Finally, At 30, I Figured Out My Healthiest Routine Yet
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I was recently on a jam-packed, four day press trip in Norway, followed by an even more hectic work week–which I spent at my sisters so she could feed me and walk my dog as I worked 15 hour shifts. For close to two weeks, I had to discard my beloved routine and focus at the tasks at hand. But this time, I didn’t fret when I began to bloat. I wasn’t worried as I started to lose the muscles I gained at the gym, and I wasn’t particularly pressed about my cheeks rounding out from the lack of Gua Sha-ing. I knew that once I got back home and could put my tried-and-true routine into motion again, I would be back to my glowing self in no time.
And that I did. Finally, at 30, I know the exact recipe to creating my best mind and body. I know what I need to eat, when to go to the gym, how often I should journal, when to be productive, and when to rest. My body responds quickly to its environment—if my social battery is drained, if I’m drinking too much, or if I skip journaling, the circles under my eyes darken, my smile lines deepen, and my skin turns dull. She’s dramatic, sure, but we love her anyway.
There’s comfort in knowing that no matter how demanding life gets, I can always find my way back to myself. I’ve spent years—really, my entire life—learning who I am and what I need. The result? A unique recipe, a fine-tuned set of rituals that bring me to my best self. And while everyone’s formula looks different, I thought I’d share mine—so if you’re just beginning to explore this, you have a place to start.
Exercise 3 Days a Week
Movement is vital for my mental health. The endorphin rush, the feeling of strength, and the physical results are addictive. Whenever I have a bad day, I know a session at the gym can instantly boost my mood. It gives me a sense of control and makes me feel like a bad bitch, simply put.
Eating Plenty of Fruits and Veggies Every Day
Nutrition and exercise go hand in hand. For me, that means making sure I get at least two or three servings of fruits and veggies every day. If I had broccoli in my lunch, I double down with a green smoothie (spinach with frozen mangos and a squeeze of lime) for a little extra boost of vitamin A. I also make it a point not to eat too late at night. Dinner gets eaten before 8PM and it’s packed with healthy proteins and leafy greens.
Using My NuFace 3 Days a Week
I owe NuFace my life. I never understood why my skin droops so much around my cheeks, but I think it’s a mix of bad lymphatic drainage and bad nutrition. If I don’t use my NuFace, I have visible jowls and look about 5 years older. My precious NuFace (and a combination of healthy food and exercise) make a huge difference.
Journaling Twice a Week
Journaling has been my saving grace for well over a decade now. I need it to check in on myself, finish my thoughts, and communicate with my soul. It’s also a great opportunity to write down any dreams and goals. When I need to organize my mind, I turn to my journal.
Balancing Productivity with Relaxation
I’m pretty proud of my ability to know when I need to hunker down and work, and when I need to put on a show and relax. I say “need” to relax, because there were periods when I skipped it in favor of being hyper-productive—and it made me miserable. My brain never got to switch off, never had time to refuel with fresh inspiration. Now, reading or watching TV gives me that escape from reality and reminds me of all the other worlds out there.
Socializing Only Once or Twice a Week
It took some time, but I finally figured out my introvert/extrovert sweet spot. For the most part, I’m an introvert. I need 85% of my time to be spent alone (and with my dog). But that last 15%, I really enjoy seeing friends, bantering around, having a cheeky glass of wine, and dressing up. Back when I was employed, even that one day at the office drained me. Working alone at home Monday through Friday and then seeing a friend here and there has been ideal.
