Intentional Wellness
It’s always a few weeks into, admittedly, wanting to be the biggest couch potato, exercising less, and having zero motivation to cook healthy foods, that I find myself wanting to get back into my normal routine. I blame this cycle on always being so on the go, that this is what happens when my body just needs to rest—full system shutdown. But the downside is that the further I get from taking care of myself, the more off balance I begin to feel. My anxiety increases and I feel super fatigued because I’m not eating enough to sustain energy, and on top of that, consuming fats and sugars in excess only contributes to my tossing and turning at night.
That being said, getting back into a more normal routine always feels like a big step, so finding ways to integrate my wellness routine on a smaller scale gives me the motivation that I need to jump back into being my healthiest self. I think it’s easier for any of us to make the excuse of not having time to sit down and meditate, do breathwork, and journal. If it was, everyone would be doing it. But those things feel so much more in reach when I start small—cooking my favorite healthy meal, doing a workout I love, taking a walk outside. Each time I do these things, I realize how much I’ve structured my lifestyle to take care of myself. And I’ve done them for so long now that it feels less like I’m going out of my way to do so, even when I’ve hit a low. Not only that, but doing these things make closing my eyes, sitting with myself for a few minutes, and putting pen to paper seem more tangible. And I know that those are the most beneficial things that I can do for myself. So I nstead of making excuses, I now find myself building back up to that point by achieving smaller goals that put me in the right mindset, before taking a deep dive back into my best self.
Moving My Body
There is nothing—and I mean nothing— like an endorphin rush after crushing a sweat sesh. If you know me, then you know that I love the freedom of choosing my own workouts. Whether it’s barre, sculpt or dance cardio, rolling out my mat and allowing myself to focus on my body for an hour is just the most grounding experience for me. It’s the place that I feel strongest and am kindest to myself. Starting with setting the intention of just showing up for myself.
Getting Into Nature
I am notorious for a Sunday morning walk—whether it’s a chilly morning and I’m out in my neighborhood, bundled up, drinking a warm cup of coffee, or I’m dancing around the lake with my ankle weights, this activity recharges me like no other. Whatever the vibe that day, I do my best to stay off of my phone and keep my eyes up and my mind open. Taking in the natural sounds of the world around me and letting all of my thoughts come and go. Sometimes when I’m out strolling around and my mind is running a mile a minute, I find a spot to sit down; grounding myself down into the earth, closing my eyes, and taking the deepest breaths I’ve taken all day—sometimes the deepest breaths I’ve taken in weeks. It’s easy to forget just how big the world is around you. There is so much more to your life than this one small moment. Remember, that even the hardest days are temporary.
Eating Green
Like most of us, when I get stressed my first instinct is to reach for sugar. It’s not my finest habit, and it’s like pulling teeth to get me to eat even one vegetable in those moments—unless french fries count. I usually love eating whole, nutritious foods, and usually once I cave, I remember that the long term effects beat the rush of a short sugar high. Consuming raw nutrients found in fruits and veggies can make you feel so much more focused and energized throughout the day. Those nutrients can also ward off the bad dreams that sugar is capable of bringing on, trust me.
Seeing The Signs
I’ve lost count of how many decks of affirmation and wellness cards that I have lying around my apartment. And when I need even just an ounce of motivation or a message from the universe, there is nothing easier than picking any of those to do just that. Sometimes it’s just about having gratitude for who you are and how you show up in the world, even on your hardest days. And other times, you just need to open your eyes to what the universe is trying so hard to tell you. Maybe that’s why you started slowing down in the first place.
If you ever find yourself here—needing rest and maybe craving things that aren’t benefiting you—show yourself some grace and know that your wellness will always be waiting for you on the other side. Big steps or small, you will always find your way back when you let the light and the self-love in, in any form.