If you’re like me, the new year often brings a new set of high expectations for yourself.  And, like me, it may only take a couple of weeks in to feel frustrated with your seeming failure.  This year I’m trying to be kinder to myself.  With this mantra in mind, I’m adopting a few simple changes to my mourning routine that can help me feel better prepared for whatever comes my way the rest of the day.

First on the proverbial list (some habits are hard to break), drinking more water. I know, everyone says it, but it’s true.  A better complexion, healthier immune system, and increased energy are all attributed to hydration.  It’s just so cold in the winter, and I “need” another cup of coffee…the excuses can be endless.

Each morning I have begun to start my day with a cup of hot water and a slice of lemon.  Not-to-worry, I haven’t gone completely off the deep end…coffee follows! In addition to drinking more water, the benefits of adding lemon to warm water are plentiful.  As you may know, the vitamin C in lemons offers a boost to your immune system.  However, drinking lemon water regularly also reduces inflammation, aids in digestion, and cleanses your system of toxins.  Lemon also gives you an energy boost when it enters your digestive system, and can even reduce anxiety and depression!

After lemon water, a healthy breakfast added to my morning routine gets me ready for the day.  Between preparing food for my family and getting everyone out of the door, sometimes breakfast ends up being a last minute preparation of toast or cereal.  By mid-morning, I’m starving and more likely to make poor diet decisions (these may include eating chocolate chips while writing this blog post!).

I was inspired to try making chia pudding at home after reading this recipe shared by the team at The Zoe Report (if you don’t subscribe already, you really should!).  I’ve had a few misses, but now I’ve perfected the art of this 5 minute meal prep, which you make the night before.  I would suggest that you stir the chia and almond milk mixture well, lest you have clumps of unsoaked chia (read: not tasty).  I have started making individual puddings in a sealable container (I actually use cleaned pint containers from the gelato I enjoy after the kids go to bed!) – this way I can shake the chia and milk together to ensure proper combination.  I also stir the pudding again about an hour after its been in the fridge (but before it fully sets).  Finally, I recommend that you combine the chia and milk prior to adding the maple syrup (or any sticky type of sweetener), again so that the chia doesn’t stick together, creating crunchy lumps in your pudding.  Delish topped with pomegranate seeds and granola, as suggested, or any kind of berries also makes a great topping!For awhile now, I have tried to be kinder and gentler with my sensitive skin.  In my youth, I used to think that the stronger the scrub or the more intense the burn, the more the product must be working.  However, with the recent revelation that I have rosacea, and sensitive skin, I’m trying to be more mindful of the products (namely the ingredients) that I am using.  None of the popular retinols or acid treatments for this gal!

Recently, my aesthetician turned me on to Hannes Dóttir, an organic skincare line using mineral rich ingredients sourced from the fjords of Iceland.  In particular, I love the Seamasque which is formulated from sea kelp, iodine, and spearmint oil, and designed to balance skin and reduce inflammation.  I mix about a half a teaspoon with warm water and gently massage it onto my damp face before getting in the shower.  I then leave it on while I scrub my body, wash my hair, etc.; allowing the masque to penetrate while the warm water opens my pores.  Then I rinse (again, gently massaging the gritty texture) prior to getting out.  My skin has felt amazing and has more of a healthy glow since using this entire product line.  I’ve been so pleased, I had to share!

What do you think of “Wellness Wednesday”?  Please leave any thoughts, suggestions, or questions below – I would love to hear from you!  As always, thanks for reading. ~Jenn