Since tennis icon Monica Seles announced her diagnosis with myasthenia gravis a few months ago, she has been actively working to raise awareness by talking about her journey dealing with this autoimmune disorder.
Although living with a condition that affects the interaction between nerves and muscles can seem daunting—especially for someone who’s excelled at the highest level in sports—Seles has adapted her lifestyle and habits to reduce her discomfort. In a recent conversation with Flow Space, she opened up about three essential habits she follows daily to stay healthy.
Having a flexible routine is a key aspect of her day, allowing Seles to modify her plans based on how she’s feeling. “I like to think of my life as a bouncing tennis ball—it’s chaotic at times—but if I find a way to balance myself, I always end the day on a positive note,” she shared.
Mindfulness Practice
Seles begins each day by finding a quiet spot for a moment of reflection and intention setting, even though she doesn’t adhere to a strict meditation routine. “It’s essential to ground myself each morning, especially in today’s fast-paced environment,” she notes. This calming technique is inspired by her late father and has proven beneficial for her mental focus since her early career days. “After retiring, I eliminated certain distractions that have tremendously helped me focus,” she highlighted.
Reformer Pilates
Another cornerstone of her health regimen is Reformer Pilates, which Seles has been practicing regularly. “As I move into this next chapter of life, I focus on strengthening my bones with resistance training,” she emphasized. She advocates for everyone to tune into their bodies and explore various forms of exercise to discover what truly resonates with them.
Cherishing Time with Pets
Oftentimes, Seles credits her furry companion, Charlie the Yorkie, for adding joy and tranquility to her life—he even showed up to their video shoot! “It’s a simple yet powerful exchange of energy,” she remarked. “He offers me unwavering love and has been a loyal friend for years.” The profound emotional and social advantages of having pets are well-established, often leading to increased happiness and lower levels of stress.
