The beginning of a new year can be daunting. We enjoyed all of the holiday festivities. Then we sat on the couch for a week after and suddenly we’re feeling pressured to have our entire lives figured out the second the ball drops? Nope. Not my vibe this year.
Seeing all of the “new year, new you” content on social media can be overwhelming. What if you don’t want to become a new person this year? What if we embraced small steps each day to better ourselves rather than take on the terrifying task of becoming a whole “new you?” Yes, it’s a new calendar year but January 1st was literally just another day. It is time continuing and we will continue with it, no crazy health junkie strings attached.
As the days are shorter and temperatures have plummeted, it is the perfect time to take your wellness game to the next level. With all of the parties, cocktails and Christmas cookies enjoyed, It is the perfect time for a wellness reset. Here are 5 simple ways to get you started, no overpriced new gym membership required.
1 Incorporate More Electrolytes
Electrolytes are the essential minerals that help our bodies maintain the balance between fluids inside and outside of our cells. Essentially, they keep us going. We lose electrolytes when we sweat. It may seem like a no brainer but keeping your electrolyte in check can make a huge difference in energy levels and overall wellbeing. Pair a long day of work with the two lattes you had to keep yourself fueled and you’ve got a prime recipe for dehydration. For those days that you need a bit more than water, try an electrolyte powder like Liquid Iv.
2 Use a Humidifier
Turning on the indoor heat can also mean turning your skin into the Sahara desert! Incorporating a humidifer into your space gives your skin and sinuses the extra love they need this season. This is especially true if you live in an older building and have very dry heat coming from your radiators. I like to keep one in my bedroom and living room to keep me extra dewy.
3 Skin Hydration Mists
Confession: I am obsessed with facial mists. Call it “water in a can,” I don’t care! It is so much more. Spritz a bit before putting on your moisturizer to give your skin extra hyration. Use a setting spray as the final step in your makeup routine to make it last all day. But my favorite way to incorporate a facial mist into my routine is to keep it near my yoga mat when I’m working out. Turn on a pilates or HIIT video and in between sets, do a spritz. Trust me, just try it.
4 Get Sunlight Within the First 30 Minutes of Waking
This is a tricky one during the colder months. But shorter days mean less light and less serotonin (our happy chemical.) Studies have shown that getting outdoors, particularly when the sun is out within the first 30 minutes of waking, boosts serotonin, suppresses melatonin and sets up our circadian rhythm for the day. Bonus points if you take a dog with you…because dogs just make everything better.
5 Shots Before Breakfast
No, not that kind of shot! A good shot of ginger, turmeric and cayenne could help keep sickness at bay (or at the very least, wake you up in the morning!) Ginger and turmeric both have the anti-inflammatory properties while cayenne can help supercharge your immunity. Blend up 3/4 lb ginger, 2 lemons, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp turmeric and about 2 cups of water. Pour into your favorite glass bottle and store in the fridge. Make a huge batch on the weekend and be extra spicy come Friday.
Happy, healthy New Year!
