Wellness Era

Happy New Year! We all know the new year brings new meaning and focus to our wellness routine and health habits. 2025 is a big year for me. I turn 30 in February and its such a bittersweet feeling. However, this year is going to be the year I truly prioritize my health and wellness and I am determined to stick to it. I started 2025 off with a new wellness routine and morning routine and so far, it's going strong! Your wellness goals should be thought out and specific to you. I recently found out I'm allergic to sugar, so I'm focusing on eating no sugar. Which as you can imagine is incredibly difficult but so far has been a fun journey. I spend much more time in the grocery store reading labels. I've created a new morning routine for myself and created a new wellness routine which includes; working out 5 times a week, journaling daily, drinking more water, having a cup of bone broth every morning, and always writing out my daily to-do list and goals.

Your Guide to Wellness: Building a Life of Balance and Vitality

In our fast-paced world, prioritizing wellness is more important than ever. Wellness isn’t just about working out or eating healthy; it’s about cultivating habits that nurture your body, mind, and spirit. By focusing on key areas such as morning routines, physical activity, healthy eating, mentall wellness, hydration, and sleep, you can create a life of balance and vitality.

Start Your Day with Intention: The Power of a Morning Routine

Your morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. Establishing a consistent morning routine can help you feel grounded and prepared for whatever comes your way.

• Wake Up Early: Rising early gives you extra time to ease into the day without feeling rushed. Mel Robbins said it best: do not push snooze! Hitting the snooze button means you're starting the day off procrastinating. Try using a real alarm clock and not your phone. Countdown from 5 and get up and out of bed.

• Hydrate: Begin with a large glass of room temperature water to rehydrate your body after hours of rest. I also drink a warm cup of bone broth which has so many benefits.

• Mindfulness Practice: Spend 5-10 minutes meditating, journaling, or practicing gratitude. I have been using the Breakthrough Journal by Alessandra Gesiotto and LOVE it!!

• Move Your Body: Incorporate light stretching, yoga, or a quick workout to energize yourself. I created a 5 day workout plan for myself. Mondays are arm day, Tuesdays are cardio, Wednesdays are leg day, Thursday is cardio, and Friday is abs. My cardio currently consists of riding our Nordic track bike since its been 5 degrees out lately. If I miss a day or am too busy, then I prioritize making up for it on Saturday or Sunday.

• Plan Your Day: Take a few moments to set priorities and intentions, ensuring a focused and productive day ahead. I typically use my notes app and make my to-do list. I also love writing physical lists and crossing each item off when I've completed it.

Embrace Movement: The Benefits of Regular Exercise

Physical activity is a cornerstone of wellness. It boosts your mood, strengthens your body, and improves overall health. Here’s how to make it part of your routine:

• Find What You Love: Whether it’s running, doing pilates, dancing, weightlifting, or hiking, choose activities that bring you joy. Lately, I have been loving cycling, weightlifting, and pilates!

• Set Realistic Goals: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, as recommended by health experts or set a day limit, for example, I'm practicing movement 5 days a week - no less and no excuses!

• Mix It Up: Incorporate a mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises to keep things interesting. Don't do the same thing every day, it gets boring and you'll most likely quit.

• Make It Social: Join a class, find a workout buddy, or participate in group activities to stay motivated. I joined Cyclebar last August and love it! It makes me go since I'm paying and has introduced me to a few new friends.

Nourish Your Body: Eating Healthy Made Simple

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, sustainable changes can make a big difference.

• Prioritize Whole Foods: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. And stay away from processed foods and sugar. These 2 things are what is causing so many health problems for so many people.

• Plan Ahead: Meal prepping and planning can save time and help you make healthier choices. I have been meal prepping my lunches for the last few weeks and love it. I literally look forward to my lunch every day. I'm currently eating the Gracie Norton beef bowl everyday. It's super easy to make and consists of: ground beef, white rice, sweet potato, cottage cheese, and pineapple, with a drizzle of honey. It is absolutely delicious and high in protein!

• Stay Hydrated: Aim for at least 8 cups of water daily, and listen to your body’s thirst cues. I use a large 40 oz stanley cup and fill it every morning and evening and force myself to drink a few of them throughout the day. Some days, I add a pinch of sea salt to help get more minerals and even a few squeezes of lemon to give it a little flavor.

• Practice Moderation: Enjoy treats mindfully rather than depriving yourself entirely. This is a big one. I used to need a sweet treat after every meal. Like, I said, I'm trying to stay away from sugar so I have found a few sugar free desserts that are pretty tasty. My current favorite sugar free treats that hit the spot are; Lily's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups - not sugar added, York Zero Sugar Peppermint patties (I like these chilled in the fridge), and Russell Stover Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Almond and Sea Salt Bark.

Recharge with Rest: The Importance of Quality Sleep

Sleep is often overlooked but is essential for overall well-being. Poor sleep can impact everything from your mood to your immune system.

• Set a Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. I always have to be in my bed by 10:00. I am very adamant about my sleep and require at least 8 hours every night.

• Create a Sleep Sanctuary: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in comfortable bedding and limit screen time before bed. We use a sound machine to improve our sleep quality. And for our bedding, we use Luxome Luxury Sheet set & they are so amazing.

• Unwind Before Bed: Develop a relaxing evening routine, such as reading, taking a warm bath, or practicing deep breathing exercises. This is one thing I need to work on more.

Building Habits That Last

Creating lasting change is all about consistency. Start small, track your progress, and celebrate your wins along the way.

• Use Habit Stacking: Pair new habits with existing ones. For example, do squats while brushing your teeth or drink water before your morning coffee. Lately, mine has been ice rolling my face in the mornings, while I journal and drink my bone broth. Mel Robbins just dropped a new podcast episode last week on 5 ways to actually make your habits stick and I highly recommend giving it a listen.

• Set Clear Goals: Be very specific about what you want to achieve and break it down into manageable steps.

• Find Accountability: Share your goals with a friend or family member or join a community group for support. Another way is writing your goals out. Make them visible.

• Be Kind to Yourself: Progress isn’t always linear. Embrace setbacks as part of the journey and don't give up. You must keep going. Even if you miss a day or two, who cares, start again!!

Final Thoughts

Wellness is a journey, not a destination. By taking small, intentional steps to prioritize your health and happiness, you can create a balanced, vibrant life. Remember, the key is to listen to your body and find what works best for you. Your body s your temple, take care of it and it will take care of you. Here’s to a healthier, happier you!