5 things i do DAILY to feel great.
Promise this isn’t another boring ‘wellness round-up’ from your basic betch “health” influencer. Instead, in this post, I wanted to share the CURRENT “rituals” I have been practicing over the past while which I firmly believe have contributed to increased energy, happiness, as well as LOOKING good too (sorry not sorry…it matters LOL).
#1 FACE FITNESS (10-15 mins)
First things first is face fitness, which I introduced at the end of this Spring and have been devoted to my 10-15 mins of this truly transformative form of self-care ever since. Even my facialist and cosmetic acupuncturist have noticed that my face muscles are “perfect” LOL - apparently the exact right level of firmness and just enough tension while also being relaxed…I’ll take it!
Face Fitness, or facial training, was created with foundations of traditional facial massage in mind, and specifically targeted at strengthening specific muscle groups in our face to keep the skin plump, toned and firm, just as we do with the rest of our body. Regular Face Fitness treatments stimulate collagen production and strengthen muscle memory, and it is a great alternative to Botox or other invasive facial treatments.
Face Fitness is a series of high-intensity, repetitive movements that stimulate face muscles, tighten the skin and reduce signs of aging. By strengthening the facial muscles and engaging them in resistance training (just like you train your body!), you can help increase blood circulation to the skin.
There have been a variety of research done on the effectiveness of facial massage aimed at strengthening the face muscles, and the scientists have found that the regular treatments of this non-invasive technique can actually make people's faces look visibly younger.
Personally, I follow a routine I learned from Valeriia Veksler and use my hands (I kinda find the Gua Sha tool annoying LOL) with a couple drops of 2% Bukuchiol Facial Oil from Vitali (a fave of mine right now…Copper Peptides Skincare, it’s next-level!).
#2 NETTLE & OATSTRAW OVERNIGHT INFUSION
Minerals are all the rage right now in the health & nutrition world - with good reason and to be fair it’s been a longtime coming! But sometimes mineral supplements can a little harsh on the stomach - and many upset my sensitive tummy.
I heard “Organic Olivia” share on a podcast that she used an overnight tea (an ‘infusion’) of just pure dried nettle leaf & oatstraw and drinks a huge glass of it in the morning as a natural mineral-packed drink. I prefer this all-natural and more food-grade approach to ensuring I get my daily dose of minerals vs. relying on too many supplements or swanky powders.
It’s super cheap & simple to do - just go to your local health store or apothecary and ask for dried nettle leaf + dried oatstraw. Make a “tea” of it the night before (I use a 1L mason jar) and it’s ready to drink (room-temperature) in the morning. It actually tastes great on it’s own - but you can also add some lemon & honey if you like too.
#3 MORNING SUN
Okay…the way I figured this one out might seem a bittttt “off-brand” - but stay with me here. So my partner is a smoker (okay, okay, enough with the judgement please & thanks) and I realized he has a pretty gorgeous morning routine (minus the actual smoking part…LOL) - it involves going OUTSIDE and standing in the SUN and soaking up some fresh air & peace and quiet in the nature of our backyard every day upon rising. Um…this is so European and sexy that I simply could NOT resist trying it myself - again, minus the whole smoking part.
Going outside even just for a 10-minute walk in the sunshine (even if it’s cloudy you still get the benefits) helps to lift your mood and when you get bright light in the morning it can help you feel more alert during the day and has a later effect that helps you to feel sleepy in the evening and fall asleep earlier.
#4 MINI WALKS AFTER EVERY MEAL
Okay, this one is arguably my favourite. And if you’re a fan of my work & the free content I share on social media - you’ll likely also already be a Glucose Goddess groupie like me! French Biochemist Jessie Inchauspé has basically revolutionized the way we think about and interact with glucose (sugar!) - at least all over the ‘wellness world’.
The tip I believe everyone and everyone could benefit from trying on for size is to go for a 10 minute walk after eating. Just a short stroll after your meal is proven to regulate your blood sugar, improve your digestion, lower blood pressure, burn more calories, and elevate your mood. If you can’t carve out an extra 10 minutes for ALL of those SCIENTIFICALLY backed benefits…fine, but no complaining when you feel lousy!
I find it a nice ‘stepping stone’ to head back into the movement of my life, which is something I use a lot with my 1:1 clients in 10/10 who find the STOP of their eating hard (they just want to keep eating…). Remembering that eating is a BREAK in life, and then getting back to the MOVEMENT of LIVING your life can be easier if that transition is a lovely walk in the fresh air!
#5 LEGS UP THE WALL BEFORE BED (20 mins)
Okay, this is actually a fairly “newer” addition to my daily non-negotiables but I have a strong feeling it will be a staple for me long into my future. I learned this tip after going for an amazing lymphatic draining massage at a Brazilian Beauty Clinic (Casa Uma) in Toronto and the therapist mentioned I had a lot of trapped fluid in my knees. She suggested I put my legs up the wall for 20 mins at the end of the day before bed and I have never looked back since.
Apparently, a leg up the wall yoga pose is helpful in people who have low blood pressure levels, edema in the legs and feet, or chronic venous insufficiency. This pose gently stretches hamstrings, glutes, hips, and spine and releases tension from the lower back.
Furthermore, it is literally the BEST chill-out posture…I fall so much faster and peacefully after doing it. I have read from multiple sources that this pose in particular helps balance the body and aids in receptivity, which is the polar opposite of activity. The perfect thing to do before bed!
Which will you try? I know it might seem “silly” or possibly a bit useless…but sometimes it’s the smallest tweaks that we incorporate consistently into our lives from a place of loving discipline that truly start to transform ourselves at a cellular level…and thus - our lives.