Healthy Habits

When I decided to move to Peru and join the Peace Corps, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to focus on myself and make some positive lifestyle changes. Living in a small town in the mountains has given me plenty of time to reflect, grow, and build a healthier way of life. Over the past ten months, I’ve made a few small but impactful changes that have significantly bettered my lifestyle:

• Pilates: I’ve started practicing Pilates for 30 minutes, 3-6 times a week. It’s the perfect workout—challenging yet invigorating. Plus, with a river race in Iquitos coming up in October, it’s helping me build strength and endurance. The local gym is too far and too expensive, so Pilates at home has been a great alternative.

• Gua Sha: Every night before bed, I practice Gua Sha, an ancient Chinese technique that involves gently scraping a smooth stone over the face to promote lymphatic drainage and relieve tension. I didn’t have a jade facial stone, so I found a smooth rock outside, and it works just as well!

• Balanced Breakfast: My mornings now start with a nutritious breakfast of avocado, eggs, toast, and a fresh fruit bowl. Thanks to my host family’s love for fruits, there are always strawberries, papaya, and bananas in the kitchen, along with farm-fresh eggs. This breakfast keeps me energized and ready for the day.

• Daily Painting: I’ve made it a habit to paint every day, using watercolors or acrylics. I find inspiration in the local flora—flowers from the cemetery and cacti from the chacras (farming fields). My small 6x4 watercolor journal is slowly filling up with these colorful memories.

• Daily Walks: Even a short walk, like the half-mile trek to the cemetery, has become part of my routine. The cemetery, with its well-watered and thriving greenery, is a peaceful spot for my painting sessions, especially since the parks in Apata are mostly dry and barren.

• Journaling: Writing in my diary at least every other day has been a consistent practice for over ten years, but I’m more dedicated now than ever. It’s a therapeutic way to process my thoughts and experiences.

• Yoga: I also practice yoga 2-4 times a week, following along with Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube. It’s a calming and grounding practice that complements my other activities.

These habits have really taken root in the last two months, especially since moving to my current home. I’ve realized just how crucial a balanced diet is for both mind and body. At my previous house, I was so deprived of protein, iron, and other nutrients that even simple tasks felt overwhelming. Now, with a more nutritious diet, I feel more energetic and clear-headed.

Creating a daily routine has not only improved my physical health but has also helped reduce my anxiety and keep those “runaway” thoughts at bay. My hope is that when I return to the US, I can continue these habits and keep managing stress in healthy ways.