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Alyssa is wearing our July look, Up in the Air.
How many times have you heard about the importance of self-care and wellbeing, only to brush it off as something “other people do”? We think because of our busy schedules, non-stop clocks, and inundated calendars, it’s impossible to squeeze in some extra time for some R&R. Well, the truth is, the busy schedules will always be there, but in order to make sure you are in the best health to experience your calendar events, it’s also important to make the time to take care of yourself. Life Coach and Wellness Influencer Alyssa Daniels gives us some tips on how to be better allies to ourselves, by leading by example.
What is your favorite way to work out?
My favorite way to work out is in small group classes. I currently belong to a gym that does small women's group classes (usually 3-5 women per class), and it's so motivating to see someone next to me using heavier weights and encouraging me to push myself harder. It's also nice to have someone rooting for you when they see you pushing yourself. The moral support during the workouts keeps me wanting to show up because I know there are others who will benefit from me being there for them, as well. Motivation isn't something we “find”, it's something we create through action and through keeping our promises, especially the ones we make to ourselves!
How has this impacted your life?
Fitness has had a tremendous impact on my mental health. My whole life, I've struggled with anxiety and depression, and working out increases my energy, boosts my mood, gives me purpose — even if it's just for an hour out of the day — and all of that compounds over time and consistency. All of that increases my quality of life, because when I'm happier and less stressed, I can be more present and really enjoy all the beautiful things life has to offer. We so easily miss those things when we are overworked, overtired, and overwhelmed.
How do you stay balanced?
The number one way I stay balanced is through boundaries. I take the time to get super clear on who I am and what I want out of life, and if something isn't a, “Heck yes!”, I set a boundary around it. I say no to things a lot. It's hard at first, because it's so easy to get FOMO — especially with everything being on social media. I always feel so much better when I stay true to my boundaries and take a “me day”, or avoid certain places, things, or people that I know leave me feeling drained at the end of the day. When I'm true to my boundaries, I feel balanced and like I can be my best self for the people I love.
During quarantine, what are the ways you were able to stay active?
During quarantine, I was able to stay active two ways. I live in Connecticut and we have some beautiful hiking spots and walking trails here, so I would get outside to breathe the fresh air and move my body as much as possible. I also invested in some home-gym equipment and turned half of my guest bedroom into a little workout space! I cleared out the closet and put a weight bench, adjustable dumbbells, and kettlebells on the ground, so I can close it off when I have company and open it up when I'm ready for a workout—it becomes this cute pop-out workout space!
What are other things that have helped you through quarantine?
As someone single and living alone, the other thing that helped me a lot during quarantine was diving into personal development books. Books like that always have tangible things you can start implementing on the spot, so it gave me something new to do to break up the monotony that quarantine brought. Those books helped lift me up and keep me in a healthy headspace when so many other aspects of life were fragile and unknown. Some of my favorites were Super Attractor by Gabrielle Bernstein and Hungry for Happiness by Samantha Skelly.
Morning routines:
Morning routines are one of my favorite things to talk about! I think it's important to note that when starting a morning routine, it doesn't have to be all or nothing. If you are the type of person who tends to go all in out the gate, but then fall off the wagon after a few days, I recommend starting with just one thing in your morning to build the habit of consistency, and slowly add on to it over time. It's also okay for the routine to evolve over time!
The number one thing I can't stress enough about a morning routine is to avoid technology when you first wake up. In those first 10 minutes that you're awake, you want to be super intentional with your thoughts. You don't even have to get out of bed for this.
I like to ask myself the following questions:
- What do I want to feel at the end of the day?
- What is something I can do today to bring joy into my immediate space?
- What is something I can do today to bring joy to someone else?
- If I scan my body from head to toe and just notice the sensations, is there tension I can release?
- How can I nourish and love my body today as a thank you for all it gets me through every day?
After setting intentions for the day, I drink a tall glass of water and move my body. This can look like going to a class at the gym, it can look like yoga, stretching, or a walk, or even a dance party around my bedroom. The important thing is that we move our bodies out of gratitude for all it does for us, versus moving our bodies from a negative place like not being happy with how it looks. The last step of my morning routine is to listen to or read something that lights me up. The idea is to be inspired, motivated, and uplifted before walking into the chaos that all too often comes in our days.
THEN, I will check my phone! Because now I've put myself first and filled up my own cup, and I am in a headspace where I am equipped to handle whatever the universe wants to bring my way.
LIGHTNING ROUND Q&A
Matcha or Coffee
Fall or Summer
World Traveler or Backyard Explorer
Gilmore Girls or Friends
Early Bird or Night Owl
Tacos + Guac or Burgers + Fries
This focus on being balanced was contributed exclusively to Ellie by Alyssa, a life coach and wellness influencer. She helps women become their highest selves through healthy habits, natural healing, and plant medicine. As someone with her own health challenges, she feels her life’s purpose is to share her healing journey, to help show women what is possible. Website: www.yourwellnessbestie.com Instagram: @yourwellnessbestie