LETTING GO OF 2020 AND MOVING FORWARD IN 2021

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Wow 2020 has been quite the year, to say the least! Although 2020 put an unprecedented strain on all of us, affecting all of our lives in big ways and in small ways, as well as ways in which we don’t fully understand yet. This global pandemic experience and everything that has happened in between, has generated an even greater sense of empathy and compassion to all. This pandemic has also put a spotlight on the disparities across work, education and healthcare systems that the BIPOC (black, indigenous and people of color) community have been experiencing for years. Hopefully now people will listen and make changes for the betterment of our future and the next generations to come. We cannot move forward by letting this continue.

If I’m being completely honest, I don’t want things to go back to “normal” in the sense that a lot of the things I thought were necessary, really aren’t. It’s safe to say I am happy leaving behind the crazy commute traffic, poor work-life balance and feelings of always being rushed around and never having enough time.

I’m not really sure what life after COVID-19 will look like, but what I do know for sure is that I don’t want it to be “back to normal” — I want it to be better than normal, now that I know it exists.

I think we’ve all changed, adjusted and re-learned for the better. Of course I want to travel, spend time with family and friends and hug people without it being awkward (Lol), eat inside a restaurant, not have to wear a mask in public etc. but I don’t want to forget what 2020 has taught me. Especially in hard times, it’s really important to focus on what WE DO HAVE CONTROL OVER because 2020 has taught us that you cannot plan everything.

This might be the unpopular opinion, but I’m not mad at 2020, I’m grateful.
It provided me with so much growth and opened my eyes up to what is most important in my life. I know the chaos and uncertainty isn’t over yet and neither is our journey (is it ever?), and there are still so many people struggling on various levels and it truly is heartbreaking, and there’s still a lot of work to be done.

So, I’m letting 2020 go and appreciating all its lessons. Iv’e truly learned so much about myself and others, and I’ve learned a lot of things that I am definitely bringing into 2021. I’m bringing good healthy habits into the new year. When you hold yourself accountable, it really does make a difference and small changes everyday really does add up to big results. I can’t say this enough, but ROUTINE IS EVERYTHING! Find one that works for you and stick with it! These are just some of things that got me through 2020 and are a part of my routine in 2021.

N°1 SELF-CARE : In tough times and all times, tending to our mental health is at the top of my list. When I mention self-care, I’m not talking about bubble baths and face sheet masks here (although those are still great too), I am talking about how crucial it is to look at our own needs— mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. There is an array of many different tools out there for practicing self-care. With face to face contact being few and far between, there are tons of options for online help; therapy, counseling, caching, meditation apps, breathwork classes, wellness workshops, books, journals, and other online mental health services that have become very helpful during these times.

Here are a few of my self-care faves:

Mimi Bouchard’s new SUPERHUMAN App. I am obsessed with this one. A non-negotiable, can’t get my day started without these meditations. Ranging from 2-3 minutes to 20+ minutes; morning meditations, walking meditations, night time meditations, meditations for stress, to change your state, calm your body and mind etc. I think this is App is great and has something that everyone would enjoy.
Miki Ash’s app called “THE HOW” for guided meditations, yoga flows and stretching and much more.
Insight Timer App. So many great meditation teachers all in one place!
Happy Not Perfect App. Great way to check in with yourself and stay connected to how you’re feeling.
Gabby Bernstein’s “The Universe Has Your Back” is a great book. She also offers different tools like journals, guided meditations and online support and workshops to further your self-care practice.
Jay Shetty’s “Think Like a Monk” this book has really shifted my thoughts. He also offers great guided meditations, and classes to elevate your self-care.
Five Minute Journal is a great beginning step to start journaling.
Whim Hoff deep breathing
Dry Brushing
Gua Sha and cupping facial tools
Drunk Elephant Baby Facial Mask
Pukka Detox Tea

N°2 NATURE : Iv’e always enjoyed spending time outdoors, but now more than ever, I find myself in nature pretty much everyday and every free chance I get. I make it a top priority to spend time outside. I’m super grateful to be living on the coast and that the beach is my backyard, but even drinking my coffee-tea in the morning outside has helped and taking my dog on a walk around my neighborhood to smell fresh outdoor air and trees, to look up at the sky and star gaze, really makes a world of a difference in shifting my mood.

Nature suggestions:

Grounding yourself to the earth by touching your bare feet on grass, sand, dirt etc.
Hiking (explore great hikes in your area)
Beaches (plan a beach day if it’s available to you)
Picnic at the park
Walking outside
Buying indoor plants
Free App called star chart

N°3 IMMUNITY: Immune- boosting herbs, supplements, adaptogens and superfoods reached new heights in 2020. Strengthening the immune system will definitely be a major wellness factor in 2021. The immune system is just that— a system, not a single entity. It is all encompassing from the lifestyle habits we create, to diet, exercise and on a cellular level from our genetics. For our immunity to function well, it requires balance and peace. I really look at immunity as a whole system and try to incorporate multiple aspects for my well-being. Also, the awareness around gut health AKA the Microbiome, is growing and all of the positive effects gut health has on our overall well-being, our immunity, and brain function is another good reason to cultivate gut health habits into 2021.

A few immunity-boosting things I swear by:

Bee Propolis Throat Spray
Elderberry
Goji Berries (tip: soak them in water)
Cacao (I love cacao nibs over a fruit bowl)
Ashwagandha (adaptogen that reduces stress, anxiety)
Reishi Mushroom (adaptogen that supports immune function)
Lyposomal Vitamin C (best to get vitamin C from natural foods, but lyposomal vitamin C supplements are best absorbed by the body).
Colloidal Silver
Tulsi Lemon Ginger Tea
Manuka Honey drops
Probiotics (I switch them up, but my favorites are by the brands seed and just thrive)

N°4 NEW WORKOUT HABITS: Ironically, at a time when we are seeing how important it is to stay fit and invest in wellness, gyms and studios have been forced to close intermittently. Pandemic disruptions and a new global wellness imperative have ushered in a wave of virtual options. The key in my opinion, is figuring out how you enjoy moving your body and sticking to that.

A few virtual workout shout outs that have literally saved me:

Melissa Wood Health. A monthly (very affordable at $9.99 per month) subscription app with daily Yoga + Pilates focused workouts to sculpt those long, lean lines and guided soothing Meditations. Don’t be fooled by the “express workouts” which get you sweating in under 20 minutes.
HOT PILATES: A favorite. Really tones and defines your body by using a mix of traditional mat Pilates variations as well as HIIT and using weights to get you dripping. Good music and motivational instructors is also a huge bonus for me. Another monthly subscription.
Tasha Franken: Offers FREE YouTube videos and monthly subscription that focus on using our own body weight and incorporating light weights to target specific areas in the body. Again, don’t be fooled by the quick workouts, they really burn! Also like how you can bundle two quick workouts to target the areas you are looking for.

N°5 TECHNOLOGY BOUNDARIES: Given our current circumstances, screen time is obviously at an all time high. Screen fatigue and tech burnout are for real. I feel like we’re really seeing the effects of blue light and extra screen time on our eye health, mental health, sleep cycles and more. It’s important to set tech and screen time boundaries.

Tips that help me: