This Is How R&B Singer Miguel Uses Exercise & Meditation To Reach Prime Productivity
Miguel's fitness journey started in an unlikely way. Before going on tour with R&B superstar, Trey Songz, Miguel and was determined to, "not look like the scrawny dude on tour." Miguel told Men's Health that he worked out 6-7 days a week for six months before he reached his personal #BodyGoals, but decided to keep with the practice well after the tour. Since then, Miguel says that his idea of mental and physical fitness have shifted dramatically.
Those of us who aren't world-renowned superstars know that making time to stay mentally and physically fit can be a struggle. Between adulting and fighting to find a modicum of personal time, it's hard enough to remember to eat. But Miguel's way of thinking about health and wellness may help you change your routine for the better. He told Men's Health:
"My workout regimen is more about clarity and consistency."
The keto-friendly superstar and his wife, Nazanin, share a gym, which is also conveniently their garage. This makes it easy for them to get out a quick workout routine together, or for them to have their own space for fitness as a part of their individual daily routine. Miguel says that he usually starts his morning at about 6 a.m. with a mini-meditation session.
"I try to wake up early in the morning, get my mind right, get a meditation in."
According to Miguel, true physical fitness isn't just about looking good, wellness works from the inside-out. Before the singer hops into the studio or his tasks for the day, you can catch him getting in a few moments of meditation, and that's a sure thing. He said:
"All of it is like a balance for me so I meditate regularly as well. It's a part of the regimen, so that's why I like to wake up early. I get up before most people would. I like to wake up at 6:00-6:30 these days. Get a meditation in for 20-30 minutes and then kind of just let that settle in, think about what I have to accomplish for the day. Then jump in on a workout around 8:00."
Now, moving on to that bawdy. Have mercy on me. Miguel says that he keeps his TV-ready physique by working out five times a week, but these days, he's not doing it for the gains.
"I try and work out five times a week now. For me, it's more of a productivity tool. There was a time when I had serious fitness goals and aesthetic goals that I was reaching for and I think now it's more about just having a daily routine."
And it makes sense. Science says that exercise can be a remedy for fatigue and boost self-esteem, while meditation can reduce anxiety. Finding ways to keep your mental AND physical muscles strong is imperative to your productivity. What a better way to start the morning than with a sh*tload of endorphins empowering you to rule the world and the mindfulness to take your day one moment at a time. Sounds like a formula for one dope a** day.
Finally, Miguel shared that although sometimes his workouts are for clarity and require silence, there are certainly levels to sh*t when it comes to his mood in the gym. He explained:
"So, music. It depends. I'm moody with the music in my workouts. Some days I wake up and the workout is just for clarity of mind so I don't really want any music. And then other days I need a little bit of Meek Mill. I need some Drake."
Miguel encourages us to stop looking at fitness like it's a chore, and instead use it as a productivity-booster. Instead of thinking of that trip to the gym as just another activity to check off of your to-do list, use exercise and meditation as trusted sidekicks that will assist you in kicking ass all damn day.
Check out the full clip below or on Men'sHealth.com!
Featured image by Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock.com
Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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It’s spring, and it’s time to blossom into our favorite pastel nail colors. We can finally part ways with dark, neutral tones, looking forward to colors that make us feel lighter in spirit. Spring is a time to lighten the mood with floral designs and other aesthetics. Soon, our social media feeds will be filled with tons of nail inspiration, giving us many options. However, we can also understand how time-consuming it can be to find the perfect nail design.
We’ve collected 10 of the trendiest nails for every aesthetic. Warning: choosing one of these designs may cause every girl to ask you where you got your nails inspo from. In those moments, it’s advised to remember us. You’ve been warned.
Subtle Pastel Girlie
So, if you want to ease into your pastel colors, we get it. This nail art is perfect for getting into the nail season without fully committing. We love the subtle flower design with nude undertones. This color palette is ideal for anyone looking to keep their “clean girl aesthetic” without being too dull. If the solid pink color is still too much for your liking, try opting for nude on all the nails and allowing the two floral design to have their moment. There are many ways to get into the season without stepping outside our comfort zone.
Chrome Flower Girl
This nail design is an absolute show-stopper! Make everyone blind every time you wave hello with this incredible chrome art. This design is unique because of the gorgeous mix of purples, pinks, and yellows. This design is for the girl ready to move on from winter and enter her “spring girl era.” As if the colors alone weren’t enough, the two floral designs are the icing on this already captivating work of art. Live spring out loud with this masterpiece!
Yellow Mellow
Yellow is a signature spring color. This design honors the season with various yellows, making it stand out. Each pigment adds contrast to the design. This color scheme makes us want to break up with the typical nude aesthetic that has been around for way too long. Move forward and be the spotlight with the incredible yellow design.
Short But Mighty
Calling all of my short-nail girls! Yes, the rumors are true - we can have fun too. Short nails get a bad rap for not being as flashy as long nails. This design put those rumors to rest with its adorable pastel nail aesthetic. We love the hint of green complimented with pink floral nail art. This design is fun, classic, and refreshing for the upcoming season. Must have short nails for your job? No problem! Don’t lose out on feeling like that girl with this not-so-subtle nail art.
Pastel Anyone?
Gorgeous, gorgeous girls wear pastels! Can’t pick one pastel color for your next nail appointment? No worries! The beauty of nail art is that there are no rules. You can wear each pastel color on your fingertips with no regrets. This nail design proves just that with its impeccable color scheme matched with chrome to make things more interesting. Don’t stress yourself trying to find a design or pick a color. Do it all! You only live once, after all.
French Tip With A Twist
We love a classic white French tip as much as the next person, but in 2024, we are stepping it up! This pastel French tip will have all the girls screaming. Become mesmerized by the swirls of pinks, blues, and yellows across your tips. With this nail design, you’ll have anyone under your spell.
Easter Treat
Easter isn’t over until we say it’s over! This adorable Easter-inspired design will have you leaping into spring. Just look at those cute bunnies complimented with Easter eggs! The colors, design, and festive aesthetic have us jumping for joy. This design also has a nice balance of nudes, which can be great for anyone who wants to have fun with their nails and stay committed to neutral tones. This design has something everyone can appreciate, from the nail art girlie to the neutral girlie.
Simple Spring Chic
We have the perfect nail inspiration for you if you want to keep things clean and classic. This simple nail color eases into the season while still maintaining a classic touch. Let your jewelry be the glam when rocking this clean nail color.
Flower Girl
This design truly captures spring without words. From the colors to the flowers, there isn’t a part of this design that isn’t refreshing. The hues of pink alone give us soft girl Barbie vibes. Let your hands do all the talking with this perfect nail art.
Seeing Things Clearly
Finally, winter is behind us, and the spring sun allows us to see things clearly - just like this nail design! Clear nails have not gotten enough respect until now. These gel x clear spring nails are all you need to set the tone for the season. Colorful flowers are the main vocal point of the design while remaining simple. This design is a breath of fresh air we’ve all been waiting for. Welcome to spring!
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Feature image by Justin Lambert/ Getty Images