3 Easy & Inexpensive Wellness Ideas to Feel Your Best in the New Year

Whether or not you like using the “R” word - Resolution - for the New Year, you’re likely finding yourself thinking about ways you’d like your life, your body or your mind to feel better in 2024. You’ve probably had recurring nagging thoughts about what you “should” change but struggling to actually do it. I get it! You’re human, we all go through this. Part of the struggle is knowing where to even start. So I picked three of the easiest, inexpensive ways to be your most energetic, confident, happy, beautiful you in the new year.

1. Start the day without sugar (or with less) – Skip the sweetened coffee shop drinks* and check the labels on your coffee creamer, yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, breakfast bar, smoothie, etc. If it has added sugar, swap it with one that doesn’t or has less. Note: labels don’t always say “cane sugar" so watch for words like brown rice syrup, beet sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and maltodextrin. These have about the same effects on your body as sugar.
   
   BONUS: start the day with more protein too. This will help decrease your cravings and keep you full longer in addition to decreasing the inflammation and sugar cravings caused by starting the day with sugary products.
   

2. Schedule Pause Breaks everyday for calming, stress reducing, brain relieving, blood pressure & heart rate lowering, energy replenishing, sleep improving blissful You Time - this could be once a day or more than once. It could be 20 minutes or 5 or even 1. Experiment with times of day and see what helps you. Some beneficial ways to spend your Pause Breaks: creativity (coloring books, picture puzzles, crocheting), meditation (apps are a big help), journaling (pen & paper helps most but typing helps too!), brain dumps, nature (take a walk or sit in the sun), deep breathing, snuggle a pet or favorite person, stretching, yoga, workout, or dance party.
   
   BONUS: do a time log for a few days. See where you typically reach for electronics, food or booze and could instead take a Pause Break. Notice when these technology tapout or stress eating sessions are because you need a break from thinking, your attention is span maxed out, or you feel overwhelmed, anxious, bored. Create a menu of 3-5 other options and keep it on a sticky note where you’ll remember in the heat of the moment.
   

3. Use products without synthetic & chemical fragrances. They’re linked to respiratory difficulties, migraines and other neurological issues, skin rashes, hormone-disruption, cancer, and more. Use soy or beeswax candles with lead-free wicks, air fresheners that are made from essential oils, potpourri or fresh flowers. Look for fragrance-free car fresheners, lotion, dish soap, cleaning wipes, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and carpet deoderizers.
   
   BONUS: Check labels on your products and as you finish them, replace them with Paraben-free, Phthlate-free, Sulphate-free.
   
   * This doesn’t mean you have to go 365 days without a sweetened coffee shop drink. Just don’t make it your default morning fuel, and keep them to a minimum.

To your holy & holistic life!

♥ Debbie

p.s. Want product ideas for some of these tips, such as non-toxic cleaning products, meditation apps, or protein powder? Click here to download the [Free] “Getting Started Guide: Best Products, Shortcuts & Money Saving Tips to Start Your Wellness Journey 2024”.