From One Monday to a Lifetime
| Nicola De Guzman
Illustration by Nathania Vigilancia, Marguelle Asuncion
“Hala late na, wala na akong oras magluto.”
“Wait, stretching lang ako then back to work na.”
“Ok, mamaya nalang ako kakain.”
These are the common phrases you will hear from the people who try to take care of themselves—the ones who set alarms to wake up early, only to go to bed late at night to finish tasks before the deadline. In a quiet room with piled-up papers, their minds ponder the possibility of slowing time, wishing for an opportunity to eat a proper meal and get enough sleep—a chance to take care of themselves.
In an article by Connected Health and Wellbeing, one of the many reasons mentioned was the lack of time. It stated that many people find it impractical to put themselves first when there are responsibilities that need to be dealt with first.
In this fast-paced world, it is evident that life hardly gives anyone a second to breathe, relax, or even be healthy. KIMSHEALTH noted that this hectic world leaves no space for morning relaxation or meals due to other “essential” morning chores or work.
Breakfast is often skipped, thinking maybe they would have time to eat after work. Water is also forgotten, buried beneath stress that needs to be handled, to the point that even taking a water break feels too much.
A Time to be Healthy
People have gotten used to this kind of lifestyle—students and professionals alike. Connected Health and Wellbeing explained how modern society views busyness as a sign of success, which then creates a cycle where people prioritize work over health.
But one school advocacy challenges that mindset: Healthy Monday. An advocacy that promotes a positive lifestyle and overall wellness, reminding us that health should not come last. The advocacy is a chance—a moment given to those struggling to find time to pause, rest, reset their bodies, and shift to a healthier version of themselves. At JCSGO Christian Academy (JCA), Monday has become a weekly reminder for everyone that health matters and should never be forgotten.
Two Grade 12 students of JCA revealed how the advocacy helped them in their lives. Hendrix Aldave highlighted the impact the advocacy has left him, admitting that as a busy student, Healthy Monday became a reminder to go easy on himself both mentally and physically.
“The advocacy benefited me most especially way back when I was in grade school.”
“Healthy Monday helped me to be exposed more to consuming nutritious meals and making the choice of choosing a well-balanced meal,” he added.
Meanwhile, Braian Leyretana, a student-athlete, on the other hand, shared the ways the advocacy improved his lifestyle. “It made me think about my health; I usually don’t eat vegetables, but in JCA, I was encouraged to eat healthy.”
Abby Cristobal, JCA’s Supreme Student Council President, similarly has the same experience. She expressed that she usually does not eat fruits and vegetables, but that changed ever since being exposed to the advocacy.
With Abby and the other students’ testimonies, it is evident that the Healthy Monday advocacy truly helps the students shift to a balanced lifestyle.
One Monday at a Time
Still, building a healthy routine doesn’t happen overnight. It may take time to unlearn the habits people have grown used to—such as not drinking enough water, skipping meals, and lack of exercise—as highlighted by dietitian nutritionist Brierley Horton.
However, all of these habits stem from one common cause: the lack of time. Whitney Crinklaw explored this reason in her article, explaining that in today’s modern world, convenience is the top priority–often neglecting one’s health.
But now, students and school staff at JCA are given dedicated time to care for their health. Every Monday feels a bit different, as the school sets aside time specifically to eat healthy and move their bodies—from the morning exercises before class to the healthier food options in the canteen.
At this point, Healthy Monday is not just an advocacy for a healthier you—it is a step closer to a better lifestyle that will stay with each one of us until we grow old and eventually live our lives outside JCA.
What started as a wish ends with healthy habits for a lifetime—a possibility made, one Monday at a time.