2018 is going to be quite the year for me, I know it. I set a lot of goals, personally and career-wise that I am doing everything I can to achieve. Highest on the list is probably my health. I told myself now that I am settled in Santa Monica and have created a routine, I want to really work on taking care of myself. These are the 5 things I am focusing on the most to be a better me!
5 Steps To A Healthier Me
New York, NY, February 1st, 2017
Working Out
My attendance at the gym was lonnnnnnnng overdue. It was something I always wanted to kick back into gear, but I always had moments of good routines and then a handful of excuses to follow. In the first couple years of college, I ran all the time and would not miss the chance to workout. However, during studying in Florence and NYC, my routine died off and never really came back. It really got to me! But, I have never been happier to be back into it. I forgot how much I really, really love working out. I am doing a mixture of things, but I either do some cardio and toning, a workout Russ helped me make, or something from Tone It Up. If you don’t follow them, you’ve got to! Their app is fantastic. I got this and this pair (in 2 colors) of running shoes and love them all so much.
Although I know I have a way to go before I am to where I want to be, that’s half the fun. I am soaking up the process right now and enjoying the boost in confidence it is bringing (along with the boost of energy). Plus, new clothes like this jacket (I have it in 2 colors too, oops) and these leggings add to the fun. If I could give any advice, I would say to make an effort to do it for 2 weeks. I told myself at the end of last year that I wanted to do it for 2 weeks straight to try and create a routine, and I actually worked out for 40 days straight and won a contest at work. It’s always fun to bring competitiveness into it, so get a group of friends together and push each other to be the best versions of yourself! Most of all, remember, change doesn’t happen overnight!
Eating Well
Eating well is not nearly as hard as I thought it would be! Luckily I love fruits, vegetables, and salads. But it has actually been pretty fun and extremely rewarding for my body. Over the past 2 years I have struggled with a lot of stomach pains. I could never figure out the root of it, but watching what I eat and truly eating for health rather than to just fill me up has benefited me more than I could have ever imagined, already. The Tone It Up Nutrition plan is a go to for healthy options, but I also love just being creative (or googling, haha). I also love this superfoods cookbook and this book that I cook so many things out of. My meals shift often, but usually, the basics are a protein smoothie in the morning (I love this and this protein), a piece of fruit around 11, a salad or veggie based meal for lunch, veggies and hummus as an afternoon snack, then a greener meal with protein for dinner. I clearly have moments of chocolate chip cookies and ice cream, but it’s all about balance! I just try and eat the best I can, but not go crazy, so that I can continue to do it.
Drinking More Water
Drinking water has been something I have always done a lot of, but never enough. Russ always pushes me to drink more water and I finally decided I should probably take matters into my own hands. It helps everything, but I really wanted to do it to help my skin. I use this Brita water bottle and this Nalgene. However, I really want this water bottle as a reminder! I try to finish 2-3 Brita bottles at work and then have a glass with dinner and a glass before bed.
Skincare
I told myself at the beginning of this year, that if I’m going to start eating healthier and working out more, then I wanted to create a skincare routine that I truly stick to. From playing sports my whole life to constantly traveling, my skin has always suffered a little. But, even in the past couple of weeks, it has gotten so much better. I have started using this Mario Badescu cleansing gel with this cleansing lotion, followed by this Ole Henriksen moisturizer and this serum in the morning. I use this cleansing foam every night, followed by this Dior lotion, this Tula moisturizer, this anti-aging serum and this oil reducing lotion. We will see how it keeps up! I have been loving the results so far. My favorite item that you have probably seen all over my Instagram is this ice roller. It helps reduce redness and swelling. And honestly, it just feels great. I am always trying to learn more about my skin and alter my routine based on new things!
Sleep
This one has been HUGE. Because of my morning workouts, I have to get up around 6:45-7 am. Which means I need an earlier bedtime than I use to have. I try to be in bed by 10:30 every night. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t…but 8 hours is so crucial for me. It’s a big step to a healthier me. I am one of those people who cannot function when I am tired. Which is kind of comical considering the lack of sleep I had all of college. But, focusing on this more has let me be a lot more productive during the day and a lot happier.
2018 has already been a year of a lot of new things. However, I am excited to see what else is in store!
