Wanderlust: Expat Life & Style in Thailand April / May 2017: Health & Wellness Issue | Página 10

Cover Story
going on treks during the summer to relax and to discov-
er more about herself.
MANAO SODA
Between studying, The Amazing Race, and keeping fit,
Anita has somehow found the time to build a thriving
online blog. In 2014, one year after moving to Bangkok,
Anita discovered she had trips and adventures planned
for every month of the year. It was an exciting time and
one that she had to share with the world: “I soon found
I was living a life so far removed from my life in Norway.
There was always something happening in Thailand and
beyond, and I just had so much to say.”
Boyfriend Tom was the driving force, encouraging
Anita to be the voice of the blog, while he got behind
the scenes to do what he does best — take photos. The
blog acts as an online journal for the couple as they trav-
el across the continent and experience new adventures
right here on Bangkok soil.
Since its inception, Manao Soda has taken on a life of its
own. Anita and Tom now have an international following
that opened doors Anita never imagined possible. In the
last year alone, Anita has enjoyed numerous luxury ho-
tel stays, begun modeling for well-known fashion brands,
and even learned how to drive a motorbike for Ducati.
On keeping up her blog she says, “I try to do a post ev-
eryday, but it doesn’t always work out that way. It is harder
now with studying and working.” Despite her busy sched-
ule, Anita is determined to continue with her blog. “I’ll keep
updating it for as long as it is interesting for my readers and
I’m enjoying it. Right now, it just seems like it is growing.”
Just as the future looks bright for Anita’s blog, it looks
positively glowing for the rest of her life.
WHAT’S HER SECRET?
It’s tempting to cite Anita’s youth as the reason why she
has so much energy to fulfill her dreams. She might be
just 24-years-old, but what we have to learn from Anita
has more to do with wisdom. Here are some tips inspired
by the life and habits of this aspiring doctor:
Gentle reminders
When we’re busy, it can be easy to forget the small but
significant tasks we require to stay healthy. Like Anita
with her notes reminding her to drink green tea and co-
conut water, you can leave reminders in your home or on
your phone. Maybe you need to remember to take your
vitamins, do those stretches, or say those affirmations. For
whatever it is that’s important to you, self-reminders are
simple ways to make sure healthful to-dos aren’t forgot-
ten in the chaos of modern life.
Competitive edge
Having Tom as an accountability partner keeps Anita mo-
tivated when it comes to working out. But you don’t need
a significant other to benefit from some friendly compe-
tition. You can challenge yourself to live more healthfully
or mindfully by pushing out of your comfort zone a little
mo re each day. This could mean extending the length or
frequency of your workouts a tiny bit each time or some-
thing as minor as setting your alarm clock a minute earlier
to help you adjust to getting a jumpstart on your days.
10 WANDERLUST
Clearing out toxins
Anita’s studies about environmental toxins help her re-
member to take breaks from Bangkok, something import-
ant to do when you live in such a congested metropolis.
She extends this notion by remembering that negative
thinking is toxic for us as well and makes the time to clear
her mind in the great outdoors.
Giving back
Inspired by her mother’s altruism, Anita’s kindness prob-
ably plays a large part in why she lives such a happy and
successful life. Whether it’s reaching out to a friend in
need or engaging in charity work, giving back can uplift
like few other experiences can.
Focusing on the present
It would be easy for Anita to get into a cycle that makes
running Manao Soda a stressful obligation. Her low-stress
perspective means she sees her blog as something she
enjoys at the moment and realizes she could let go of if
she loses interest or becomes too busy. If your hobbies
seem to have become chores, think back to why you start-
ed them. If you’re still struggling to find the love, it might
be time to move onto the next thing that you can truly be
passionate about.
Balancing acts
A life of fun, hard work, and optimal health requires a
sense of balance that many of us — including Anita —
strive for but sometimes struggle to achieve. Anita has
figured out how to strike up a healthy symmetry be-
tween indulgence and exercise, though: She lets herself
have treats every now and then, but she doesn’t ditch the
gym, either. The same can be said of her work-life balance,
which she creates through juggling dedication to her
studies and a commitment to traveling at every opportu-
nity. What in your life is taking up too much space? Fun or
work? Are you prioritizing your health? See where you’re
out of balance and take small steps to reach equilibrium.
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