Recently, a guy shared an inspiring post on Reddit that got a lot of love from users. Sean Micklos highlighted five major lifestyle adjustments that shaped him into the person he’s become today.
On September 10, Sean posted two selfies—one from two years ago and another one that seems fresher—gaining more than 59,000 upvotes. In the snaps, the 32-year-old educator from Dallas, Texas, has a grin that says it all. But what catches the eye is his noticeably slimmer face thanks to shedding 10 pounds.
When chatting with Newsweek, Micklos credited several changes, such as giving up alcohol, staying active with regular walking sessions, intermittent fasting, and making sleep and hydration a top priority, all of which worked wonders for his health and mindset.
“I’m feeling way better in my 30s compared to my 20s,” he mentioned. “Everyone should consider starting their journey and not judge their progress against anyone else’s. The only competition is who you were yesterday.”
Kicking Alcohol to the Curb
In 2023, Micklos used to drink heavily most nights, grappling with feelings of loneliness after moving away from home to pursue a master’s and student-teach. He weighed 160 pounds back then; now, he’s proudly down to 150.
“Looking at my reflection, the guy I saw wasn’t who I really felt I was inside,” he shared with Newsweek.
He initially committed to a 30-day alcohol-free challenge, which eventually turned into three years of sobriety. Now, he saves drinking for special occasions.
“My former lifestyle could be summed up as lonely and lacking confidence. I spent too much time gaming and barely putting in effort at work and relationships,” he admitted.
Getting Serious About Sleep
The CDC highlights the need for adults to aim for at least seven hours of sleep nightly. However, with all the screen time many indulge in today, catching those Z’s can be tough. Whether it’s scrolling through social media or getting lost in gaming, these distractions often rob us of our valuable rest.
Getting enough shuteye is crucial for various reasons, one of which is to help maintain a healthy weight. A direct connection has been found between lack of sleep and weight gain.
Micklos says, “I used to work out but saw minimal results because I was messing up my sleep daily and not really recovering.”
Newsweek conversed with Dr. Marcio Griebeler, head of the Diabetes and Obesity Center at Cleveland Clinic’s Endocrinology & Metabolism Institute, and he pointed out that poor sleep affects hormone balance, making weight loss tougher and leaving you drained during the day, likely causing lower levels of activity.
Micklos pointed out: “On weekdays, I make sure to average about seven hours of sleep; on weekends, I can extend it to nine.”
“Alcohol disrupts your sleep and your body’s ability to recover. Even if you’re sleeping enough hours, you miss out on deep, restorative REM sleep,” he noted.
“Sleep is crucial! Without giving it the attention it deserves, nothing in life can truly excel. My ideal is around eight hours and 20 minutes, and that leaves me feeling unstoppable each day.”
Regular Exercise
When his transformation journey kicked off, Micklos hit the gym nearly every day. He’s currently on the mend from a back injury sustained in a car accident but still prioritizes movement by walking for 15 minutes each morning and again after dinner.
“Although my mobility isn’t what it used to be, I keep pushing myself. I might walk, do some swimming, enjoy a sauna, or practice yoga,” he added.
Diet and Fasting Connections
Micklos champions whole-food meals andintermittent fasting from Monday through Friday.
“They say you build a six-pack in the kitchen, but it’s all happening there—clear skin and bright eyes too,” he explained. “We’re conditioned to think we have to graze all day long. A couple of solid protein-rich meals along with some collagen coffee in the morning is all it takes for a noticeable transformation.”
A Fresh Perspective
“I’m feeling incredible right now,” Micklos shared. “I’ve got a lot more energy, way less brain fog, plus a confidence that feels well-deserved. These major lifestyle shifts uncovered the person within that I always knew existed, which has also led me to meet my amazing girlfriend, Diane. I’m super thankful I found the courage to begin making these adjustments.”
“Now, I’d label my life as relaxed and community-focused, compared to the way I lived before. No longer do I simply go through the motions at work and in life. I engage more with the community, zip around White Rock Lake on my longboard, and soak in the outdoors even if it’s just for a quiet sit without distractions.”
