Build healthy habits

In November of 2023, I gave birth to my second child, a precious little boy named Mixo. As one can expect, I gained weight during the pregnancy and experienced challenges with the changes in my skin due to the hormonal changes.

Although I did not allow this period to overwhelm me, I knew that six months postpartum, I would be invested in getting back to the “normal” me.

And so, after months of on and off exercise, I finally committed to a new gym with a goal to lose 10kg in 3months. Crazy, right?

I excitedly called Lerato, the other half of our Aluwa Skin Africa duo, about my goal to snap back and was shocked at what she had to say.

“Thabi, give yourself some grace, you are a new mom and your goal shouldn’t be to lose weight but rather to build healthy habits,” she said.

I was shocked and intrigued.

Could I do that? Was it really that simple? Could I honestly change my goal from tangible numbers on the scale to a track record of consistency and healthy habits?

Of course I could. And I did.

I am grateful for this conversation because it gave me permission to give myself grace without dropping the ball.

With this new perspective, I have managed to consistently cultivate better habits. By going to gym three times a week, I unknowingly improved my night routine which now required me to prepare for the next day. It meant that at least three times a week, I was not falling asleep on the couch, TV on, with Mixo asleep on my chest.

Another benefit which came as a result of one simple change was the increase in my water intake. Although I didn’t set out to have a better night routine and increase my water intake, I am able to do this seamlessly because of one healthy change. There is so much wealth in changing a small part for the bigger picture and I am finally convinced that small habits can result in a better life and perspective of the world. 

I might not be able to lose the 10kg in the time I had initially set out but, this I know for sure, in three months I will be stronger and not where I used to be.  This month the lesson for me is simple: “Change your habits, change your life”- Scott Piles.