Reset

Does anyone feel like they need to CONTROL-ALT-DELETE on this whole year? Like come on, what’s next? Hopefully the second half of 2020 will be filled with positivity, health, and change. Put good energy in, get good energy out…or are we too far gone for that? Lately, my anxiety has been through the roof. Anyone else feeling the same? Are the chest pains stress or coronavirus? Hmmm. Just kidding, I’m not sick, but that’s what anxiety will do to you. It’s time for a hard reset. It’s time to focus back on our mental and physical health and regain control of ourselves. Here are 10 things I try to do EVERYDAY to keep positive and healthy. Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or health coach. I do not portray myself as one or identify as one. These are steps I take to help myself through my minor anxiety. Mental health is a serious thing and if you feel like your mind needs help, consult a doctor ASAP. Therapy is an amazing tool!
(photos are clickable links to products)

BED
There are actual studies that say if you make your bed in the morning, you have more motivation to become productive throughout the rest of the day. It’s such a small thing to do but, it will start your day off on a positive note. Starting the day with a task will help you complete more tasks through the day. I do not do this everyday but, I notice a huge difference in my day when I don’t. Also, getting into an already made bed, at the end of a hard day, is an amazing feeling. On top of having your bed made, having something comfortable and aesthetically pleasing also will help you sleep better. I always go with neutral tones and add some throw pillows, with some color, to add a pop. Houseplants can also add oxygen in your bedroom as well as color!
CAFFEINE
If you are someone with high anxiety, caffeine can actually make your symptoms worsen. Caffeine is a stimulant that can trigger your “fight or flight” response and lead to an anxiety attack. For me, I try to only have caffeine on days that I need to be productive and the other days, I will have decaf. But, a good cup of joe in the morning caf/or decaf really gets my day going. I love lattes in cute mugs, they make me feel fancy and get my endorphins going. Find a creamer you love (I use dairy free), put it in your cute mug and froth it. Then, add your coffee on top for an easy make-shift latte.
VITAMINS
Ok I could talk about vitamins all day but, I’m going to touch base on the ones that help me manage my stress.
Vitamin D- low levels of vitamin D have been linked to low moods. Many people are vitamin D deficient. Get blood work, see if your lacking certain vitamins and get on a good regimen!
Super You- omg guys, this capsule has changed my life. I started taking this 2 years ago, and I notice a difference everyday I do not take it. The day I started Super You, I knew it was going to be a lifetime supplement for me. It increases my energy, makes me noticeably happier, and keeps those random chest pains I get throughout the day and nighttime away. Ashwagandha root is the main ingredient which is an adaptogen. It helps reduce cortisol levels, which basically means it reduces stress.
Meal Prep
I spend an hour every Sunday planning out my meals for the week. Breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner. Meal prepping, for me, helps me stay on track. That way, I’m not struggling, trying to figure out what the hell I should make for dinner. Or, I don’t skip lunch because I didn’t have groceries. Here is an example of what my weekly plan looks like.
Juice Cleanse
This is something that I like to do when I know I’ve been eating like crap. It starts my week off right while helping me stick to a healthier diet. I’ll do a full day of juice to just get the nutrients my body needs and to cleanse me for the week. I usually do a juice cleanse on Tuesday, when I’m busiest at work. I also drink a ton of water in between juices to stay very hydrated. Water also helps you feel more full. I prep my juice the day before, in 16 oz mason jars. I drink a new juice every 2-3 hours.
Here is my homemade juice cleanse recipe:
DIFFUSER/HUMIDIFIER
I use a humidifier every night. Because of my allergies, I always wake up with a dry mouth and a stuffed nose. The humidifier helps my sleep and I wake up in a more comfortable state. I always use filtered water because it helps keep the device clean. In the bottom, I use essential oils! This is my favorite diffuser blend. -peppermint -rosemary -lavender -bergamot -orange -ylang ylang. This is the humidifier I use, I even bought one for my mom!
GYM
A regular gym schedule really helps tackle anxiety. I try to do a work out 3-4 times a week. Whether it’s a bootcamp class, yoga, heavy lifting, or just cardio, I try to do something to keep my body moving. Some days, my body just tells me no, and I listen to her. I don’t beat myself up when I’m just not feeling it. Instead, I’ll either go walk the treadmill for 20-30 mins or I’ll eat a lower carb dinner. Don’t stress yourself out trying to manage your stress. Find your niche, and engage it.
CBD
I have been taking CBD at night time for almost two years. There are so many benefits but, the ones I have personally seen is nighttime anxiety management and pain management. I have a pen I use at night, right before bed. It helps my mind and body relax for a rem sleep. NO, IT DOES NOT MAKE YOU HIGH! It is all natural and LEGAL. This brand also has drops if you don’t like the pen.
CELL PHONE
Ok, I am so bad about this one. But, it’s something I have heard is beneficial and I want to try. Not checking your phone while in bed. And that goes for morning and night. OMG, it sounds impossible. It’s like second nature to grab my phone first thing in the morning. With the world where it’s at right now, it’s impossible to open your phone and not have some sort of news story right there. Those news stories have a negative impact on our subconscious throughout the day. We should start our day off with something uplifting to create concrete positivity in our day. My challenge to you, put your phone across the room at night time. That way when your alarm goes off, you physically have to remove yourself from bed and you aren’t tempted to scroll through instagram, while half asleep. Then, wash your face, make your coffee, get ready for the day, and while eating your breakfast, check the news for the day. Let me know how the challenge goes! I’ll be right there with you.
BOOKS
Find yourself a good book. Escape the world of reality and find something that makes you take a dive into another world. Fiction or nonfiction, there’s something out there for everyone. Something a lot of people don’t know about me is that I struggled with reading my entire life. I suffered from ADD ADHD and was never a strong reader. A few years ago, I made it a point to beat my own mind and learn how to read. And now, I have a favorite book y’all! 5 years ago, I never thought I’d finish a book, and now I have an actual book shelf. I am still not a fast reader but, I am making a lot of progress. I gear more towards novels on crime because that’s what I’m in to. If you’re someone that struggles with reading, find a book that is an interest to you. Get lost in it. Here are a few of my top picks!
BONUS: PETS
There’s no better unconditional love than having a pet. Seriously, being needed is a wonderful feeling, and you are their everything. When I come home from the shittiest day, I swear my dogs know it. I always open the door, and they’re so excited to see me. All of the love, kisses, and snuggles I could ask for. They are the best, especially when you’re have an “anxiety day”. If you don’t have a pet, and you are able, don’t even hesitate. Extra points, RESCUE. My pitbull is rescued and I feel so proud of myself for giving him the home he deserves!

Anxiety and stress are real. A lot of people suffer! Let me know in the comments how you handle your stress. Is there one particular thing you do that helps you uplift you mood? Happy Monday everyone! I hope you have a positive and relaxing week.