Last week was the first I’ve written in nearly two years. Before that, I was writing pretty consistently, and then -- nothing. Why did I stop writing? Why am I shaking off the cobwebs and writing again now? Two main reasons: 1) I bumped it down on my priority list and 2) I allowed myself to use bullshit excuses for too long...
Read moreImplementing Small Habits to Create Big Change
I’ve learned and grown more in 2015 than in any year prior and am truly grateful for all the experiences I've had. In some ways, I feel like I've evolved as a person more in this year than all prior years combined. I spent a lot of time on myself - reflecting, meditating, reading, writing, dreaming, planning, and executing. The year went by incredibly fast, but at the same time, I feel like I put so much into it and was able to get even more out of it. This is, without a doubt, the direct result of the habits I created based on the goals I set at the beginning of the year.
Read moreThe Winter Reboot: Deload, Detox, and Indulge
It’s again that time of year where the days are overcast and short while the nights are frigid and seem to begin even earlier than years past. Many people look forward to the winters for the “cuddle weather” (Netflix and chill weather?), while others increase their calorie intake with reckless abandon in the name of “bulking season”. The holidays bring more gatherings of family and friends, which in turn bring plenty of opportunities to binge eat (and drink), and it’s generally not on the healthiest of foods. This could result in feelings of guilt, shame, and certainly bloatedness. Long-term, it could also lead to breaking many good habits you formed over the year, sabotaging your nutrition, and derailing your path to any fitness goals previously set. However, I use this time of year to allow my body to rest and recover while giving my mind a chance to relax and reset all the while enjoying the indulgences of the holidays (without feeling guilty about it), and being more ready than before to take my fitness to the next level come the new year.
Read moreLife Upgrade: Shopping at the Farmers Market
If you're regularly buying groceries and preparing your own meals already, congratulations. You're already well ahead of the curve and most likely a lot healthier than the fast-food eating, microwavable meal munching majority. Most shoppers prefer to purchase their groceries from the nearby supermarket because it is more accessible and convenient. If this is your preferred method, then I would like to issue a challenge to you, because you have no idea just how much you are missing by skipping your local farmer’s market. Find out when and where your nearest farmer's market is taking place (here's a good place to start) and mark it on your calendar. This is a weekly habit that will benefit you and your community. Offering a healthy, fun social experience and unique benefits, shopping in the farmer's market is more than just buying what you need for the week.
Read moreSleep Better Now (Part 4) - The Bedtime Ritual
Evenings and nights should be a time to relax, hang out with family or friends, indulge in a hobby or form of entertainment… Generally, just some time for yourself to unwind from the day. Just like my mornings, my nightly ritual takes up a set amount of time. This organized set of habits has enabled me to end my day strong, wind down completely, and fall asleep the moment my head hits the pillow...
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