There’s nothing worse than getting to the gym and realizing you’re missing something that you need. You feel like the whole trip was a waste and it totally throws you off! Below is a peek into my gym bag so you can see all my essentials.
During the week I’m up pretty early, and I truthfully don’t have much in the way of a calming or mindful routine in the mornings. It’s more about getting up and getting out the door. I do, however, have a lovely evening routine most of the time.
I’m a creature of habit, and while I may not do all of these every night, I do most of them, most of the time. What I love about having a relaxing evening routine is that as soon as you start it, your body immediately starts to calm down.
What I’ve found is that the more stressed and anxious I am during the day, the more I benefit from this nighttime regime. So, read on for a peek into an evening at the MCLV headquarters…
Bath: After making dinner and leaving the dishes for the boy, I head back to the bedroom. I start the water, add the Dr. Teal’s Epsom salts, and then pack my bag for the next day while the water fills up the tub. Once the water is ready, I either light a candle {currently addicted to Nest Grapefruit} or turn on the PureSpa Aromatherapy Oil Diffuser {favorite oils right now are peppermint, lemongrass, and Nature’s Shield, which is AMAZING}. I usually soak for 30 to 60 minutes, depending on what time I hop in.
Skin Care: After my bath, I do my evening skin care routine. You can read a full blog post on my favorite products and routine here. Here’s a super quick breakdown of the products that I use post-bath:
Yoga: Now that I’m relaxed and warm and happy, I like to do a few minutes of yoga. I usually just pull up a Boho Beautiful video and follow along, but sometimes I’ll try another instructor or use the Tone It Up app. Sometimes I only have the time or energy for 5 minutes, sometimes it’s 20 minutes. It varies.
Meditation: Guided bedtime meditations are a favorite of mine. While I don’t always love guided meditations, I’ve found that they’re a good option for me at night because my mind is so busy. If I’m left to my own devices, my mind is racing through my to do list and wedding plans and what I forgot to do that day. A guided meditation is a great way for me to focus on the meditation and get out of my own head. I actually don’t have a favorite, I just search on YouTube for what I need at a given moment, and lay back for 5-10 minutes of meditation.
Reading: I try not to be on my phone in bed as much as possible, though some nights I do better than others… But in general, I read a real live physical book before bed. With my anxiety levels it’s easy to lay in bed worrying and stressing myself out. What I’ve found is that reading something empowering and though provoking before bed helps set a healthier mentality going into the night. I have a tendency to have multiple books going at a given time and here are a few of the items on my bedside table:
Today we’re here to talk about Winter skin and some products that are great for hydrating and calming your skin this Winter. Between the low temperatures, snow, rain, and wind – This isn’t the best time of year for your face, neck, and hands. To avoid dry, irritated, or cracking skin, here are some of my tips, tricks, and favorite products.
Drink more water – Seems like a no brainer, but this time of year it’s easy to cozy up to your coffee mug and forget to add water to the equation. If cold water sounds awful, try warm water with lemon or adding some other fruits. Spa water, if you will.聽
Add Oils – It took me a while to get comfortable with facial oils. I worried about looking greasy and getting break outs. But I have to say that adding an oil to my regime has made a world of difference. My current favorite is the Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil. It’s amazing!
New Years resolutions are something that people either love, or hate. I for one really love setting goals and having a to do list to help me stay motivated and on track. That being said, this year I’m reframing my approach to the start of the year by setting intentions rather than resolutions.
So what does that mean? It means that I’m focusing on my present rather than fixating on past mistakes or future resolutions.
My 2019 intentions:
Be in the present: I can get caught up in worrying about future events or stressing about past behaviors rather than appreciating the moment, so I really want to start 2019 by making a conscious decision to be in the present and appreciating the now. A few of the ways that I can help achieve this is through daily affirmations and writing in a gratitude journal.
Be kind to myself: Making time for self care is important and something that I would like to make a priority in 2019. I have a tendency to think of other people’s needs before my own, but I can make small changes to ensure that I’m giving myself some time and attention each day. A relaxing evening routine with a bath is a great way to give yourself some love, as well as meditation and yoga.
Feel joy: As I mentioned above, I can get caught up in both the past and the present, rather than truly enjoying the present. For 2019 I will work on fully experiencing the joy in everyday life, rather than looking forward or back.
Since I started my healthy living journey nearly a decade ago, I’ve tried many different ways of eating. I’ve succumbed to trends. I’ve tried new foods. I’ve cut out other foods. But most of all, I’ve tried to keep an open mind. What works for one person may not work for another, and what works for you one year, may not work for you the next. Now after that little introduction, I wanted to give you a quick and dirty break down of foods to add to your diet, and foods to AVOID.
Foods to GIVE UP:
Fried foods – Fairly self-explanatory 馃檪聽
Heavily processed foods – Simply put… Does it come in a package? Try to cut it out. Long list of ingredients? Try to cut it out.
Foods/food-like substances聽with no nutritional value – Packaged sauces, dressings, and condiments, pre-made meals, snack foods, fruit juices etc.
High sugar foods – Cut out the candy, baked goods, and definitely cut out the sodas
Refined carbs – Pasta, white bread, packaged pastry products… You know they’re terrible for you, time to ditch them
Foods to Add:
Whole foods聽– ALL the fruits & veggies
Whole grains – Don’t worry, you can still have pasta. Just swap your refined white flour pasta for quinoa, chickpea, brown rice, or lentil.
Water – Start increasing your water intake each day
Spices – Worried that you won’t enjoy your food once you give up sugary, high-fat dressings and sauces? Try adding fresh herbs and dried spices
Healthy fats – Swap processed, pre-made foods that are high in saturated and trans fats, for healthy fats like avocado, eggs, nuts, seeds, and beans
Green tea – High in antioxidants and great for weight loss, including green tea in your day is a win-win
I’ll be back for another installation of Project Comeback so stay tuned!
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Hello & welcome to MCLV! I'm Caity, a San Francisco based freelance writer and fashion, food & fitness blogger. Find out more by visiting About MOI.
