Moving out of your parent’s home marks a significant transition in life, often accompanied by newfound independence and responsibilities. Among these responsibilities, maintaining good health becomes paramount. In the Philippines, where family ties and communal living are deeply ingrained in the culture, venturing out on your own can present unique challenges to staying healthy. However, with the right mindset and strategies, you can navigate this transition smoothly and prioritize your well-being.

Meet Nina Capili, a 25-year-old professional who recently moved out of his parent’s home in Manila to pursue career opportunities. Like many young adults, he initially found the transition daunting, especially when it came to maintaining his health amidst the demands of independent living. However, through trial and error, he discovered effective ways to stay healthy and balanced.

How to Manage to Stay Healthy After Moving Out?

1. Establishing a Routine: Upon moving out, realized the importance of establishing a daily routine. With a demanding job and newfound responsibilities, craft a schedule that allocates time for work, exercise, meal preparation, and leisure activities. By sticking to this routine, ensure that you prioritize health amidst your busy lifestyle.

2. Cooking Nutritious Meals: Living away from your parent’s home meant you had to fend for yourself in the kitchen. Initially, you may be intimidated by cooking, but gradually learn to prepare simple yet nutritious meals. Instead of relying on fast food or instant noodles, opt for homemade dishes packed with vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Not only did this save him money, but it also improved his overall health and energy levels.

Here are some sample affordable and nutritious meals to try:

• Ingredients:
  • Assorted vegetables (such as squash, eggplant, okra, and string beans)
  • Garlic, minced
  • Onion, chopped
  • Tomatoes, chopped
  • Fish sauce (patis) or soy sauce
  • Cooked brown rice
• Instructions:
  1. Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic, onion, and tomatoes until fragrant.
  2. Add assorted vegetables and stir-fry until slightly tender.
  3. Season with fish sauce or soy sauce according to taste preference.
  4. Serve the sautéed vegetables with cooked brown rice.

2. Tinola (Chicken Soup with Papaya):

• Ingredients:
  • Chicken pieces (legs or thighs)
  • Ginger, sliced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Onion, chopped
  • Fish sauce (patis)
  • Papaya, sliced
  • Spinach leaves
  • Cooked white rice
• Instructions:
  1. In a pot, sauté garlic, ginger, and onion until fragrant.
  2. Add chicken pieces and cook until slightly browned.
  3. Pour enough water to cover the chicken and bring to a boil.
  4. Add fish sauce and simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Add sliced papaya and cook until tender.
  6. Stir in spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
  7. Serve the Tinola soup with cooked white rice.

3. Adobong Kangkong (Sauteed Water Spinach in Adobo Sauce) with Steamed Fish:

• Ingredients:
  • Kangkong (water spinach) leaves, cleaned and chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Onion, chopped
  • Vinegar
  • Soy sauce
  • Cooking oil
  • Tilapia or bangus (milkfish), steamed
• Instructions:
  1. Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
  2. Add kangkong leaves and stir-fry until wilted.
  3. Mix vinegar and soy sauce in a separate bowl to make the adobo sauce.
  4. Pour the adobo sauce over the kangkong and simmer until the flavors meld.
  5. Serve the Adobong Kangkong with steamed fish on the side.

3. Regular Exercise: With a hectic schedule, made it a point to incorporate regular exercise into his routine. You may join a nearby gym and commit to working out at least three times a week. Additionally, embraced outdoor activities such as jogging in the park or cycling around his neighborhood. Not only did exercise help stay physically fit, but it also served as a stress reliever amidst the challenges of independent living.

4. Prioritizing Mental Health: Beyond physical health, he recognized the importance of prioritizing his mental well-being. To manage stress and maintain a positive mindset, you engage in activities such as meditation, journaling, and spending quality time with friends.

5. Building a Support Network: Despite living away from his family, makes an effort to build a strong support network in his new environment. Connect with colleagues, neighbors, and fellow residents in his apartment building, fostering meaningful relationships and a sense of community. Having a support system to lean on during times of need provided him with emotional resilience and encouragement to stay healthy and focused on his goals.

Through these strategies and a proactive approach to his health, Nina successfully navigated the transition of moving out of his parent’s home while staying healthy and balanced.

Moving out of your parent’s home in the Philippines can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. By prioritizing your health and adopting strategies, you can navigate this transition with confidence and thrive in your newfound independence. Remember, staying healthy is not just about physical well-being but also encompasses mental, emotional, and social aspects. With determination and resilience, you can create a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle, even away from the comforts of home.