This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx
It’s the turn of the new year; a time where many make resolutions or set intentions for the following year. I think one thing that I always try to continuously work on is loving myself better. And that can be accomplished in so many ways. It doesn’t have to be self-affirmations in the mirror or an hour-long massage. (which are great too, don’t get me wrong!) . So I thought I’d share some things that I already do to make my life healthy, happy, and less stressful -and see if they may help you!
INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH
One thing that I already do to show that I love myself is investing in my health. I try to eat right where I can, while also finding ways to enjoy life (life= slices of chocolate-dipped cheesecake). I do (almost) daily exercise so I feel strong and energized for the day.
Consistently working out means I need to mostly pay attention to what I eat. I keep an eye on my protein intake and usually supplement with a shake in the morning after my workouts. Protein shake breakfasts are quick and easy too, which helps because mornings are crazy with me coming home from the gym, my husband is hopping in the shower, and getting my daughter ready for school. Lots going on weekday mornings!
While I usually do a whey protein shake, I am giving french vanilla-flavored Shaklee Life Shake soy protein a try. It has 20 grams of non-GMO protein per serving, and I usually use 1.5 servings with some frozen fruit and liquids to make a yummy smoothie. Life Shake also has 6g of fiber, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and 24 essential vitamins and minerals that help fill in any gaps that I may be lacking.
I also have their Collagen-9 which is unflavored and works really well in my hot or iced coffees. Collagen is one of my all-time fave supplements to include in my routine because it not only helps my joints for high-impact workouts, but also boosts healthy hair, skin, and nail growth! Sometimes I even throw it into my life shake since it mixes well with everything (just make sure you have enough liquid to help it fully mix)! Who knew that this brand has been around for over 100 years already! Amazing!
In doing research on supplements I should be taking, beets came up quite a bit. Now, I don’t know about you, but adding beets into my diet didn’t sound that exciting taste-wise, but the benefits were eye-openers. Beets are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients and support healthy heart and brain function. Not to mention, it has nitrates which converts into nitric oxide which enhances my performance in the gym. Nitric Oxide (NO) can increase blood flow while lowing blood pressure and also lower muscle soreness–something that I deal with often!
Beetology makes cold-pressed juices with no artificial flavors or coloring for those of us who prefer to drink our beets. Their beet-cherry juice is tart and delicious and because of its ability to enhance my performance during workouts, I plan to start drinking some before hitting the gym. Each bottle of beet-cherry is only 100 calories and made from only three ingredients, beets, cherries, and apples. The beet-veggie option is made with 5 ingredients (beet, green apple, carrot, kale, and celery). Out of the two, I prefer the tartness of beet-cherry.
SELF CARE THROUGH PAMPERING
One of my favorite ways to show myself love is self-pampering rituals. Skincare is my jam, and nothing is more relaxing than holing up in my bathroom with a long luxurious routine for my face and body. Night-time showers are the best for me because I can take my time and not rush someone off to school. Part of that post-shower routine is slathering myself in a luxurious cream so that my skin doesn’t dry out immediately.
I’ve always loved Tree Hut scrubs, and shave oils, but never tried their Vitamin C Whipped Shea Body Butter until now. Not only does this smell amazing and make my legs feel smooth and moisturized, but I appreciate that they formulate without parabens, sulfates, drying alcohols, or formaldehyde donors. The bonus is that this butter has lactic acid (a mild AHA) to gently smooth and promote cell turnover. I already have my eye on their Tropic Glow Firming Body Butter next because the scent sounds amazing! But honestly, try their shave oil, its the best on earth.
EFFICIENCY THROUGH TIME BLOCKING
I know that when I have a scattered schedule, my anxiety goes up. I need things to be semi-planned ahead so that I have a sense of direction in my day, and I can maximize the time I have to get things done child (and husband) free. Time blocking is something I’ve been doing on my own for years and never realized it was called that. It essentially means I map out my day and week into smaller sections so I can focus on one thing at a time. For example, I know early morning hours are reserved for social media posting and engagement, but the afternoon will be writing a blog post. On another day I will have certain hours set aside for photography and editing.
Being self-employed means you have to structure your own day and meet the goals YOU set for yourself. In order to do that, I make lists and write everything down in a notebook or journal that keeps me organized. I also like to have a nice and neat notepad to refer to because I make notes throughout the day, and I’m absolutely obsessed with my set of Zebra Pen Journaling set! I mean, who doesn’t love a rainbow of smooth-writing gel pens and pretty highlighters to make my planning aesthetically pleasing to the eye? I love these for my work notebook, but also love it to keep my financing notebook organized and easy to decipher.
Also, Lefties rejoice! Because these pens don’t smear and leave your hand dirty as they run across the page! Treat yourself to a set using code: RESOLUTION15 . Discount code good to use on Midline Highlighter, Midliner Brush, Sarasa Clip at Zebrapen.com
CELEBRATE YOUR WINS!
This last pointer is one I’d like to work on more in the future, and it’s to celebrate your wins more frequently. Oftentimes, people like me are excited and proud of an accomplishment, but we share it with no one and then end up feeling like no one cares at times. Friends! Share those wins! Your friends want to celebrate your wins with you, and it will remind you that not only do you deserve a celebration every once in a while, you have a circle to share it with. I was gifted the most beautiful non-alcoholic cocktail set from Monday and all I have to say is, who wants a cocktail?!
I rarely reach for alcoholic drinks because I don’t feel great the next day and it would interfere with my gym performance. So a non-alcoholic version to try is intriguing. Monday Zero Alcohol Gin allows me to perfect a good Tom Collins that my husband has been telling me he tried and enjoyed. Now I can make them at home, clink glasses with the hubs over PR at the gym or bonus I received and not have to worry about a headache in the morning! Oh, and guess what? Zero calories too. *toots horn*. Also great to have on hand for friends that want to be social but don’t drink for various reasons. Get Yourself a bottle or gift one, but use my code: CLAUDIA15 to save sitewide (except subscriptions. code valid until 1/31/22)
Do you think you’d incorporate any of these ideas into your routine? Or maybe you already have them in motion? Let me know in the comments below!
I definitely need to follow your advice about time blocking! Thanks, C!
Great advice especially as we start the new year! I need to try that Teatree Vitamin C Body Butter too
What great advice to start off with a healthier 2022!
I always think of you as someone who has such self-control. I like how you block out your time considering you have jobs as a mother, blogger, and exerciser.