Healing Breakthrough
Lately, life has been… well, a little more interesting. Not in a Gen Z-core kind of way; just in a quiet, almost unnoticeable shift that feels like a small breath of fresh air. My numerous attempts at renewing my motivation are starting to pay off. It’s not dramatic, certainly not linear, but these days I find myself carrying around a lighter disposition. A bit more at ease. A bit more me.
I learned that baby steps, no matter how tiny or awkward, are still a form of progress. So I started doing just that: committing to early morning workouts, and renewing that same commitment every day even when my body screamed otherwise. I continue to learn more about self-accountability as I go.
If January taught me anything, it’s that better days do come. Perhaps not in the most splendid way, but just enough to keep you going. So here I am, showing up; proud of the small wins and everything I’ve accomplished over the past weeks. I learned to start my day by doing the hard work, to view each morning as an opportunity to choose between giving in to the same miserable excuses that hindered my healing, or to get up and take control of my day.
I’m practicing the art of tuning out the noise—the doubt, the negative voice in my head that always seems to think I’m far behind. I drag myself out of the house even when I don’t feel ready.
Especially when I don’t feel ready.
The quiet shift
I started doing cardio and strength training last month, and have been hitting the gym every morning, four to five days a week. On days when I couldn’t make it, I still do a few routines at home to try to compensate for my compromised schedule. I didn’t want to jump into anything intense or overwhelming so I started by covering 4 to 5km every day until I regained enough stamina to add another routine to the mix, which should focus on strengthening my core.
It didn’t take long before I noticed a few yet significant improvements in my energy, endurance and other aspects of my overall well-being.
My body started craving quality sleep. I’ve spent most of my motherhood years working graveyard shifts which obviously led to an unhealthy sleep habit. I’m very grateful that my husband encouraged me—no, he actually pushed me—to temporarily stop working until I’m able to reset my body rhythm. After committing to my morning workout, I began craving quality sleep.
Less to no discomfort after meals. I tend to eat in the wee hours due to my work schedule, and this often leads to bloating and abdominal discomfort. I realized that moving my body first thing in the morning helps in improving digestion. I didn’t hop on any diet trends; my simple routine has made my stomach feel lighter and more comfortable, especially after every meal.
I’m literally stronger than I was last month. I’m not running 10km or lifting weights like a pro, but I don’t feel sore anymore like I used to. I don’t have to convince myself why I had to get up early; my body seems to have found its own momentum. I don’t dread hour-long treadmill sessions anymore. Leg and pull days started to excite me.
No menstrual cramps for the first time in a long time. I was 12 when I first experienced painful cramps, and was told it would get better after having kids but it really didn’t. I had resigned myself to the fact that Dysmenorrhea was simply a part of my monthly ordeal. I’ve had 2 full cycles since I started my morning workout but this time, I didn’t get intense cramps throughout my period. For someone who has low pain tolerance, I’d say aside from minor discomfort and feeling a little sore, I wasn’t in pain at all.
More balanced mood. Since exercising helps lower the body’s stress hormones, it’s no surprise that my new routine has been a tremendous boost for my mental health. And because there is a sense of accomplishment knowing that I’ve already accomplished something great before the demands of the day begin, my overall mood is lighter than usual. Not only do I feel happier, it is also easier for me to regulate my emotions and how I react to things around me.
Thriving, like I always do
Back in December, I didn’t know change was actually possible. That seemingly insignificant decision to get up early one morning and let the sunshine touch my face has started to transform my life. Again, not in the grandest of way, but it’s honestly one of the best forms of self-care I’ve found. What started as a way to distract myself from the heaviness in my heart has turned into a habit I actually look forward to. These morning workouts aren’t just about moving my body anymore—they help me reset, check in with myself, and feel more in control of my day.
You can never go wrong with a little self-love. So here’s to keeping it real, embracing the process, and never underestimating the power of hard work and manifestation.
xoxo,
Nicey