and showing up for yourself in ways that feel sustainable. When I stay consistent with these habits, I’m not only healthier physically — I’m also calmer, happier, and more confident in my everyday life.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about where to start, try adding just one new habit at a time and see how it feels. Small steps really do add up, and you deserve to feel your best.
XO - Kayleigh
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