Interview with Anna, 27, project manager in a Munich marketing agency
“I was constantly tired and ‘don’t stress so much’ doesn’t help…
Anna is 27, loves her job as a project manager at a large Munich-based marketing agency, and her daily routine includes deadlines, late nights at the office, and unhealthy meals on the job—there's not much that could be changed. In recent years, she's been sleeping worse and worse, and the feeling of being constantly tired, exhausted, and irritable has become a permanent condition. This fatigue increasingly impacted her professional performance and her personal social interactions until Anna decided to make a change. Through the Hello Inside program, she learned how closely her blood sugar levels and sleep quality are connected and how she can restore balance with new routines.
Question: Anna, what made you question your habits and change something?
Anna: I felt like I was stuck in a vicious circle. My job is demanding, and the workdays are often long. I come home in the evening, just wanting to unwind, and then often can't manage to get enough restful sleep. In the morning, I'm completely exhausted, drag myself to work, and practically have to stay awake. This tiredness also crept into my free time—I was often so exhausted that I became more and more withdrawn. Friends have noticed that I frequently cancel appointments or leave early.
After a year in "survival mode," the moment came when I thought: This can't be right. I was finding it increasingly difficult to concentrate, was irritable, and wasn't as productive at work as I used to be. Something had to change.
Question: So why did you choose the Hello Inside program?
Anna: I had heard about Hello Inside and was intrigued by the idea of analyzing my blood sugar levels and seeing how my body reacts to the things I eat every day. But honestly, I was skeptical at first. I thought, "What does blood sugar have to do with my sleep and mood?" But I wanted to finally understand why I felt so drained. So I just signed up and took the plunge.
Question: How did Hello Inside's data and analytics help you better understand your situation?
Anna: The first few days were a real surprise. I could see directly through the sensor and the app how my blood sugar fluctuated throughout the day. After a stressful day at work or a large portion of pasta for lunch, my blood sugar would shoot up and then drop sharply. Especially after a lunch like that, my blood sugar would often be unstable for hours – exactly when I was feeling tired and unfocused.
I quickly realized that these blood sugar fluctuations were affecting my entire energy levels and sleep quality. When I eat sugar or white flour in the evening, my blood sugar would first rise sharply and then drop in the middle of the night. This often led to restless sleep and nighttime waking, something I had never realized before.
"Hello Inside made me realize that my eating habits have a huge impact on my energy and well-being," Anna says. "Seeing that was an eye-opener."
Question: What lifestyle changes have you made since learning this?
Anna: I've developed some routines that really help me keep my blood sugar levels stable and sleep better. For example, I stop eating high-carb meals in the evening and focus on more protein and vegetables. This keeps my blood sugar much more stable at night, and I sleep significantly better.
I also try to take some of the edge off stressful situations at work. I used to often reach for sweets when I was stressed, but now I know that this only gives me a short energy boost and then leads to a real slump. Instead, I take a few minutes in such moments to breathe consciously and reduce the stress, preferably outside. This helps me stay clearer during stressful times and avoid turning to "snacks" as a source of energy.
Regularity was also important to me. Through coaching, I realized that my body functions better when I give it a fixed routine. I now try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day – this has significantly improved my sleep rhythm, even though my nights are still short.
Question: What changes have you noticed since then?
Anna: The changes are incredible. I don't feel as exhausted anymore, my concentration is much better, and I sleep much more soundly. The energy I used to get from snacks now comes from more stable blood sugar and regular meals. I notice that my body has become more stable and resilient. These successes motivate me to keep going every day because I now understand what my body needs to perform at its best.
I'm also more relaxed at work and manage to maintain my energy levels until the end of the day without that post-lunch slump. I feel like I've rediscovered my vitality—and that's been truly liberating for me. I'm also more open and active in my free time because I'm no longer as tired and irritable. At the office, the two of us now do a 10-minute power walk around the block every two hours with a colleague who also did the program. We both feel much better for it.
Question: This is your second “check-in” with Hello Inside – what prompted you to do this?
Anna: I've made a firm commitment to check my blood sugar levels once a quarter. I've found that maintaining this routine helps me and also ensures that I don't fall back into old patterns. I owe it to my body.
In everyday life, habits keep creeping into my life. I have a special job, after all, and I want to find ways to deal with it well – especially when things get stressful. With the sensor, I can regularly self-reflect and ensure that my body is getting the support it needs – that is, whether my body is given a voice and can demand its due when it's neglected. Coaching also helps me continually adjust my goals and see where I can continue to improve.
Question: What conclusions do you draw from your experience with Hello Inside?
Anna: Hello Inside has given me a new perspective on my health. I always thought my stress and poor sleep were just part of my job and my life. But now I know I can make a difference myself and that I have control over my well-being.
These little check-ins give me the confidence that I can maintain my progress and bring myself into balance, even when things get stressful. I would recommend anyone who feels tired, unfocused, or stressed to learn more about their own body and see how simple changes can make such a big difference. I've truly developed through Hello Inside—and it feels amazing.
