if there’s one thing that’s for certain, it’s that the older i get, the more i rely on a solid system to keep myself operating at a level that means i can *try* to keep up with my kids, work, marriage, home, and friends (operative word “try” here). i have come up with a list of things that are key when it comes to feeling my best, and thought i’d share [as always, i’m not a doctor or a medical professional of any kind. take what you want, and leave the rest].
collagen
i have been incorporating collagen into my routine for a few years now, it’s one of those things that i notice not when i’m taking it, but when i stop. i swear my skin isn’t as “good,” meaning it’s drier and not as smooth looking. it also comes with protein, so that’s a bonus.
probiotics
i’ve talked about them multiple times before, but i’ve been taking my tula probiotics for over two years now. again, they’re one of those things that if you take them regularly, you kind of gloss over the benefits, but you notice when you stop taking them. i will say i’m not sure what happened, but my gut and digestion is a little different since having cole, so i’m trying to make sure i take them religiously and build up the good gut bacteria. which brings me to my next point …
leafy greens
learn to love ’em, you guys. i can honestly say i feel my absolute BEST when i’m eating spinach (usually frozen and blended into a smoothie) and arugula on a regular basis. there’s a ton of research on why arugula is great for feeding your digestive bacteria, plus it tastes decent. i find if i don’t buy it one week, i end up craving it by the next week. weird but true.
sleep
let me tell you … having a kid really makes you realize how little sleep you can survive on. but it also makes you realize how much better you feel in ALL areas of your life when you are getting adequate sleep. cole went through a week or so where he slept big chunks of the night and was only up once. i can honestly say my digestion was better, thinking was clearer (obviously), and i had better workouts. i also didn’t feel even a touch sick, and the minute he started waking up multiple times a night again i feel like i’m constantly fighting a bug. sleep is king in my household.
wash my face
i realize it’s so 2010 not to wash your face before bed, but i’m getting even better at my routine and adding in some face washing in the morning as well. i use this balm to get rid of my makeup and this cleanser right now in the shower. i follow up with some sort of serum and moisturizer. speaking of face products, i’m going to be trying out some beautycounter products in the near future, so i will report back! the more i hear about the beautycounter mission and, on the flip side, the more i hear about the harmful chemicals in our food/skincare/makeup/etc., the more intrigued i am.
say more …
it’s overwhelming to try and live a lifestyle that’s healthy, clean of toxicities, and does good for the environment and people. over the course of this blogging journey, i’ve realized my passion for accessible style and accessible wellness are one in the same: you want to FEEL great and DO great things. expect some big changes coming to the blog in the next month, along with some more informative, useful content. and don’t worry, the style and the leopard print stays. đŸ™‚
have a great weekend! thank you for following along. i really appreciate each and every one of you!