There is so much information online about what “health” looks like these days, and it can get overwhelming. That’s why I like to keep things simple and natural whenever possible. Over the last year, I took time to get to know myself better – mind, body, and soul – and started integrating more holistic habits that have truly helped me feel like my best self. I think getting to know ourselves, listening to our bodies and doing what we can to feel and live better is a really cool part of growing into ourselves. I want to stress that I’m not a doctor, and that I can only speak to what has worked for me, and hopefully some of these work for you, too!
1. NO BREAKFAST? NO CAFFEINE
I love coffee and matcha. I alternate between the two regularly, but recently I’ve really been in my latte era. I love an almond milk honey latte over ice in a cute little cup. That said, drinking it on an empty stomach is a no-go for me these days. Drinking caffeine first thing in the morning before you’ve had your first meal leads to increased cortisol, which can increase inflammation, cause anxiety, and disrupt your metabolism. These days, I try to start my day with some yummy breakfast tacos or a scramble with lots of veggies. Getting protein before I get my caffeine fix helps me sustain my energy throughout the day without the midday caffeine crash I used to get.
2. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
I honestly didn’t know what a powerhouse apple cider vinegar was until this past year. It’s incredible for detoxification, which is why I make sure to take it when I’m dealing with a cold or really any sickness. In addition to flushing out toxins, it can aid your digestive system by helping to balance blood sugar! I use one from Trader Joe’s, but this one from Bragg is a great organic alternative! *Note, people who are on blood sugar stabilizing medications or who have known blood sugar issues should not take apple cider vinegar.
3. MORNING MEDITATION
So many of us are plugged in constantly. Our phones make it so easy to mindlessly scroll, stare, and sit for hours. Recently, I started putting my phone on DND through the night and part of my morning routine (which you can get the full scoop on here). I wake up without it, and the first thing I do in the morning is sit outside (preferably in the sun with my cat), and do my morning prayers and meditation. Taking this time to do my breathing, talk to God, and envision my goals helps me center myself and lower my screen time. Plus, daily meditation is thought to aid in decreasing inflammation and stress inducing hormones!
4. VITAMIN SI
I take daily vitamins that are largely geared toward immunity support. I travel a lot, meaning I am constantly on planes which are notoriously germ-y. Beyond that, try as I might, my routine has to be flexible so I can accommodate my travel. That can be a lot on my immune system! I LOVE the Wellness Formula from Source Naturals because it packs a punch with everything I need. Before you buy vitamins though, make sure you’re considering your specific needs, we are all different!
5. MANDATORY OUTDOOR TIME
I used to workout in gyms a lot. In many ways, it was really fun! On the other hand, though, I felt like I was there mainly to look a certain way. Now, I try to focus on getting daily exercise that is mostly outdoors, especially when I’m in Hawaii or California. I run, walk, and surf as much as I can. I love that my daily movement and outdoor time have become social time as well, where I spend time with friends, family, and my boyfriend. I also love that my “progress” is tracked by how well I’m balancing on my board, how strong or fast I feel during my run, or how far I am walking. I think reframing my “exercise” as “mandatory outdoor time” reminds me that I am just a human who needs to go outside, breathe fresh air, see the sun, and play around like I did when I was a kid during recess. I find this mindset much less stressful and way more manageable.
Again, these are just what work for me. I feel my healthiest and happiest when I’m integrating these habits into my day to day life, but I can’t stress how important it is to figure out what works for you! I tried so many different things thinking they’d work for me, and the only thing that really did was slowing down, taking my time, and listening to my body. Getting to know yourself better is so rewarding when you start to feel your best, and you all deserve to feel that way.
This is something I get asked about a lot, especially as I post my daily life on Snapchat, so I am thinking about doing a part 2 more focused on the food I eat (where I shop, what kind of quality I get, what’s in my diet, how I try to get all my nutrients, etc.) so make sure to check back next week!<3
