#holistic studier

Over the past year, I have spent a great deal of time learning about inner body health—particularly the thyroid, hormones, and metabolism. This journey began not just out of curiosity, but out of personal necessity. I’ve experienced firsthand how deeply connected these systems are and how quickly life can feel overwhelming when they are out of balance.

One of the biggest struggles I—and so many others—face is low energy. Hormonal imbalance, especially involving the thyroid, often leads to a slower metabolism, leaving us feeling exhausted despite our best efforts. That exhaustion can be discouraging, especially when we truly believe we are doing everything right. We go to the gym, stay active throughout the day, eat what we think is healthy, pray consistently, and trust that eventually it will all work out. Yet many days, it doesn’t feel like enough.

I’ve found that part of the problem is not a lack of effort, but a lack of clarity. I’ve stood in the gym more than once wondering, What should I even be doing right now? Nutrition has been another learning curve. Foods we consider healthy—like quinoa—can absolutely be beneficial in moderation, but there are also many things I’ve had to confront honestly in my own life. Refined sugars, excess carbohydrates, alcohol, prescription medications, and caffeine all place stress on the body. Caffeine, in particular, has been a challenge for me. I often drink more than one cup a day, yet still experience energy crashes. Even the quality of our food matters more than we realize—many grocery store meats contain added hormones and soy, which can quietly disrupt our bodies over time.

There were also lifestyle factors I underestimated. I didn’t realize how much a lack of sunlight or consistent, quality sleep could affect my hormones, mood, and energy levels. These things seem small, but together they make a powerful difference.

Faith has always been important to me, and I’ve spent many moments in prayer asking for change—praying for weight loss, healing, and renewed energy. But I’ve had to ask myself an honest question: Am I pairing those prayers with intentional action? Prayer is powerful, but caring for our bodies requires participation and responsibility on our part as well.

One of the most eye-opening realizations for me has been the role of mindset. This is where I still struggle the most. I tend to stress easily, get nervous, and experience anxiety. By the end of the day, my body feels completely drained, yet my mind is still running at full speed. I’ve learned that the way we speak about ourselves—and to ourselves—matters deeply. Our minds are powerful leaders, and our bodies often follow their direction. When we think negatively or live in constant stress, our bodies listen.

The truth is, every choice we make impacts our internal health. For a long time, I told myself that certain habits didn’t really matter—but they did. They all do. This past year has become a turning point for me. My goal has been to understand my body, support my thyroid, manage my weight naturally, and reshape my mindset. I’m not striving for perfection; I’m striving for progress.

Ultimately, I want to be a healthier version of myself—not just for me, but for my family. This journey has taught me that healing starts from the inside and requires patience, awareness, and grace.

So I ask you this: What is your reason for wanting to become the healthiest version of yourself?