Let’s be gentle on ourselves this year and instead of grand resolutions, let’s pick one or two small and simple healthy habits that we turn into a consistent way of living. Small changes that will significantly improve our lives — our minds and bodies. I feel this year we need to redress more than any other!
Get A Hold Of Yourself
Clean up your diet a little. Many of us have been out of control with unhealthy foods and alcohol - leaning into what provides comfort in unsettling times. If you eat shit you’re going to feel shit. Rid alcohol, sugar, dairy, and refined carbohydrates. Eliminate caffeine or limit caffeine to 1-2 cups before noon, drink 3L water each day, and add more leafy greens. Aim for three clean meals each day. Best to prep Sunday. Perhaps scrambled with fresh chives, a little almond milk to whip, sauteed mushrooms and bell pepper in organic grass fed butter, avocado and berries on the side. Big leafy green salad with sliced chicken breast, sunflower seeds, chopped raw veggies for lunch. Baked spaghetti squash with ground turkey, tomato sauce with chopped zucchini mushrooms and peppers. Choose organic, and local if possible. Should you choose, a healthy meal delivery service will do the trick too.
Breathe It All In, Love It All Out
Get outside each day for a walk without your phone. I find either very early morning or after dinner most relaxing because there’s far less chaos at these times. It’s such a quiet and beautiful time. Nature is incredibly healing. It’s grounding. Pay attention to the sights, smells, and sounds. You’re surrounded by beauty all the time - look around. This will do your mind and body good. I use this time to express gratitude.
Get Some Kip
Adopt a set sleep/wake time and keep this consistent. You’ll feel sharp, and more energetic during the day. You need 8 hours per night. I’ve never learned so much about why we sleep, and the importance of sleep by renowned neuroscientist and sleep expert, Matthew Walker. Listen. Read. Learn. It is THE pillar of health.
Do A Human Detox
Remove any ‘thing’ or person which/who does not contribute to your well-being. Pay attention to how your body feels. Are you down, drained, do you feel limited or irritated? Or do you feel good, nourished and liberated?
Make An Entrance, In Your Living Room
Create a nighttime + morning self-care routine you really enjoy. I love writing in my gratitude journal each night, I dry brush, have a shower, apply facial serums, dim the lights, and read an actual book. Having a nighttime routine signals winding down in preparation for sleep. It’s also an opportunity to do more self-care rituals - and who doesn’t need that right now? In the morning I like to open a window, light palo santo, find a good podcast, refresh fresh cut flower water, do a face mask, facial cupping, make a smoothie, and I always put something nice on that makes me feel good - which I guarantee you, will boost your mood.
Chill Out
Listen to the beautiful sounds of a sound meditation. Sound instantly changes the energy in and around you. I highly recommend @spirit_song on Instagram. All you need to do is just listen. Earbuds in. Close your eyes, sit or lay down. If this doesn’t lull you into the most peaceful state I don’t know what will. Try it. Trust me.
