Annika W.

For me, taking control of my health has been less about a single “aha” moment and more about recognizing that my body is the engine that powers everything I do.

As a speed painter, my work is physically demanding—I move fast, I use my whole body, and every performance is an adrenaline rush. I used to push through exhaustion, thinking that “rest” was something I could earn later. But I’ve learned that prioritizing my health is what's necessary to allow me to show up fully for my art, my clients, and myself.

That shift in mindset has been empowering. It means fueling my body with the right food (especially on performance days), getting enough sleep (even when I’m on the road), and moving in ways that keep me strong without burning out. It also means listening to my body—knowing when to push and when to pause.

Taking control of my health has given me more energy, more creativity, and more confidence in my ability to keep up with a career I love, especially as my body changes as years go by. It's been really empowering to step into this chapter, where I feel strong, capable, and genuinely healthy for all the right reasons.