7 Daily Habits for Healthier and More Productive Living
The start of a new year brings about feelings of change and resolution. There’s so much self reflection that comes about at this time. What did we do well? What could we have done better? What changes will we make going forward?
For me, some of the biggest changes were in self care. I’ve put together a list of some of my most important daily habits and how they have helped me to become more productive in my business and just generally feel better. Some of them are as easy as drinking more water, others are require a bit more discipline.
TAKE YOUR SUPPLEMENTS.
Last year was a big journey for me as I searched for ways to fight stubborn hormonal acne (you know, the kind that hurts and never goes away) as well as constant fatigue and headaches. As a woman in my 30s, this has been one of the most frustrating, and often embarrassing, issues to deal with. Last year, a friend referred me to an incredible naturopathic doctor who tested my hormone levels, food allergies, and vitamin deficiencies. I’ve made lots of changes in the way I eat since then, cutting back on sugar and dairy mostly. The biggest, and most important, little change for me has been sticking to taking my supplements every single day. My headaches are far more infrequent, my neck and shoulder pain has radically decreased, my skin is drastically healing, and my monthly menstrual cramps (which were unbearable) are barely even noticeable now. WHAT?!
The supplements and vitamins I take daily are Vitamin C, Magnesium-Calcium, Omega 3-6-9 , Turmeric, daily Probiotic, Adrenal support, and TestoQuench for Women (this has helped my acne immensely). I truly believe sticking to this routine has helped my body in so many countless ways. I haven’t been sick once this season and my body just feels immensely better!
*Just a reminder that I am not a doctor and you should consult with your doc before taking any new supplements or medications. This is just what has worked well for me personally.
DRINK MORE WATER.
I was joking with friend the other day that water is my love language. I truly believe that most ailments can be cured by drinking more water! Did you know that you’re supposed to drink half of your body weight in ounces of water each day? One of my most prized possessions is my 64 oz Hydro Flask water container. I take it with me everywhere and make it a goal to finish it every single day.
MOVE YOUR BODY.
As someone who works from home, it can be really challenging to remember to get up and move my body. There are times when life gets incredibly busy and I catch myself sitting at my computer or on the couch for countless hours…and then I wonder why I’m suffering from brain fog and my joints feel tight.
Lately, I’ve been making it a point to get up and move for at least 30 minutes a day. I’ve increased the time I spend on walks with my dogs, I remember to get up and stretch at least once every hour, and I push myself to go to yoga (even when I don’t want to).
So far, my pants fit way better, my skin looks healthier, and I have way more energy through out the day.
4. STICK TO YOUR BEDTIME SKINCARE ROUTINE
I know this has been said time and time again but, “Girl, wash your face.” Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been guilty of overlooking the nightly bedtime routine on days when I’m just exhausted but, for the most part, I’m pretty diligent about keeping up with taking care of my skin.
I have combination skin so it’s really important for me to maintain hydration. I make sure to avoid any products that contain alcohol! My favorite products are Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration and Facial Radiance Pads with Glycolic Acid by First Aid Beauty. I also love the Glycolic Eye Cream , Drying Lotion, and Oil Free Moisturizer with SPF 30 by Mario Badescu. Make sure your moisturizer or foundation have sunscreen!
My favorite new thing to do at night is apply an essential oil blend to my skin for healing, antibacterial, and moisturizing properties. I mix fractionated coconut oil with a few drops of lavender oil, Turmeric Oil, Copaiba, Melaleuca, Geranium, and Frankincense in a blender bottle like this one. All amazing oils for the skin AND it smells so good! I typically apply a thick moisturizer on top of that at night time.
I used to use a TON of products on my face because I thought that would heal my skin. Since I cut back on what I apply to my skin, my complexion has drastically improved. I really think that, if you’re suffering from acne, less is definitely more. That’s just my experience though.
5. GET A DAILY PLANNER
Using a daily planner has been a serious game changer for my business and my personal life. I write my goals and “to do” list every night for tasks I need to accomplish the next day. It helps me to wake up with a purpose and have a clear goal everyday. That way I don’t feel so overwhelmed that I get nothing done. My planner has spots to write according to the time so you can schedule how long you want to spend on each portion of your day. I LOVE my new 2020 Planner and could not live without it!
6. DON’T HIT SNOOZE.
Ok, I feel like a little bit of a hypocrite putting this on my list because I am the QUEEN of hitting the snooze button in the morning. This girl needs her sleep! I’m working on this though and know I need to stop doing it.
The truth is, hitting the snooze button basically tells your mind that you are not excited about starting the day and committed to your success. It also contributes to sleep inertia, making you feel drowsy and disoriented through out the day. Get into a daily routine of bed time and wake up time so your body can learn a rhythm that works for you. Check out this TED TALK on the importance of sleep for some more fun facts on this topic.
7. EAT YOUR GREENS.
I don’t know about you, but I am definitely not a lover of salad. The nutritional value in beautiful greens like kale and spinach is too important to your health to pass up though. For me, making a smoothie in the morning is the best way to sneak in greens and other things like Flax Seed, Collagen, Protein, etc. When I have a smoothie for breakfast or lunch I am a million times more productive because I feel more focused and energized.
Here is my favorite smoothie recipe:
Did you like this post? Check out my most recent ASK ME ANYTHING for more tips and business advice.
