• Is It Ok To Feel Content? (+ Tips On Finding Contentment)
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    Is It Ok To Feel Content? (+ Tips On Finding Contentment)

    02/27/2024 - By owen

    I think more often than not, being content is lumped in with being stagnant or a reason to be avoidant. For no reason in particular, I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. I think it’s because I’m feeling super at peace in my life. But because I’m so at peace with where I’m at, it makes me think, “am I now being complacent?” I guess I’ve realized that just because I say I’m content, doesn’t mean I’m without wanting to better myself or my life. I think being content ultimately means that you’re just ok with or without getting what you desire. I think society tells us we HAVE to fall into this trap of happiness…in all aspects of our life…at all times. I’m definitely realizing that happiness trap just sets you up for failure. Being content involves appreciating what you have and where you are in life, instead of wishing things were different. Once you get past the notion that if you’re content, you’re settling, you can start setting goals for yourself that are REALISTIC, and work smarter to reach them. And in the process, you’ll enjoy the process. I guess it’s a weird concept to think that when you’re content, it’s definitely possible to feel fulfilled yet struggle at the same time. So yeah, you see and celebrate the good in your life all while working through whatever bad hand life throws at you. Here are some ways I found contentment in my life. Take care of yourself Are we sick of hearing about how important it is to take care of yourself? There’s really no other place to start than yourself. Sometimes we stay focused on the future because we imagine ourselves healthier, slimmer, happier, etc., but the only way to achieve those things is to take action. Here are a few things that work for me: 5 minute desk yoga (I did this last week and it INSTANTLY helped shift my focus) Head to an actual yoga class (hot vinyasa is my favorite) Start a self-care routine and stick to it (if you’re stuck, try using the power hour method — 20 minutes mind, 20 minutes body, 20 minutes soul) Express gratitude often Often when we think about expressing gratitude, we think about people and things we’re grateful for. Friends, family, food, etc. — and yes, that really does help put things into perspective. Imagine life WITHOUT those people or things? No thank you. At the end of May (and as part of my morning self care routine), I started writing down something I’m grateful for in that very moment. There’s nothing like starting your day off with something you’re very thankful for. For me, it could be someone in my life or it could be just a friendly exchange I had with a local barista that morning. It’s also important to give gratitude TO YOURSELF. Think about your accomplishments, something you handled well, a strength you’re grateful for, what you’re excited about, etc. Remember…SELF LOVE IS SO IMPORTANT! Embrace curiosity I’ll be honest: I’m a VERY curious person, and that definitely comes off as nosey. I just like knowing things — but I usually shy away from asking questions because I don’t want to seem intrusive. I don’t think you should downplay the power of curiosity. Asking questions and learning new things can provide SO many answers. For example, I really wanted to try a new hot yoga studio and I was curious about one in particular. But I was nervous because I didn’t know anyone, the layout of the studio, etc. (but that’s the anxiety in me for sure). Instead of just forgetting about it and not going to a class, I sucked it up, signed up for the class, and now it’s my new go-to yoga studio! Be mindful It’s very hard to be mindful in a society that is always go, go, go. Most of us spend our days half aware of what we’re doing and thinking. We’re basically on autopilot and then all of a sudden will be like, “Where did the day go?” When I remind myself to be mindful of the present moment, it’s very clear that I’ll find contentment. Being mindful is all about appreciating where you’re at in that exact moment and/or situation. Practicing mindfulness for even just 5 minutes a day can make a difference in your life (and your stress levels).

  • Why I Started Going To Therapy (+ Why I Think Therapy Is For Everyone)
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    Why I Started Going To Therapy (+ Why I Think Therapy Is For Everyone)

    02/27/2024 - By owen

    I’m still trying to figure out why there’s such a stigma around going to therapy. I’ve been in therapy for almost three months now, and it’s definitely one of the best things I can do for myself. I think we all know that therapy has a negative stigma around it, but honestly, that’s the furthest thing from the truth. First off, I know how lucky I am to be able to realize that I have anxiety, and not letting it truly overcome my life. I started therapy because I didn’t want to ever get to a bad place, and I think I’ve become so self aware over the last few years. I know my anxious thoughts are quite literally JUST thoughts — so why wouldn’t I try working through them with someone who is trained to help people with anxiety? Therapy doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. Sure, people probably feel most inclined to find a therapist when they’re in crisis or during a specific stressful life event. But everyone is so different. We all have our triggers — some more severe than others. I came to realize it’s okay to start therapy just because you think you need a little extra help. It’s also okay to not fully understand why you need a little extra help. So, why did I start therapy? Well, there were actually a few reasons. because my ex said i needed it While that sounds really bad, it’s very true. Although I didn’t have the best relationship with my ex, I will say he is the reason how I started understanding my behavior. My anxious behavior. I started recognizing that my feelings and thoughts weren’t totally normal — they were all signs of anxiety. I would think about my behavior was when I was younger…and they all pointed towards anxiety as well. So yes, I really do think I’ve been living with anxiety my entire life. I just didn’t realize it. And when I did, that’s when I realized I needed some help. because i was experiencing a different type of anxiety I’ve always been a very anxious person in my relationships. While I’m very secure with myself, I was often not very secure in most of my relationships. This was due to a variety of factors. I attributed my behavior to being “the crazy girlfriend”, and just played into that sort of role. And I was that way until I met Rob. I was very much just kind of thrown into our relationship (and I mean that in the best way possible). I was very content with being single, and when I wanted to stay single…that’s when I met Rob. From the beginning, Rob has always been very aware and respectful of my anxiety. I’ve always felt very myself around him, so I had no problem opening up to him. I quickly began to realize that I was getting all of this anxiety from things that were not and should not be part of our relationship. I was anxious from things I’ve experienced in the past. I was anxious over screwing up a really great relationship. I was anxious over “the worst case scenario”. And that’s when I actively started looking for a therapist. because i wanted to work on myself When I started therapy, I realized I also wanted to understand myself better. I wanted to be able to cope with my anxiety on my own and in a healthy way… instead of how I always dealt with it in the past. I used to just let anxiety overcome me. Not in a way that was debilitating, but it certainly affected my mood, my days, and my relationships/friendships. I also wanted to prepare myself to manage all difficulties in my life that will inevitably happen in the future. I’ve learned a lot about myself, and right now I still think I’m in that period. I’m not quite ready to make any severe changes, and I know it won’t happen overnight. That’s why I’m not rushing it. I’m actually enjoying working through different areas of my life, my personality, etc. I’m kinda just going with the flow. Going through each session and kind of word vomiting whatever I’m thinking (or going through specific instances that came up throughout the week). when i found a therapist and why it took so long So there were a couple of months between the time of my break up to when I actually started therapy. It was mainly due to fear over going to therapy. Not because I was afraid of the idea of therapy. I was more nervous to have to deal with my fears and anxieties head on. I felt like I would always feel like this, so why would I constantly talk about it. I started searching for therapists in May, and it took me quite some time to find a practice. When I found one I thought I’d like, I reached out to them and started the insurance conversation. When I hit my deductible, my weekly sessions will be around ~$30. I’m very thankful that my insurance covered a decent portion of weekly sessions. I know getting access to healthcare and the cost of healthcare is usually the reason why people DON’T go to therapy. If you can, I recommend it. If you are struggling, I would exhaust ALL options. Putting yourself first (not just physically) is the most important. why i recommend therapy I’m very much enjoying seeing and FEELING the progress. I’ve realized that my anxiety will never go away, but I’ve already learned how to use different tactics and methods for different situations. I probably could stop going to therapy, but I really don’t want to. I enjoy talking to someone, feeling like they’re listening, and learning new things about myself. Oh and of course learning about different ways to deal and manage with anxiety. My biggest piece of advice is to remind yourself that getting help is probably the bravest and smartest thing to do. I promise that you’ll feel better after connecting with a therapist. I sure did. While it seems so scary at first, it’s SO important. Even on the days where I haven’t been anxious, I STILL go to my weekly session. It allows me to think about my problems and my anxieties while I’m in a good headspace.

  • Giving Up On Listening To The Noise
    Body Positivity

    Giving Up On Listening To The Noise

    02/27/2024 - By owen

    I used to be the girl who NEEDED advice from people. I thrived on listening to others. To be honest, I guess I still kind of am. I’ve come to the realization that I’m just not a decisive person. The only thing I can actually make decisions on are clothes, shoes, and bags. And even then, sometimes I can’t even figure out what my closet truly needs. In my career, I’m always looking to my team for approval, recommendations, etc. In my blog life, any positive comment or praise would lead me to explore a new opportunity or something to create. Or if I saw someone else finding success in doing a certain something, then I would want to do it too. Which I guess is pretty natural. But then, you kind of start feeling like a fraud, no? Sometimes I feel like I’m not speaking my own truth. I think I let my own thoughts get overshadowed by other things, and they don’t end up getting the attention they really deserve. I feel like we’re conditioned to act and behave in a way that the society you’re in “approves”. So that causes us to stop listening to ourselves, and start listening to the noise. Everyone has an opinion. Which, yes, they’re entitled to. But that doesn’t mean you necessarily need to listen to it. Everyone’s opinions are based on their perspective and experience. It’s almost like everyone somehow knows how YOU can achieve YOUR perfect life…but when you look at them, they haven’t achieved theirs. Of course, I think it’s important to listen to the opinions of others WHEN IT IS NECESSARY. But when it comes to yourself, and bettering yourself, only YOU can decide that. I really believe that the only difference between those who succeed and those who get stuck, is their capacity to block out the noise from everyone around them. How do you block out the noise in order to do what’s best for you?

  • The Brain Dump List
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    The Brain Dump List

    02/27/2024 - By owen

    I’m a big big big list maker. But for some reason, sometimes I get too specific with my lists, and it’s hard for me to tackle whatever is on my list for that day. One day a few weeks ago, I decided to try a brain dump list. I just word vomited all of the random things I had to do — whether they were for the blog, for work, for appointments, for random errands — I just wrote them down. The weirdest thing happened — I felt like I had some mental clarity after doing that. The brain dump list I created was really like a reset button for my mind. So if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed and indecisive (and therefore feeling unproductive). A brain dump starts by writing a list in no particular order — seriously WHATEVER comes to mind. I try to do a brain dump at least once a week (and if anything comes up throughout the week, I’ll add to it). We accumulate so many tasks in our heads that it tends to feel like everything is so urgent and important. A brain dump helps me feel like I can visually look what what’s important and what’s not. Often times I find myself writing things down that I don’t necessarily need to worry about until a later date. How To Write A Brain Dump Start a list of whatever is on your mind I got a cute notebook to start my list. This is definitely just a personal preference. I very much enjoy writing things down – pen to paper. I know many people prefer the digital route, but seriously, anything works. At the end of the day, the goal is the same: Clear out your brain. It’s random, but really think After you’ve really dumped everything that first came to mind as you started the list, eventually you’re going to run out of things you need to do. Once you’ve done the random stuff, it’s time to think a little more. Think about what’s due in the next week. Think about any upcoming appointments you need to make. Think about what you want to accomplish at home. Anything else that comes to mine, just write it down. Time to delegate (and eliminate/postpone) It’s okay if your list is getting long. If it starts to get overwhelming, start to review your list. Delegate: Can anyone take this off your plate (someone on your team, your significant other, a sibling/friend) Eliminate: Get rid of anything you don’t actually have to worry about Postpone: If you don’t need to get it done in the foreseeable future, take it off Create categories Since your brain dump is going to be all over the place, creating categories may help make it less daunting. Next to each item on your list, write down a category. I don’t always do this…only if my weekly lists are super hefty. I like to color coordinate them as well (using a highlighter). Home Errands Work (Lou & Grey Blog Appointments Personal Finances Take it step further If you’re severely into making lists like I am, you can go a step further and create a separate list for each category. Then, it’s time to look at your tasks and see what needs to be prioritized. Does this need to be done today? Does an item need to get done, but doesn’t need attention today? Is there anything that doesn’t need attention for at least a week or two? When your tasks are organized by timeframe, you can take a step back and REALLY focus on what needs to get done that day. For things that I can worry about later, I schedule into my planner, so I can add them to an upcoming list. Focus on today After I have my organized list of things I need to do, it’s time to take some action. Some days my “today” list is long, and other times it is not. Each day might have a different priority, and that’s okay. I love seeing all of the things — both big and small — that I need to get done written on paper. While these steps may seem long, this only takes me about 10 minutes. Some people do daily brain dump lists, but I focus on weekly ones. Knowing my priorities help me schedule my days efficiently without wasting time trying to decide what I need to get done first.

  • I Got Botox In My Jaw & Here’s What Happened
    Body Positivity

    I Got Botox In My Jaw & Here’s What Happened

    02/27/2024 - By owen

    I’ve always been a fan of Botox – even though I’ve never done it. I think people should be able to whatever they want to their face/body…even if that may look different for everyone. Personally, I never thought I truly needed Botox, BUT I started looking into it after I read about the benefits if you have TMJ. It wasn’t until like 2 years ago that I realized I have major jaw issues. I had been seeing a new dentist, and he randomly asked me if my jaw hurt. I didn’t think anything of it until I actually started to think about it. My jaw did REALLY EFFING HURT. It would click when I opened it, and almost feel like it was unhinged. I tried the night guard route, but I’m horrible with being consistent with it, and at this point, it probably wouldn’t even fit my mouth. So when I read that Botox could actually help TMJ, I was definitely interested. It just so happened that recently, a new studio opened in the city, Tonic . They have a modern approach to aging, and provide a guide to formulate a personalized plan for you. What I loved about Tonic is that they’ve partnered with Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is a highly educated dermatologist, and that was a big selling factor for me. In full disclosure, I partnered with Tonic to create some content for Instagram and their social media channels. But since I had such a great experience, I wanted to write a full blog post about it! Symptoms From My TMJ I learned that TMJ is very much triggered by stress – both physical and emotional. When I’m stressed my jaw muscles are the first to tense up. Some of the symptoms/pain I experience is: Sore jaw Pain around my neck and ears Clicking noise in my jaw when I open and close Clenching Grinding Ringing my my ears Benefits of Botox for TMJ I don’t know if it was all in my head, but once I got Botox in my jaw, I immediately felt relief. Botox literally just relaxes your muscles. I worked with Dr. King to determine what would be best in terms of the number of injections that I would benefit from the most. Over the last month, I noticed a significant decrease in the clenching of my jaw, and I can open/close my mouth with no pain. Since I’ve gotten Botox, I want to make sure my muscles stay as relaxed as possible so here are some tips: Yoga and deep breathing Be cognizant of my posture Recognize when I’m clenching my jaw and work to relax it Focus on keeping teeth apart when not eating Avoid sticky/tough foods. Did you know you can relieve pain from TMJ with Botox?!? If you’re in the NYC area, I highly recommend Dr. Hadley King at Tonic Studio. I know I’ll definitely be back! photos by allie provost

  • 5 Easy Ways To Beat A Headache
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    5 Easy Ways To Beat A Headache

    02/27/2024 - By owen

    Sometimes a headache hits you like a ton of bricks. Other times you feel it coming on for hours before it’s a full blown migraine. A few years ago, I would randomly suffer from migraines. It was over a few months, but I seemingly got them pretty often. They would knock me out of commission. Luckily, they’ve stopped (my last one was early Spring 2020 — knock on wood). But I still get those lingering tension headaches. WHICH ARE BEYOND ANNOYING. Here are 5 easy ways to beat a headache! 5 easy ways to beat a headache Blue light protection Seriously wearing blue light glasses has SAVED me. I think this is my number 1 cause of headaches. I stare at computer and phone screens ALL day long…like many of you. I don’t mind wearing glasses either because I’ve always wanted to wear them. I get them from literally everywhere: Amazon, Nordstrom, you name it…they probably come in blue light. Stay hydrated Ok this is probably the second reason why I get headaches. When I feel dehydrated, I think my symptoms are amplified x10000. And naturally, sometimes being dehydrated causes my headaches to begin with. Drinking lots of water throughout the day usually keeps my tension headaches at bay. All the aromas I know, sometimes people think that smells induce a headache, but there are two specific ones I’m talking about. Peppermint and lavender are great ways to ease the effects of a tension headache. I use the Equilibria dynamic roller duo . They are SO good. Use code “danamannarino” for 15% off your order! Heat and ice I’ve found that cold compresses help alleviate some of the pain. This typically goes right on my forehead and temples. And if my muscles are feeling tight due to tension, I also feel like heat packs help too — I put those directly on my neck and shoulders. Get some sleep I think we all know how important sleep is. I’ve really been trying to stay off my phone 30 min before I fall asleep — I try reading instead! I also sleep with my air conditioning on at around 70-72 degrees. There is nothing worse than poor quality sleep, and I think that really contributes to my tension headaches!

  • Hot Vinyasa Yoga? Yes. You Should Try It (+ Tips On Surviving)
    Fashion News

    Hot Vinyasa Yoga? Yes. You Should Try It (+ Tips On Surviving)

    02/27/2024 - By owen

    I know, I know. Yoga isn’t for everyone. So that means hot yoga might not be for everyone. But let me tell you why I love it. I started doing yoga in 2019 as a way to supplement my SoulCycle classes. Fast forward to now, I’m pretty much only doing yoga. Back in 2020 during peak Covid, I was doing yoga 5 times a week. I felt stronger than ever. I loved everything about yoga – I loved feeling in tune with both my body and my mind. It’s really been SO good for me for the mental and physical aspects of my body. It still works for me. I enjoy a vinyasa style class…specifically when it’s hot yoga. Once you get used to the idea of being in a hot room (around 80-90 degrees), I think you’ll find that hot yoga has some additional benefits — think: detoxing and cleansing your body! PS: I’m not talking about Bikram (that’s probably my least favorite type of yoga). Benefits of hot yoga Reduces stress Detoxifies your body Aids with healthy weight loss Increases flexibility Strengthens your body Increases your heart rate Ups your lung capacity Good for your skin Prevents back pain (if done correctly !!!) Challenges your body and mind It’s ok to be a hot yoga beginner Whether you’ve just started practicing yoga or are finally ready to try a hot yoga class, I recommend sticking with an “all-levels” class. These are actually the classes I’m most comfortable in as well. Proper form and alignment is one of the MOST important parts of yoga — and it keeps you injury free! The more understanding you have of yoga, the poses, and how to modify poses/use props, the most comfortable you’ll feel in a hot yoga class. Once you get over the fear of being the new person in a yoga class, you’ll soon see that no one actually cares about what you look like. Everyone truly is there to focus on themselves and their own yoga practice. Before the hot yoga class While “prepping” for a class might seem so crazy, it’s pretty much just like any other work out! WATER, WATER, WATER. There is nothing worse than being dehydrated during a hot yoga class. Drinking a lot of fluids will only help your body get used to the temperature in the class. LAY OFF THE TACOS. Don’t eat 2 hours before class, especially if it’s your first class. When you’re full of indigested food in a hot yoga class, you MIIIIIIGHT not feel so great. If you NEED to eat something before a class, try a banana! GETTING DRESSED. I’ve seen it all in a hot yoga class. When it comes to getting dressed, I would leave the shorts in your drawer. I know what you’re thinking…if it’s a hot yoga class, why wouldn’t I wear shorts?! Well here’s the thing — you’re about to get SWEATY and DRIPPY. Leggings (or at least a pant that covers your knee) help prevent slipping. Trust me, you’ll be able to hold poses longer and will less effort in pants/leggings. During the hot yoga class When you step into the room, you might feel overwhelmed for a minute. For me, I legitimately start sweating ALMOST immediately. It’s important to breathe and continue to check in with your body. You might feel lightheaded, nauseous, or dizzy. While it’s cool to challenge yourself, taking a restoration pose (like Child’s Pose) will allow you to rest and readjust to the heat. And remember: take small sips of water even if you think you want to chug your entire gallon water bottle. I think it’s always SO important to remind yourself that yoga is never a competition. I’ve found that no one REALLY cares about your practice when you’re in a group class. Take care of your body, recognize its strengths AND its limitations. Being so in tune with your body will allow yourself to be careful when it comes to overdoing it — which equals less injury. Another important thing to note is that even though your body might feel extra bendy and limber during hot yoga, you should still be careful when it comes to pushing yourself. A few weeks ago, I thought my hips were loose enough for full on Pigeon Pose…and turns out I strained my hip flexor (it was pretty painful for a couple of days). Things you’ll need during class There’s nothing worse than feeling unprepared in your hot yoga class. Here are the things I NEVER leave home without. When you’re super thirsty or just need a break from hot yoga, the last thing you want is a sip of HOT WATER. I fill my Hydroflask with cold, cold, cold water before class and it stays that way even when you’re in the heated studio. Yoga mats come in all shapes, sizes, and budgets . I personally swear by Manduka. I still am LOVING their GRP 4mm mat for hot yoga. The “lite” version is better for travel, and it is designed to have no-slip grips no matter how much you’re sweating. They use a charcoal-infused rubber technology to absorb sweat and eliminate odor. I also use this mat bag to bring my bag to and from class . Slipping when you’re in a pose is scary and obviously dangerous. Even if you have a mat designed for hot yoga, you still need a full length hot yoga towel to help absorb the sweat dripping onto your mat. While there are some towels that have grips on the bottom, I don’t love the idea of spending $$$ on towels. I picked up a few of these hot yoga towels from Amazon and they definitely do the trick. Actually, I found the same brand has a sticky version for a few extra dollars , so I’m going to test those out too! I also use a small microfiber hand towel . I leave it at the top of my mat and use it for my hands and arms when I’m feeling EXTRA sweaty. It’s also a necessity for when sweat gets into your eyes in the middle of Downward Dog;) I think I need to start wearing a headband to class to minimize this because there is NOTHING worse than sweat burning your eyes! Usually the studio has blocks available, so I also highly recommend placing those at the front of your mat before class. Things you’ll need after class COOL, you just finished your hot yoga class! I usually stay after Shavasana for a few more minutes to allow my heart rate to fall even more and get a few more stretches in before leaving the studio. Now I will say, the LAST thing you’re going to want to do is put clothes on, BUT it’s a must. I always bring sandals and an extra pair of clothes to change into for my walk home from the studio. Trust me, you’re going to want to do this — my clothes are literally DRIPPING after a hot yoga class. When it’s winter, you DEFINITELY need to make sure you’re bundling up or else you’ll allow your body to become prone to tightening up. And just like before class, you need to DRINK, DRINK, DRINK. You lose SO much fluid during a hot yoga class, and you need to allow your body to recover immediately after. I like chugging water and picking up a green smoothie on the way home from class! Although I don’t like coconut water, a lot of teachers recommend drinking it after class! And there you have it! My tips on taking and surviving a hot yoga class!

  • Great Yoga Mats For Every Budget
    Body Positivity

    Great Yoga Mats For Every Budget

    02/27/2024 - By owen

    I bought my first yoga mat in college. Okay fine, my mom bought it for me. Through the years, I’ve tried a bunch of different mats. Honestly, if you’re a beginner, I wouldn’t be too concerned with spending all of your money. But don’t just pick up an any ol’ mat. Mats are obviously very important to yoga practices. Of course, you can really do yoga anywhere and on every surface, but there’s something oddly special about stepping onto a mat you love. amazon Price: $20-22 While I cannot speak to this personally, this mat has gotten some good reviews. Honestly, you get what you pay for though. I’ve been reading that you get a few months of good use out of this mat. It’s a thicker mat, which is great for spine, knee, and hand/wrist/elbow support. This mat also comes with a free mat strap! gaiam Price: Start around $21, and goes up based on premium styles My very first yoga mat was from Gaiam. I signed up for a 3-credit course in college because I really wanted to learn the practice. This mat was the one that got me through a year or so of my beginner practice. For the cheaper options, I do find they are a little less supportive (I like a medium-thickness with my mats). I know their mats have good non-slip surfaces, and also come with a lifetime guarantee. Bonus points for being made with sustainable materials (latex free, no harmful phthalates). manduka Price:$44-146 I was introduced to Manduka when I started dating Nick. He absolutely LOVES Manduka, and I’ve learned to love their products as well. The two mats I am a BIG fan of are the eKO series and the GRP series. Their great for different reasons, but seriously cannot go wrong with any of them! GRP: This lightweight mat is still heavy duty. I originally purchased this mat because I went to a lot of hot yoga classes, and hated feeling like I was slipping if I didn’t bring my own mat. The “lite” version is better for travel, and it is designed to have no-slip grips no matter how much you’re sweating. They use a charcoal-infused rubber technology to absorb sweat and eliminate odor. Even though I’m not going to hot yoga classes (UGH, can’t wait), I still use this mat for daily practice and yoga sculpt classes. eKO: As I started brainstorming for this post, I acutally purchsed the eKO Lite mat for my at home practice — it’s the mat I’m using above! This mat feels naturally grippy, and I really do enjoy practicing on this mat and I don’t lose grip at all. Another great selling point of this mat is that it’s eco-friendly and biodegradable. If you’re looking to (eventually) lug your mat around, the SUPER LIGHT 1.5MM is probably your best option. The main difference between these mats are basically how they’re made. The main benefit of the GRP mat is the stickiness capability. The mat stays in place and I can definitely vouch for that. jade Price:$40-179 I’ve never owned a Jade mat, but I’ve used them at different studios. I enjoy these mats a lot , but never looked into buying. I find a lot of stability with these mats, so if you’re looking for something on the higher end — these are for you! They’re also eco-friendly. And for every mat sold, they plant one free! Yoga mats are personal preference, and you definitely need to find one that makes YOU excited to get on your mat and practice.

  • 7 Things I’m Doing To Live A Healthier Lifestyle
    Fashion Tips

    7 Things I’m Doing To Live A Healthier Lifestyle

    02/27/2024 - By owen

    New year, new lifestyle? I really didn’t want to say that because I very much dislike the “new year, new…” phrase. But hey, if a new year is what I need to give myself a kick in the ass, then so be it. This year, I’m really committing to live an overall healthier lifestyle. I wouldn’t consider myself unhealthy, but I definitely don’t implement many healthy practices. I’m actually fairly lucky to have my genetics in that case, but now that I’m in my 30s, I want to take it more seriously. I took some time to think about what kind of lifestyle I want to life, and then took even MORE time to think about how I’m going to achieve that lifestyle. 7 Ways To Live A Healthier Lifestyle MORE. WATER. This is something I’m trying to be SO mindful of. Before I started being mindful of actually drinking water, I was only mindful of just how LITTLE water I was drinking. Some days I would only drink 1 coffee and a 1 soda. Since I’ve been drinking more water – my skin has felt better, I actually FEEL thirsty so I can drink more (vs. being used to being so dehydrated that I didn’t feel like I needed water). Last week, I took a hot yoga class and didn’t drink a ton of water that day…I felt like CRAP in the class. Two days later, I felt HYDRATED AF…and felt great during the class! So wow, it’s almost like water works;) More yoga Speaking of yoga…we’re getting back into it. During COVID, I was practicing 5 days a week, sometimes more. I was actually in the best shape of my life during that time. While I don’t think I’ll get back to practicing 5-6 days a week, I’m really trying to stick to a schedule of Monday, Wednesday, Saturday. I feel SO incredible (mentally and physically) after a class, so I just need to make sure I’m finding an hour on these days to get to a class. Hot yoga is my absolute favorite – I love sweating more than I would in a regular-temp class! It also feels really great to be part of a little community again. Care/Of Okay this is VERY new to me. I don’t think I’ve consistently taken vitamins ever in my life. Now that I’m an aging 30 year old (*slight sarcasm), I need to take matters into my own hand. I’ve see Care/Of vitamins before, and then I saw Krystal promote them, so I jumped on ordering! I’m a sucker for great packaging and I love that EACH daily packet is personalized. HOW CUTE?! I also love that you take a quiz to figure out just what kind of vitamins you need. For me, I wanted to focus primarily on gut health and digestion (with other factors like living in a city, overall health, and skin coming into play). So I have a pack of 10 vitamins a day that I started taking over the weekend (lol). I will say — they are NOT cheap. I’m not working with them, but they do have a referral program, so you can get 50% off your first order ! Will absolutely report back over the next few weeks and months! Meditation I’ve talked about this app a few times on Instagram and in my newsletter. The Superhuman app is, in my opinion, one of the easiest ways to live a healthier lifestyle. The concept of meditation was really hard for me. I thought you needed to be 10000% completely tuned in and transform your thoughts. And it’s kind of the opposite — it’s just another way of thinking, another way to be mindful, and I love that! So even when your mind wanders, that’s okay! As long as you can find the way back to the meditation, that means you’re doing it! I’m currently doing the 21 Day Challenge and it’s really been helping me stay on top of my intentions for the year. Less consumption I recently read an article that described the information we consume as an IV drip directly to the back of my brain. And when you put it like that, it makes so much sense…and not in a good way. I used to turn the news on as soon as I woke up because I 1. Liked to stay informed and 2. Liked the background noise. But let’s face it, the news is depressing. I’m always the person who thinks the worst case scenario. So to constantly consume the news cycle just isn’t what I should be doing. I feel like I would know if something major or important happened…but I feel like today’s society has really gotten us used to ALWAYS CONSUMING SOMETHING. I’m trying to keep up with sources like Mosheh and The Morning Brew to get SOME kind of daily update, but it’s not something I’m constantly looking for anymore. Reaching for my book over my phone I am ATTACHED to my phone. I pick it up more than I pick up anything else in my life. And I kind of hate it. For a while, I wasn’t even mindful of how much I was reaching for it. But once I noticed, I REALLY NOTICED. And I started really hating that I was just constantly going for my phone. When I think of it like this: There’s absolutely NOTHING urgent on my phone that I NEED to be picking it up that much. But I still do. I fall into the mindless scrolling/checking notifications hole, and it takes This is a habit that is HARD to kick. I’ve been trying to keep my book next to my bed so I can pick that up instead of my phone. Less spending I’ve always been an impulse buyer. If I want something, I’ll buy it. Even if I don’t need it. And I really want to try to do the opposite. For instance, I started making my coffee at home every week day and only buying it on the weekends. I was notorious for skipping Hello Fresh meals and just ordering DoorDash…and I cannot believe how quickly that adds up. So I’m trying to get more into that and cooking 3-4 times a week. I also OVERDID it over the holidays — I was buying anything and everything during the really awesome J.Crew sale. So I’m trying to not buy anything for January because there’s just no need. Plus, everything is Spring forward and I’m not ready to give up my sweaters. I really want to check back in on this post every few months to get myself reacquainted with these actions. What are some ways you’re trying to do to live a healthier lifestyle?!

  • Why Aren’t You Social Distancing?
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    Why Aren’t You Social Distancing?

    02/27/2024 - By owen

    It’s safe to say things are a little, well, weird. I gotta be honest, I was the first person to not take this seriously when things seemed to actually be getting serious. But then I noticed how empty the subways were during rush hour. Then my job sent us home to work from home for 2 weeks. Then my favorite stores decided to close for two weeks. Then it was declared a national emergency. Then the shelves of stores were raided. Yeah, it got serious. Up until Sunday, I really just went along with my normal day to day things: I went to a laser appointment, I went to SoulCycle, we went grocery shopping and to Bed Bath and Beyond, I went to hang out with my cousin (so I had to take the train up there). But almost overnight, I realized just how important social distancing is at a time like this. limit your social engagements This is probably the most important thing for us to be doing right now. Yet, I’m noticing a lot of people still crowding restaurants and bars , and I couldn’t help but think of how many people are just incubating this virus. I’m really seeing that a lot of people just aren’t caring just because they feel fine. I always think about my parents, who are over 60, and my 97 year old grandma. I’m not about to be the reason why someone else gets this virus just because I’m healthy and could probably easily fight off the infection. help where you can Whether it’s donating to local food banks or charities that will provide students with meals while their schools are closed. I took one little different approach when I learned Broadway went dark. I was supposed to see SIX: The Musical on Friday, but since all shows have been canceled, I decided to donate my refunded ticket to The Actors Fund. When you think about just how many people are not working right now (actors, ushers, stagehands, dressers, bartenders, etc.), you can’t help but want to help them! Since I’m so in love with Broadway, it just made sense. There’s obviously more I’d like to do though! I’ve also been seeing some people offering to help their elderly neighbors or someone who could potentially get really affected by the virus. I love seeing the good come out in people during this time! check on yourself This is obviously a super weird time. We don’t really know what’s going on or for how long this is going to be our life. I know we always preach “self care”, but this is something we should take seriously. Yes, take care of your skin, but also to really take the time to check in on yourself. See how you’re feeling. Are you extra tired? Are you bored? Are you drinking enough water? Do you need to take a 10 minute walk outside? Little tweaks to what you’re doing while you’re home can help make this time a lot better. check on your friends Obviously this is super important. Hop on a FaceTime call if you can’t be around your friends during this time. Send a text to see what they’re up to. Suggest a book or TV show for them to watch. Just be there for each other! binge watch Yup. Probably the most acceptable time to do absolutely nothing and start binge watching. I just started watching Schitt’s Creek, and I’m so happy I have so many seasons to watch, HA! Find something new, and just BINGE. learn something Guys, I COOKED something. Yup, it’s true. I COOKED. Me and the guy wanted to make tacos, and I took it upon myself to actually cook the meat. GASP, I KNOW. And I didn’t hurt myself…or mess it up!!! (YAY ME). I actually didn’t mind cooking at all, so maybe it’s something I’ll take on;) I plan on doing some at home work outs and yoga while I’m working from home too! I also saw a lot of people were taking on needlepointing, baking, and reading. So just find something and DO IT! So if you’re not really taking this whole social distancing thing seriously. YOU SHOULD. We have the rest of our lives to go out and do social things…now is not the time to do them. Learn to be cooped up in your home and help flatten the curve! What are you doing during this time? Share below so we can all get some ideas! photos by allie provost