The Headphones That Helped Me Restart My Health Journey •

You ever have one of those moments where you surprise yourself… like, really surprise yourself?

That was me. Sitting in my car, post-op appointment paperwork in my lap, Amazon open on my phone… comparing headphone specs like I was auditioning for a NASA mission. Noise-canceling? Sweatproof? Adjustable band? Who have I become?

But let me back up.

In high school, I was 145 pounds and wore a C cup. That was a lifetime and three kids ago. Since then, my weight has fluctuated. At my heaviest, I was 205 pounds, whether I was pregnant or not. I’ve done Weight Watchers. I’ve used MyFitnessPal. And here’s the thing: once I start, I commit. I log everything. I drink all the water. I do the thing.

Then life… happens.

Work picks up. Kids’ sports get chaotic. I skip one workout and suddenly it’s been a month. I make excuses. I say “next week.” And the next week becomes never. You know how it goes.

On top of all that, I developed high blood pressure during pregnancy. And it stuck. My doctor gently reminded me that I could manage it through my weight and nutrition. It wasn’t new information, but this time, it landed differently.

Probably because I’d just had surgery—a part of this story that started a few weeks earlier—and when I went in for my two-week post-op appointment, the scale said I was five pounds down. Just from resting. From healing. From being still.

That was a moment.

A quiet nudge from my body that whispered: you can do this again.

A New Kind of Goal

Before surgery, I had made a plan to be “summertime fine” for Summer 2025. But life rerouted that timeline. So now? I’m giving myself grace and structure. A plan I can live with, one that fits my rhythm, my body, and my real-life responsibilities.

Here’s what it looks like:

Walk the high school track on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. (Perks of being an administrator.)
Gym sessions with cardio and strength training on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Rest and reset on Sundays.

I’m not focused on a number on the scale. I’m focused on:

Feeling good in my clothes (size 12/14, I’m coming for you),
Reducing my bra size from H to DDD (a girl can dream),
And getting off blood pressure meds.

The Best Sweatproof Headphones for Working Out (And Why I Finally Researched Them)

Now, back to that car moment.

I realized if I’m going to move my body consistently, I need gear that works with me, not against me. I didn’t want cute $20 headphones that slip off mid-sweat or leave my ears sore. I needed something durable, sweatproof, noise-canceling, and comfortable.

And for the first time… I did the research.
And I found the best sweat proof headphones for working out. [Linked here] The headphones didn’t come with a case, so I grabbed one separately—because listen, if I’m serious about this health journey, I’ve got to protect the investment.

The Little Things Matter

My husband grabbed me a few new workout leggings and let me just say, they’re in very heavy rotation. They’re so soft and comfortable, I’ve definitely worn them more than once in a week (no shame here!). He even picked up a couple of shirts to complete the look, and honestly? It’s the little things like that that make getting dressed to move feel a bit more motivating.

I don’t have a full drawer of workout gear just yet. I’m starting with what fits and feels good, and I plan to buy a few new pieces each month. Not too many because as the weight comes off, I don’t want to outgrow what I just bought.

When it comes to shoes, I’m keeping it simple. I’ve been wearing a pair that honestly feel like I’m walking on clouds. At work, I just swap them out before heading to the track. One day I’ll splurge on something new, but for now? I’m sticking with what works and feels good.

And of course, I can’t forget my water. Staying hydrated has become non-negotiable, especially with this Louisiana heat and walking in the evening. I keep my Stanley cup with me everywhere. It fits in my bag, keeps my water ice cold, and honestly makes it easier to remember to actually drink throughout the day in preparation for my workout. If you’ve been meaning to up your water game, this one’s a game-changer.

Maybe You’re Here Too

It’s July. Not January. Not Monday. Not some dramatic day-one announcement.

Just a regular day where I decided: I’m ready to start again.

If you’re in a similar place, I want you to know:

You don’t have to wait for the perfect moment.
You’re not behind.
And you’re absolutely not alone.

Maybe your “starting over” doesn’t look like headphones and gym sessions. Maybe it’s drinking more water. Scheduling a check-up. Taking a quiet walk. Saying no to something that’s been draining you. Whatever it is, it counts.