It's back to school time! Back to reality my friends! Summer sadly melted away and a new season is rolling around the corner. For me, it is the time for rebuilding the mind, body, and spirit. Here are some tips to get yourself in shape to kick this year's ass!
1. Drink your water kiddos!
Seriously! If you think this is a joke, you are wrong. Water is the key to life, love, solving your problems, ending world hunger, everything. Seriously. Every morning, your priority should be to "give your insides a shower", as my mother would say. Even better, a warm cup of lemon water, with a touch of honey will get you going. Your immune system, digestive system, and skin will thank you!
2. Meditation!
I'm not saying you need you need to become a total yogi (but hey, if you wanna join the club, come on). But taking the time to sit, relax, breathe, and just be. Turn off your surroundings, or play light music, and sit or lay and breathe deep. Just focus on that. I find doing this in the morning is the best for a good day of self-awareness. But do not hesitate to get a good med sesh in after a long work or school day. Namaste friends!
3. Listen and be self - aware!
Your body knows its self and what it needs. Listen to it! If you're dehydrated and sleep deprived, don't crack that to be the mercury retrograde. On the other hand, being self aware of what you're putting into your body. This is huge!
4. Move it!
Not everyone is an athlete. Not everyone has something to constantly train for. So you might not be super hero, Kerri Walsh Jennings, waking up at five AM to workout hours at a time, then go to a volleyball practice, to be the Michael Jordan of beach volleyball. BUT! You can be the Michael Jordan of your life! So take at least 30 minutes out of your day to get up and work out. Move around! Go on a hike, play with your dog, or take a lovely stroll with your S.O. instead of netflix! A little goes a long way.
5. Fuel your body!
This is probably the most important part. I am sure you have heard the saying 80% to 20% all the time. 80% diet and 20% gym. AND THAT IS TRUE!! How to get a good workout in, is making sure you fuel your body to get the most out of it. Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or a meat eater, there are ways to make sure you're properly eating. Swap out those red meats for lean meats like grilled chicken or try a fish. Take out those extra carbs at dinner and get some greens in there. Eat the rainbow my friends! *if you are interested in going vegan; check out the book 'How Not to Die' or watch the documentary 'Earthlings'. Happy eating!
6. Create Goals and Stick to Them!
JOURNAL, JOURNAL, JOURNAL! I cannot stress this enough. Setting small goals for yourself will not only help you feel accomplished but also help you realize what you are doing and you can look back and see how far you've come! It can be small or it can be huge!
7. Be kind to Yourself!
This is a journey, and you don't want to be miserable during it. Love yourself during it! Be proud of yourself! You're making the choice to better yourself, everyday, so theres something to be said for that! Thrive on that!
8. SLEEP!
DO IT!! ugh I know you dont want to because that Netflix is calling your name but sleep is a time for your body to recuperate and detox and heal! Your skin will thank you, you body will thank you, your brain will thank you and you muscles will TOTALLY love you. So read a book, drink some tea and unwind because sleep is your best friend. The hours before midnight are the most crucial, and not many people understand that. If you are in highschool, go to bed early and wake up a few minutes earlier to study for that test, because cramming won't do anything. College kids, I know that party for the eighth night in a row is calling your name but my doll, those bags under your eyes are not fun, and your brain will thank you. So sleepy time for you!
9. Spend More Time with Mother Nature!
If you're a city chick, thats cool too, so find your happy place. But for you granola nuts out there, remember your roots! Do barefoot yoga in the grass, plant some flowers, go outside and take a few deep breaths, or just hug a tree! But fresh air, cold crass under your feet or a nice woodland hike will clear the mind and spirit.
10. Be Patient!
FINALLY! This one really hits home for me, because I struggle with this myself. In a world that is so immediate, becoming a better version of you will not happen over night. And I know everyone says that about everything but that is because it is true. It might take days, months, or years. But never lose sight of the end result. Realize what you are working for and get there. Give yourself the time to let go, and make mistakes because you will learn from them. Just live your life because you are exactly where you should be right now.
I hope this helps you guys! If you have any questions, or need advice or just want to chat, don't be afraid to reach out on my social media! Have fun, breathe deep and just be.
