IELTS Speaking – a healthy habit you would like to develop

I try to keep things simple. I go for a run three times a week and cycle to class whenever the weather allows. I also make an effort to eat plenty of vegetables and cut back on sugary drinks, which used to be my weakness. And I've realised that getting enough sleep makes a huge difference to my energy levels.

Yes, I've really got into it over the past year. When I first moved out of my parents' house, I lived on instant noodles, but I soon got tired of that. Now I enjoy experimenting with simple recipes, especially Vietnamese dishes my mum used to make. Cooking after a long day actually helps me unwind.

On weekdays, I usually get around six or seven hours, which is probably a bit less than I need. I tend to stay up late finishing assignments, and then I have early classes. At weekends, I try to catch up on sleep, although I know that isn't the healthiest habit. I'm trying to go to bed earlier.

One healthy habit I'd really like to develop is waking up early, ideally around half past five, and using that time to exercise and plan my day. To be honest, I haven't managed to develop this habit yet, mainly because I'm a bit of a night owl. My brain seems to work best late at night, so I often end up studying or scrolling on my phone until after midnight. Then, of course, when my alarm goes off at half five, I just hit the snooze button and go back to sleep. I've tried several times, but I usually give up after a few days, especially when the weather is cold or I've had a stressful week. As for how I could start, or rather how I plan to start this time, I think the key is to change my evenings first rather than my mornings. I'm going to set a rule that I put my phone away at ten o'clock and leave it charging in the kitchen, so I'm not tempted to check it in bed. I'll also lay out my running clothes the night before, so there are fewer excuses in the morning. And instead of jumping straight to half five, I'll set my alarm fifteen minutes earlier each week, so the change is gradual. I'm sure this habit would improve my life in several ways. Physically, I'd get regular exercise without it eating into my day. Mentally, I'd start each morning feeling calm and in control, instead of rushing out of the door. Several of my friends who are early risers say they're far more productive, and I'd love to experience that for myself. In the long run, I think it would make me healthier, less stressed and more disciplined overall.

I think it's mainly a combination of diet and lifestyle. Processed food and sugary drinks have become cheap and widely available, and they're often marketed very aggressively, especially to children. At the same time, people are far less active than before. Many of us sit at a desk all day, drive or ride motorbikes everywhere, and spend our free time in front of screens. Busy schedules also play a role, because when people are short of time, they tend to rely on fast food rather than cooking. So it isn't simply a matter of individual willpower; the environment we live in matters a great deal.

On balance, I'm in favour of it, particularly for sugary drinks. There's evidence from countries like the UK and Mexico that taxes on soft drinks have reduced consumption and pushed companies to cut the sugar in their products. The money raised could also be spent on healthcare or sports facilities. However, I can see the argument against it. Such taxes may hit low-income families hardest, since they spend a larger share of their income on food. So I think a tax works best when it's combined with making healthy food cheaper and easier to access.

Absolutely, and I'd even say the two are closely linked. If someone is suffering from anxiety or depression, it often affects their sleep, their appetite and their ability to work, so their physical health suffers too. The problem is that mental health issues are often invisible, and in many cultures, including mine, people still feel ashamed to talk about them. Fortunately, attitudes are slowly changing, especially among younger people. I think schools and workplaces should treat mental health just as seriously as a broken leg, by offering counselling and encouraging people to seek help early.