I wanted to learn how to balance my life, implement changes to help avoid any triggers that may lead to a migraine, and practice more self-care inside and out.

First, I put a critical spotlight on how I ate. For over 10 years previously, I had relatively healthy eating habits. I focused on eating lean meats, extra veggies, non-fat dairy products, and whole grains, but I wasn’t truly mindful about the meals I was constructing in the kitchen, or, more importantly, the lack thereof. I previously went to extremes and was more focused on the caloric intake value, what a trainer had written out meal-by-meal, or what would simply fill me up.

I changed that by starting to frequent local farm stands, filling up bags of fresh produce and veggies. “Think of vegetables as medicine, you know, but you don’t get charged for the benefits,” said John Farquhar MD, in “Training camp for your brain” – Stanford Health Improvement Program, Feb. 11, 2014.

I began researching the benefits of organic foods and started making simple, healthy, and nutrient-dense meals. Cooking became therapeutic to me.

After a recommendation from a friend, I researched and took my first mat pilates class. I had always been drawn more towards high-intensity workouts such as spin class, boot camps, and core work classes. 

After a few pilates classes, I was hooked and was taking at least five classes a week! I really love how mat pilates has the individuality aspect to it. It’s just you, the mat, and your movements!

In each hour of class I was stretching, toning and enjoying an hour to solely be present with myself – free of distractions. Breath work is super important in pilates. When I walked into the pilates room, I focused on me.

I felt energized after each class. It was definitely a “’happy place” for me. It was an exercise that did not worsen the debilitating fatigue that I’d been struggling with. 

Coming next: Creating a new lifestyle