For many of us, 2018 was a doozy, but we here at Brit + Co are ready to hit refresh in 2019! Follow our Hit Refresh series through January and February for new ideas, hacks, and skills that will help you achieve (and maintain!) those New Year’s resolutions.
It’s no secret that having a solid wellness routine helps you feel your best. Healthy habits, after all, give you the energy you need to care for yourself, keep up with the people you love, and achieve your goals. Heidi Schauster, MS, RDN, the author of Nourish: How to Heal Your Relationship with Food, Body and Self($17) recently reminded us that not all feel-good trends are equal — in fact, some of them may actually cause you to feel yucky. Whether you’re still making mermaid smoothie bowls, are experimenting with CBD, or have resolved to try a strenuous new workout this year, stick with four trends Schauster loves for a feel-good foundation, no matter what.
1. Slow down (and find a balance that works for you).Schauster says that finding a life balance you can maintain over time is a trend to embrace right away. We agree, and we have been empowered by celebs and thought leaders who have started to show us the importance of slowing down, whether it’s with more intentional eating, setting boundaries at work, ditching devices before bed, or carving out non-negotiable time to spend with family and friends. Have a tendency to overdo it when you try to cut back? Maybe you feel like something else falls out of balance when you finally start to squash an unhealthy habit. Schauster reminded us that this feeling of playing whack-a-mole is common, and the best way to work toward being more balanced is to trust your gut. “The wisdom within your body will tell you what’s best for you,” Shuster offers. “If you need help with this, a professional can help you get more connected.”
2. Embrace your natural shape. “Body positive and ‘Health at Every Size’ (HAES) movements are growing on Instagram and other social channels,” Schauster says. “This is good because studies show that beating ourselves up doesn’t create change or health or personal growth.” Whether you’re looking to drop weight so you can become a healthier version of yourself or are working toward a feel-good fitness goal, embrace your bod for all it can do for you right now. “Jump on this trend by taking good care of yourself at any size and shape. Think about all the people you admire in your life. Attractiveness, vitality, and health really do come from within,” Schauster says.
3. Make exercise fun. “Thinking outside the box or gym for exercise is already trendy,” Schauster tells us. “Think social dance, kayaking meetups, ski trips, or yoga with your crew. Walking with a friend is more gentle than a boot camp is. If you feel joy instead of pain or self-consciousness when you move your body, you’ll be more likely to do the exercise again and again — and not just until March.” Incorporating more natural movement into your regular routine can have an impact too. Take the stairs, try a standing desk at the office, take a walking meeting or phone call when you can, and try gentle stretches when you get up for a snack or cup of coffee. It all adds up!
4. Tap into the powers of mindfulness. “Mindfulness” might be a household word nowadays, but how do you live and breathe it each day? “This is the practice of being present and aware of what’s around us at the moment — when we eat, exercise, or do anything mindfully, we are in our bodies and not in our heads,” Schauster says. “If we think too much, we might miss out on what’s in front of us or not notice patterns that we’d rather change in our lives.” And bonus: Mindfulness is sure to pair well with pretty much any other wellness trend you try this year. “Explore with curiosity and openness. Don’t let the health gurus tell you what feels best for your body — figure that out for yourself. After all, you know your body best,” Schauster explains. “Ask yourself if you honestly feel better or worse when you try something new, and try it a couple of times to be sure. Stick with what works and ditch what doesn’t. You’re a unique being!”
Which wellness trends are you excited to try this year? Tell us on Twitter @BritandCo.
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