What were you struggling with before making this change?
At the age of 22, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I was living an unhealthy lifestyle: poor diet, consuming caffeine at night, not sleeping, consuming fast food, and irrational behavior. I was ordered to take medication. Over the next decade, I went to mental hospitals 12 times. Nothing helped me. I was desperate for help, health, and healing.
How long did it take to notice results?
The first results started within a month. I changed my whole lifestyle. I started routines and daily habits that helped me regain control over my sleep, diet, exercise routine, and most importantly, the way that I think.
Share 5-7 results or changes you’ve noticed.
- Optimal weight
- Good energy levels
- Consistent sleep
- The ability to do a demanding job in retail management
- Better relationships with family and friends
What challenges did you face when starting?
Some old habits were hard to break, but with some persistence, I was able to establish better habits.
How did you overcome them?
Lifestyle consistency was my cheat code for overcoming them. I created a lifestyle program for myself. I call it the NEST. It stands for Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep and Thinking. I do all these things daily for the best physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
What does your routine look like now?
I prioritize sleep, eat good food, lift weights 3 times per week, think in a positive way, do breathing exercises to control stress, read the Bible, pray, and get plenty of sunlight.
Share 5-7 ways this change has impacted your daily life.
5 years ago, I was homeless, on medication, and sick with mental illness. Now, I have an amazing life. I am off all my medication, I have a great job, I am recently married, and I have so much hope for my future.
What advice would you give someone starting with this area?
Start with what you can control. The things you eat, how much you move, and when you sleep. Start listening to motivational messages. Make small changes daily. Get 7-8 hours of sleep. Do hard things like exercise even when you don’t feel like it. Believe that you can change your life one day at a time.
Any other details you want to share?
Our ability to change our bodies and minds is such an amazing gift of life. I hope people can hear my story and have hope that they can change if they choose to change.
