Inside My Health Journey: The Goals I’m Focusing on Right Now
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what “wellness” really means to me. Not the Instagram version filled with perfect smoothies and morning routines (though I love a good smoothie), but the real, messy, constantly-evolving kind of wellness. The kind where your energy dips, your labs come back out of range, or you find yourself emotionally triggered by something that feels silly on the surface—but isn’t.
So, I decided to write this post to give you a little peek into what I’m personally working on right now. These are the real health goals I’m actively focused on and the shifts I’ve been making to get closer to them.
Let’s dive in!
My Physical Wellness Goals
1. Building Skeletal Muscle for Longevity
One of the biggest health priorities on my radar is building muscle mass. And no, not just for aesthetic reasons (although feeling strong in your skin is a great bonus). Muscle is critical for longevity—especially for women.
As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass, a process called sarcopenia, which can lead to decreased mobility, frailty, and higher risk of injury. But research also shows that building and maintaining muscle helps with blood sugar regulation, metabolic health, hormonal balance, and even defending against cognitive decline like Alzheimer’s and dementia (source, source).
To keep myself accountable, I’m planning to get another InBody scan to track how my body composition has shifted. It’s such a helpful tool to visually see where your body stores fat, how much lean tissue you’ve built, and where your muscle distribution could improve. Here’s my InBody scan from March 2024 — at the time, my doctor recommended gaining about 5 more pounds of muscle. I’ve since been on a muscle building strength training program, and am excited to see how I’ve moved the needle over the last 1+ year!
2. Restoring My Iron Levels
Earlier this year, I felt off in a way I couldn’t ignore. I was exhausted all the time, had unusually heavy periods, and my body just didn’t feel right. Bloodwork confirmed I had iron deficiency anemia, with my ferritin levels dropping from 34 (in 2024) to just 11 (in 2025). For reference, most experts agree that optimal ferritin levels for women should fall somewhere between 50–100 ng/mL for proper iron storage (source).
The ferritin results from my Function Health lab draw
To start course correcting my levels, my doctor prescribed four months of iron injections, and I’m coming up on my final dose next month. After that, I’ll retest to make sure my levels are trending up. I’m hopeful, especially since my most recent period was way more manageable—lighter, shorter, and with less fatigue!
Restoring my iron levels is especially important to me as I think about starting a family in the next few years. Low ferritin can lead to pregnancy complications, and I want to be in the healthiest place possible when that time comes.
3. Treating Estrogen Dominance
Alongside my iron issues, my doctor also raised the possibility of estrogen dominance—which can happen when estrogen levels are too high relative to progesterone. Some of the most common symptoms? You guessed it: heavy periods, bloating, mood swings, tender breasts, and stubborn weight gain (source).
To support hormone balance, my doctor recommended a supplement called DIM (diindolylmethane), which helps your body metabolize excess estrogen. I started taking it this spring, and I’ve already noticed improvements—especially in how much more manageable my cycles have become. We’ll see how things continue to progress, but for now, I’m feeling encouraged.
4. Meal Prep That Actually Works for My Brain
I’ve never been a master meal prepper. As someone with ADHD, the thought of planning and prepping full meals ahead of time has always felt… impossible. But lately, I’ve found a rhythm that works for me: prep the protein, freeze it, and build from there.
For example, I’ll make a big batch of taco meat, chipotle-marinated chicken breasts, or soup, then vacuum-seal individual portions to freeze (I am a BIG fan of Souper Cubes!). When I’m ready to eat, I just thaw one and build whatever I’m in the mood for: taco bowls, quesadillas, hearty soups—you get the idea.
It’s not glamorous, but it’s sustainable. And for me, that’s the key.
My Mental Health Goals
1. Being Kinder to Myself
This one is big.
I’m working in therapy right now on the voice in my head—the one that tells me I should be doing more, cleaning more, achieving more. I’ve always been a high-functioning overachiever, and I carry guilt when I’m not “productive.” But I’m learning to question that voice. To remind myself that I am safe, I am an adult, and my home can be a sanctuary, even if the laundry isn’t folded or the kitchen’s a mess.
The truth is, listening to my body and honoring my capacity is often the most productive thing I can do. I’m still learning, but I’m getting there.
2. Pausing Before Reacting
I didn’t grow up learning how to regulate big emotions. In moments of conflict or stress, I used to react immediately—sometimes with anger, sometimes with complete shutdown.
Now, I’m learning to pause... and just take a breath. I’ll say something like, “I want to respond to this, but I’m not ready yet. I need some time.” And that one pause changes everything. It puts me back in the driver’s seat. It’s definitely not easy, but it’s been really great for my relationships with others.
My Relationship Goals
1. Saying “No” Without Apologizing
This one’s simple, but not always easy. I’ve been practicing saying “no” more often—especially when I’ve already promised that time to myself or when I simply don’t have the energy to engage. I don’t respond to messages immediately. I don’t call people back right away. And I’m learning to stop feeling guilty for that.
We weren’t built to be available 24/7. I protect my peace. I honor my boundaries. And I’m a better friend, partner, and human because of it.
2. Being the One to Reach Out
While I’m protecting my energy, I’m also investing in what matters most: friendships.
Our relationships are the strongest predictor of our long-term happiness and health (I talk about this more in The Science of Friendship article). So I’ve been trying to initiate more—whether that’s planning a walk, sending the dinner invite, or picking the book for book club.
You don’t have to wait for someone else to reach out. Be the friend who shows up first. It’s contagious.
A Final Note
If you’re working on your own health goals right now—whatever they look like—I hope this gave you a little comfort or clarity. Wellness isn’t a fixed destination. It’s fluid. It evolves. And so do we.
Thanks for being here. 💕
xo Chelsea
