5 Steps to a Healthier You

For the last few months, I’ve been super down on myself for many reasons. Some of them are silly and others are justified. We’ve all had those days where we sulk and want to give up, but for me those days turned into months. As a fashion blogger, I feel like it’s part of my job to create an illusion for people following me that I have it all together. News flash: I don’t. Not even close. But during the first week of the New Year, I decided to do something about how I was feeling inside and outside. I changed my habits and how I lived to become a healthier, happier me! I’m sharing with you the steps I took to change my lifestyle!

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

When I was little, my grandmother swore by a few things for her health and apple cider vinegar was one of them. My boyfriend, David, and I have started drinking a tablespoon of it every day. The health benefits are amazing! It helps lower blood sugar, fight diabetes, and even aids in weight loss by making you feel full quicker. I was skeptical about the weight loss aspect, but I have to admit that I feel fuller faster than before!

Get in the Gym

I’ve also added 30 minutes of gym time to my week days. Last year I gained a few pounds and trust me when I say I complained about it all the time. In the last month, I’ve been working my butt off to lose that weight and get back in shape for the summer!

Take Your Vitamins

Whenever I scroll through my Instagram feed, there are so many pretty girls with long hair and gorgeous manicured nails. I started looking around for a vitamin that would promote hair and nail growth and health. I came across biotin and have implemented that into my daily vitamin pack.

Develop a Skin Care Routine

For better skin, I adapted an actual skin care routine! Before, I just washed my face at night to get off my makeup. Now, I use a great cleanser and toner (link to my favorite here) eye makeup remover (link here). Every few days I also do a mud mask to get rid of toxins and other gross stuff sitting on my skin. A brighter complexion makes your skin appear hydrated and cared for!

Think Happy Thoughts

Finally, for my emotional and spiritual health I’ve started doing two things: thinking positively and doing a daily devotional. Being a positive person has never ever been in my nature. My mom sometimes calls me “negative Nancy” because I tend to be a bit of a pessimist. Negative thoughts can really hurt your mental health though. With the help of David’s older sister, Marsha, I’ve been trying to adapt a more positive, happy outlook on life. She’s a really inspiring person to be around and nothing ever seems to get her down!

There are so many great things you can do for your health this year! I try not to overwhelm myself with too many changes because let’s be real, it’s hard to get into a habit and not break it. Becoming a better me is my goal for this year. There’s no reason you and I can’t be the people we want to be! It just takes some work and a lot of dedication! Leave me a comment with your goals for this year!

8 Simple Ways to Destress After Work

Happy Thursday everyone! Only one more day until Friday, so start making your weekend plans! Friday night, I’m going to watch Hocus Pocus in one of the public parks here in Dallas. I’m bringing a cozy blanket, a picnic basket full of munchies, and of course a big pumpkin spice latte. Speaking of which, one of my favorite things to do after work to relax is sit on the couch with my favorite pumpkin spice latte mug and drink some coffee. Read on for a few of my favorite ways to relax after work!

Ways to Relax After Work

We all have our vices and things that calm us down when we’re stressed or just have had a long day. My days are filled with demands from my job and early mornings. Sometimes I don’t have time for anything other than a protein shake and a big cup of coffee. But when I get home I relax by doing something enjoyable. Here are a few easy ways to destress at home:

• Color in a coloring book (Michael’s has some for under $5!)
• Take a hot bath with fizzy bath bombs
• Sip coffee or tea while spending time with your kitty or pup
• Lift weights and do some cardio to burn off stress
• Paint your nails a festive color for the season
• Sit by a fire and read a book
• Create a new board on Pinterest and pin a few items
• Do some online shopping and buy yourself a little something

Your mental health is so important to the rest of your life! I’ll be totally honest and tell you that in addition to doing some of these things, I also from time to time talk with a psychologist to ease my anxieties. You wouldn’t think people would judge me for that, but you’d be surprised how people react when they find out I talk to a “shrink”. But in my opinion, it’s nothing to be embarrassed by! Sharing your ideas and feelings with another person that will tell you the truth is so beneficial. It’s truly the best stress reliever for me.

If none of these ideas tickle your fancy, a scientifically proven way to fight depression and anxiety is to smile and laugh. For whatever reason, it makes your entire body feel better. I won’t go into the science of it mostly because I’ll totally butcher it, but it works and we all need to smile more. If that’s all you get out of this post, then I’m happy with that!