Positive Mindset is Key

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"Step By Step, Step By Step" is the mantra my English teacher was repeating in 2014. At first, this was not meaning much too me but with time I understood that this is everything to face any kind of challenge with or without Diabetes.

A new Challenge arrives on my way, what do I do?💣

The first reaction is to panic and get scared, as it is something I do not know how to handle. The topic is new, and it is an uncharted territory. More agitations starts coming into me, I start thinking about the timing, it is always a bad timing, where am I going to have time to deal with some extra problems? Soon enough I get a spiral of dark thoughts that no dot allow me to think straight anymore. 

Right, this is what was happening to me years ago and everything was going to fall apart creating chaos and tears. What do I do now? Read after the Intro.

If you do not know me a little intro:


I’m Eleonora, born in 1995 in the beautiful city of Turin, Italy. With a background in molecular biotechnology and a master’s in oncology from Vrije University of Amsterdam, I’ve dedicated my life to understanding and improving human wellbeing. I work as a consultant engineer in Pharma Amsterdam and I channel my passion for sports as a Swim Director for the Amsterdam Triathlon and Cycling Club. Living with type 1 diabetes since 1999, when I was three, and you know what, I've embraced it as a unique strength that fuels my dedication to triathlons and my quest for optimal health! My journey has led me to become a certified nutritionist and life coach, always striving to inspire and support others in their diabetes management and overall health journey.


My Mission

Diabetes is a full-time challenge, but with the right mindset and lifestyle, it can be managed effectively. My mission is to provide genuine insights and practical guidance to those living with diabetes, enhancing understanding and promoting a healthy lifestyle. By sharing my personal experiences, strategies, and the tools I've developed, I aim to inspire others to take control of their health. Combining cognitive behavioral therapies with medical treatments, my goal is to shift the focus from just insulin and glucose levels to a comprehensive approach that includes nutrition, exercise, and mental wellbeing. Together, we can create a supportive community where everyone can thrive despite the challenges of diabetes.

Recently, I started a self discovery process that made me capable to break big problems down in small steps, focus on the progressed and on the positive accomplishments. Now, as certified life coach I would like to share what I learned:

Acknowledge the Problem💪

Acceptance is Key! Recognize and accept that there is a problem is the first step I always take. Seems easy but it is not. Most of the time we make excuses with ourselves, we believe in these excuses that the problem is not actually existing or will disappear or someone else will handle it. It is not the case, You are the author of your own story! Denial could only delay solutions and slow down your path of success towards overcoming the challenge.

Stay Positive and Calm💗

Practice mindfulness or meditation to stay calm and centered is something I have read i multiple books, listen is a lot of podcasts, such as the Huberman Lab, and I always thought it would be not that effective. I consider it a waste of time, where nothing is going to happen if I stay still. 

Well, in this society where everything moves so fast, practicing slowing down actually helps to reconnect with ourselves. What helps me in concrete, is to practice Yin Yoga or Yoga nidra to deep relax! This really improved my mental health and I saw positive feedback on my glucose levels as well! Reconnect with you deeper self, as you, and you only have all the answers!

Define the Problem Clearly💪

 Clearly define the problem. Break it down into smaller, manageable parts if it's complex. You will notice that most of the time, talking about the problem will make it seems less dramatic that it looks. Talking to about it will initiate a chain of thought to start looking for solutions.

Set Clear Goals💬

 In my daily job I am used to Project Management for Pharmaceutical companies. Working in a goal orientated environment that helped me to learn how to create SMART Goals. Nothing too hard, don't worry! Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals to address the problem! This process will help create clarity in your mind and naturally prioritize what is more urgent to resolve.

Now is the moment to implement your plan with confidence! Take decisive action rather than procrastinating! The moment to take action is now!

Practice Self-care!💟

What do I do?

1. Practice Yin Yoga twice a week, helped me reduce body and mind stress level and I saw this reflected on mu glucose

2. Beauty care such as doing a face mask or a long bath.

3. Practice Sport! Physical activity changed my life and I cannot imagine my life without it! It is not only beneficial for improving my glucose levels but giving me energy to carry on other boring tasks.

By following these steps, you can systematically and effectively address problems, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and improvement.

My conclusion is that Bad days and periods are always behind the corner, but they are flattened by the volume of good days that we get in, if we live intentionally and we set clear priorities.


Disclaimer:

Beyond every race, even every training that can be run, bike ride, swimming etc.. there is much more. Weeks, months, maybe a years of trainings. Training not only in the sport train the mind and the body to act and react with Diabetes, to feel while pushing, to hold the pain while being aware. Every training is fully planned around nutrition and glucose management, supported by a strong mindset.

My science based method lead me from 0 to 100%. From training in 2015 once or twice a week with poor results, increasing the training amount in 2018 to an Half Ironman Triathlon competition in 2023. Today I am proud of what I have achieved, and I am proud of the method I used to discover this path.

I am not a doctor and I am not pretending to be one. I am a Molecular Biotechnology scientist and an Oncology Master graduate one. I have spent years in hospital studying and observing cell behavior, metabolism, grow and death. This made me discover the beauty of my own body and empowered myself to be my own scientist. 

Everything I do is science based, as I inform myself with proved scientific articles, strongly supported by my scientific background. Tested carefully on myself, discussed with other and with specialist of the topic. Afterwards, validated with scientific results on performance, body weight and mental health.

What is my detailed therapy for diabetes, the units, and the measurements might be not yours, and you do not need to copy or try to replicate the numbers, although The Strategy for success might be similar!


To know more about my challenges and my day to day diabetes management on Instagram 

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