Life Reboot

About a year ago I decided to do a Reboot, what started out as a nutrition and workout reboot it turned out to be a total life reboot.  Sitting here thinking about, I recognise that I have been on that journey for very long time and what was different last year is that I took matters seriously and changed my life into what I now call Love Yourself and Claim your Power reboot.

  Image by Myriam Zilles from Pixabay 

I evaluated all the areas of my life and took notes on what was working, what was OK but needed more effort and what was totally out of balance.  My career and work life were taking the bulk of my time, as it does for most people.  The constant travel was fun, however it left me with very little energy to do anything else, like spend time with my family and friends. It also affected my physical well-being. I would exercise regularly (3-4 times per week) and instead of getting stronger and fitter, I was getting injuries and getting bigger.  I would skip meals either due to being in different time zones or being too busy to make time for lunch and dinner.  

Logically, the whole pattern didn’t add up.  Even though few years ago I got my nutrition diploma and it was very easy to give others advice, I wasn’t following my own advice.  Even though I hired personal trainers and I got fanatical about my gym classes.  None of that helped. If anything, I got more stressed and more out of balance.  During all that, I did learn a lot about how the body works, hormones, cycles and fitness plans by working out and talking with the experts and by doing my own research and reading as well.  I am now convinced that there isn’t a one size fits all approach that will work the same for all of us.  Our bodies are different, our habits are different and most importantly our mental health and life is different.  I also know that there are no miracle fast cures. If we want results, we got to put in the work and then get out of our own way.  The journey is at least 80% mental.  To be able to make the changes needed, we need to fix our fears and blocks, or the change will be short lived.

Abraham Maslow developed a human hierarchy of needs which was conceptualized in the form of a pyramid to explain how people move from physiological needs to self-actualization…. A lot has been written on this subject, so I will briefly touch on it and highlight the key concepts on the pyramid image below. 

I followed a more holistic approach to my reboot, looking after mind-body-spirit in order to create a more balance and connected life.   Corresponding to Mind-Body-Spirit are three needs that must be satisfied for a contented and balanced life: 

Mind - Psychological needs = Knowledge

Image by John Hain from Pixabay 

• Develop Self Awareness
• Be open to any fears or “failures” they are life’s way to teach us some lessons
• Chose joy and optimism
• Keep learning new things
• Keep exploring life
• Meditate/Pray/Practice Mindfulness - this will help you put your mental house in order

Body - Physical needs = Health & Wellbeing

Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay 

• Self-Care – spend time looking after yourself.  Putting yourself first is not  selfish, it’s necessary so we can then look after all the people and things we care about 
• Sleep - resting is a very important component as it allows the body and mind to regenerate
• Nutrition - Eat the rainbow; add colour to your meals by eating more vegetables and fruits 
• Movement - Find the exercise(s) which makes your body happy and do that
• Discipline – by being diligent and planning ahead you leave very little room to change your mind.

Spirit - Spiritual needs = Inner peace

Image by Pezibear from Pixabay 

• Embrace your inner warrior or Goddess 
• Be open to any fears or “failures” they are life’s way to teach us some lessons
• Chose joy and optimism
• Discover your passions; know what you like and what you don't. What is negotiable and what isn't
• Meditate/Pray/Practice Mindfulness - connect with your inner self, love, God/universe

What worked...

Fast forward a year, I feel stronger and fitter than ever.  I feel more connected and balanced.  Not to mention that I lost 17 kilos and a couple dress sizes in the process.

So what worked for me... 

Self love and self-care.  I took my fate in my own hands and claimed my power back.   I am now putting myself first in a loving and caring way.  I start my days, not rushing to reply to work emails and messages, instead I make time for daily morning meditation and a nice cup of coffee.  Then I head to the gym for 45 mins to 1 hour.  I dedicate 2 hrs of my day first thing in the morning looking after me.  

Once that is done, then I am ready to take the day.  As a result I am a lot more productive and a lot more joyful!

I detest diets, so I make sure that I plan ahead of time to have enough healthy and colourful food available for a balanced nutrition.  I also ensure that I don't skip my meals and I keep track of my macros (well most days).  If am out for events or celebrations, I don't count calories or macros, I enjoy my time with my family and friends.  

If I want chocolate or ice cream, I have chocolate and ice cream, I just work it into my daily calorie and macros plan.  

My workout routine changes as well.  I cut down on the amount of cardio I was doing and replaced with weight training.  My cardio is mainly HiiT based once or twice a week and very short.  I weight train minimum 3 times a week, 1 day full body, 1 day upper body and 1 day lower body and I include ab circuits on almost every workout.  Don't think that I am spending hours and hours in the gym, usually I am done within 45/50 mins, 4-5 days per week.

In many ways, I treated my reboot as I would a work project... I planned it and making sure I am executing to the best of my ability.

I learned to love and accept all of myself… the good and the not so good.  I am learning to look at life without judgements and comparisons.  I learned that it's not selfish to take care of myself and take the time to enjoy life without feeling guilty that I should be doing something else, taking care someone else.

The responsibilities, don't go away, by taking care your needs however, you ensure that you are even more capable to take care your responsibilities. 

For me the result has been phenomenal.   I am now healthier and stronger than ever.  I feel full of life and vitality.  Losing weight was the byproduct of taking care of myself not the end goal.

Dedicated to all my friends and gym buddies who are asking for my secret or advice.  

Love yourself & and Claim your Power!