Re: Taking On My Next Challenge

I’m sharing MiO in my life as part of a sponsored series for Socialstars™. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

2017 has been a very challenging, yet rewarding year for me to say the least.

For starters, this is my first full year that I’ve been blogging full-time. It’s a wild ride being your own boss at such a young age, and it’s also pretty crazy to not receive a paycheck every 2 weeks like the average person with a 9-5. However I’m pretty obsessed with what I’m doing and I have zero regrets!

Even though it seems pretty glamorous to blog full-time, it’s one of the most challenging positions I’ve ever been in. You wear so many different hats, and it causes you to grow up pretty quickly: I’m responsible for my own health insurance, my retirement funds, I have to save just in case my camera breaks or a company is late paying me. It’s for sure one of the riskiest career moves I’ve ever made, and I really need to be on at all times!

What helps me stay motivated on a daily basis? Staying healthy. I had my spleen removed at the age of 8 and a few other health problems, and my body gets run down pretty easily. Even though I’m always on the road and bouncing from city to city, in order for me to physically take on the next challenge in life, I also need to keep my body in check as well. Here are a few things I do to make sure that I stay healthy as possible, and able to manage my next challenge!

1. Working Out

   A month ago, I bit the bullet and hired a personal trainer. Yes, it’s not the cheapest thing, but it’s necessary for me. Some of you might remember I had 2 surgeries in my left arm back in December of 2015, and despite my best efforts, it was incredibly difficult to get back in the gym after arm surgery. In the beginning of summer, I noticed I was getting winded fairly easily, felt like taking naps in the middle of the day, and sleeping in a bit too long — that’s why I decided to suck it up and see a trainer so that I could properly work out.

2. Listening to My Natural Alarm Clock

   Since I now own my own business, one of the benefits is that I have a relatively short commute — from my bed to my desk in my living room! I really thought I’d be sleeping in a bit longer and starting by day around 9:30 or 10 or so, but nope. My body shoots awake at 6:45 AM on the dot every morning, regardless of how much sleep I’ve gotten that night. Since I know my body wants to wake up super early, I make it a point to log off from work at 6pm sharp, relax for a few hours, and get in bed by 11pm. A glamorous life, I know. 

3. Staying Hydrated

   I’ve shared some experiences over the last few weeks of me using MiO, but I cannot say enough good things about it! After using MiO for the last month, I’ve been drinking way more water than I ever have in the past. I never realized how much being hydrated would improve my health — I’m more focused, relying on coffee less, and able to tackle on projects faster and more efficiently than ever. 

   My body naturally doesn’t enjoy the regular taste of water, so I’ve been infusing my agua with MiO flavor enhancers. My go-to this summer has their “Lemonade” flavor; it’s so delicious that I end up drinking my water at a crazy fast rate!

4. Eating Every 2 Hours

   Can you focus when you’re hangry? Nope, neither can I. I have an insanely fast metabolism, and my body needs food every couple of hours — I can’t eat 3 large meals a day and be satisfied! I stocked up on a lot of healthy snacks like chia bars, fruits, and small salads to help me power through my day. Don’t let this mislead you though: I’m still not on a super strict diet by any means. If my friends invite me out for pizza or wine and cheese, I’m all in. I just eat smaller portions of food more frequently throughout the day so my energy levels never drop!

How do you stay focused and healthy?

Photos by Tom McGovern