Wellness and Fitness

 

I took my health condition (hyperthyroidism, hypertension, dislipidemia, and worse of all menopause) seriously in 2021.

That year, I lost both parents. 

Mommy from a rare form of cancer in March of 2021 and Dad from a tragic fall in June 2021.

April 2021, I was officially diagnosed with Graves disease, an auto immune condition otherwise known as hyperthyroidism.

I've had hypertension since I was about 45 or 48 years old.

I noticed that my cholesterol levels went crazy once I hit menopause which was pushed forward after I had my radical hysterectomy in March 2023.

At first, I would exercise 2 - 3 times a week from home by following a walk from home program by Leslie Sansone on YouTube. This was suggested by my endocrinologist, the doctor who diagnosed I had Graves Disease.

When we lived in Fairview, QC I increased my exercise routine to 4 times a week. I noticed that I was losing weight and toning muscles but my belly, well, it still needed more effort.

October 2023, we moved here to Paragon Plaza in the Greenfield business district in Mandaluyong. A studio unit on the 31st floor with a fantastic view. Its close proximity to everything was a huge factor for me to really improve my wellness routine.  I could walk everywhere - church, supermarket, even a couple of malls where I can go for pampering, pay bills, dine out and watch movies. 

2024 - early 2025 was a very stressful period for me. I lost my self worth, my self esteem was at an all time low. I was brokenhearted, so depressed, full of rage, really sad - mixed emotions!

BUT.

The only thing I got going for me was to hear Mass daily and exercise!

Nowadays at home, I exercise 5 even 6 days a week. It varies every day. I would exercise for 30 minutes, other days for 45 minutes and when I need huge amount of dopamine, I would do the 90 minutes routine of Leslie Sansone on YouTube.

On weekends, we walk for an hour in the Greenfield district. We would walk around a two block radius for about 4 to 5 rounds.

An hour of walking on concrete pavement where a certain portion goes uphill but not too steep. The area is surrounded by buildings that houses restaurants, coffee shops and commercial establishments. There is also a food truck park, amidst some tall trees.

Early evenings, there is a fair amount of liked minded people who also do their walking. Mostly young profesionals in various shapes, sizes and ages. I'd say their ages range from 25 to late 30s. 

I'm a highly self conscious person. So for me to actually get out of my comfort zone, to go out for walking, sans makeup, frizzy hair is a huge undertaking, believe me. But I persist as I reckon it was one opportunity for us to bond, especially after what happened.

With God's mercy, I am slowly healing in every way, possible.

Spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally.

Truth be told, I still have a long way to go. I am not yet fully recovered nor healed.

There are days when I still feel terrible and really struggle a lot because betrayal trauma is real.

But my Lord and my God, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary continues to watch over me as He, alone is the greatest healer. 

So I shoulder on!