Social media often showcases individuals dedicated to fitness, drawing in followers who seek motivation and insights. But why do they prioritise fitness? How do they stay motivated? Today, we chat with Zi Huan Wee (Zwee), the founder and CEO of digital innovation agencies Eunoia and Savant Degrees, to delve into his wellness philosophy and routines.
ON LIFE PHILOSOPHY…
“Ikigai is a guiding principle for my life. Based on the concept of four circles, the first circle identifies what you love doing, the second is what you’re good at, and the third overlaps with what the world needs, while the last circle relates to whether you’re paid for the work you do. Ultimately, finding your Ikigai means discovering that sweet spot where your passions, talents, societal needs, and rewards intersect, leading to a fulfilling and purposeful life.”
“I believe that wellness aligns with and supports all circles of one’s ikigai. When the body and mind are functioning at their best, it’s a cycle – A sound mind positively affects the body, and vice-versa. It helps you stay positive despite challenges and sees you through overcoming them.”
ON HIS MORNING RITUAL…
“My morning starts without an alarm, usually around 5 or 6 am. I sleep in my running attire, which is the most comfortable and also prepares me for my morning run. For the last 10 years, I’ve run or swum every morning; it’s a habit that kick-starts the engine, a kick to start my day. Running clears my mind and helps me think; the longer the run, the better. These days, I go for 6 to 15 km per run.”
“For me, running ended up being one of the easiest ways to maintain a routine and habit, so that’s how I got started. Stress needs an outlet, so I tried going to the gym and training. Running was the easiest way to maintain a routine. Morning runs are good for the body and mind. It’s a time where no one is chasing me; it’s time for myself.”
ON MAKING TIME FOR FITNESS…
“I do find it hard to find time for my well-being and fitness amidst professional and personal commitments. Balancing work across three countries, client demands, and family life is challenging but forming habits like sleeping in my running attire helps me remove barriers and make it easier to balance commitments. ”
“If my kids wake up early, they come along with me for my run. Studies show a one-mile run at full heart rate makes kids better students, so I try to involve them. I go for hikes with them too, to expose them to nature and greenery, and absorb nature’s essence. This melds work, health, and family, so the benefits from my fitness routine are multiplied.”
OTHER WELLNESS PRACTICES…
“To increase energy levels, I meditate, which helps me a lot. On stressful days, I spend more time meditating, even just 5 or 10 minutes helps greatly. Reminding myself of the good things in life with a gratitude journal also helps me to eliminate negativity. But when things bottle up for me, I turn to running. I enjoy a very long run, like a half marathon on a Friday night. Running at 10.30pm on the East Coast for 21 or 25 km allows me to unwind and shake off any anxiety or negative thoughts.”
Reminding myself of the good things in life with a gratitude journal also helps me to eliminate negativity.
NUTRITION FOR WELLNESS…
“In terms of eating and nutrition, I believe that it’s important to be keenly aware of what you eat and how it relates to how you feel and perform so you know what your body needs in terms of nutrients. What works for you is unique.”
“I’ve tried many diets. I started with low carbs, which was hard to maintain as I was constantly hungry. Keto, with lots of animal fats, made me realise I don’t recover as fast after exercise. I found that a pescatarian diet with lots of vegetables and fish improved my blood work and recovery. Monitoring my glucose levels with a glucose monitor has been useful too. Being aware of your body and how food affects you is crucial for making better decisions about your diet. Food is a big component of staying healthy, physically and mentally.”
ON GROWING GREENS…
“We started off wanting to educate our kids about where food comes from by growing our own greens. It’s a privilege to witness the entire process from seeding to harvesting, something many city dwellers don’t experience. And understanding the origins of our food has helped us embrace a healthier lifestyle, particularly with children, making eating vegetables more enjoyable.”
“Growing our own greens also reduces our carbon footprint by eliminating the need for plastic-wrapped vegetables from distant sources. This has transformed my family’s eating habits to be healthier. And I believe that the freshness of homegrown vegetables enhances the taste and connection to the food.”
DIGITAL TOOLS FOR WELLNESS…
“I often use the meditation tool on my Apple Watch for quick five-minute sessions when needed. Since I run every day, Strava has become one of my go-to apps. It tracks all my physical activities, providing a tangible way to measure progress. Strava is like my social media for fitness; if you follow me there, you’ll see my daily updates.”
“I’ve also started using the Nike Run app, which combines mindfulness training with running. This app offers a soundtrack and coaching tailored to your run’s duration or distance. It’s a unique way to incorporate mindfulness into my runs and focus on things like breathing, making the experience more beneficial and enjoyable.”
ON HIS NIGHTTIME ROUTINE…
“My nighttime routine begins around eight or 9 p.m. when I put on my blue light blocking glasses. I’m not sure if they actually help me get into sleep mode but it has become a comforting habit that signals to my body to start winding down. I’ve been doing this for years now. Another crucial part of my routine is to stop worrying about anything after around 8 to 9 pm. I consciously avoid using my phone after 9 pm and put it on flight mode. This not only helps me disconnect from the digital world but also signals to my body that it’s time to relax.”
“Over time, my body has become accustomed to this routine, and I find that I can wake up naturally without needing an alarm clock, which according to a sleep doctor I consulted, is the best way to manage your body’s natural rhythm. This routine is so ingrained in me that even on vacation, I tend to wake up and sleep at the same time.”
WELLNESS PHILOSOPHY…
“If I had to choose one word, it would be ‘awareness’. I believe that’s the first step in any wellness journey, whether it’s for the body or the mind or both. Being aware and understanding your body and mind allows you to enhance your well-being. With this awareness, you naturally gravitate towards making the right choices for yourself.”
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