Self Care Rituals in LA

2014 was the most hectic year of my life, but also the best year. However, I'm pretty sure I caught every cold that went around. I survived on caffeine and food to go and was ecstatic if I managed to work out more than once in a month. 

My 2015 New Year resolution is to adopt a new regiment of self care. My fiancée, an avid yogi, has repeatedly told me it's about the discipline of the routine. Do a little everyday for self care and even if you're not in the mood it always feels great after. Yoga Vibe is only a block away from home so I will invest in a class package and ideally make it to 3 classes a week with my Lululemon mat. I use yoga shorts from the brand 72K. They are actually Bikram/hot yoga shorts, but allow me to go back and forth between Vinyasa yoga and hot classes. I've tried on Lululemon shorts but haven’t committed to buying them yet because of the price.

Whenever I take the time to cook at home not only does it feel healthier but it saves a ton of money. I like to cook with Organic Coconut Oil. It can withstand higher temperatures and doesn’t release free radicals so you don’t loose the benefits when it’s heated like you do when cooking with other oils. It also has a wide range of health benefits like boosting your immune system, lowering the risk of heart disease and increasing energy. I find it’s worth buying in a big batch from VitaCost online and then divvy it up into smaller jars. Besides cooking with it I also use it as a face wash and moisturizer.

Instead of reaching for more caffeine when I’m feeling tired I want to drink more water. Even though that jolt of caffeine gets me going, I eventually crash from dehydration and feel worse, so I signed up for water delivery from Mountain Valley Spring Water. They deliver a large glass jug right to your door several times a month. The glass jug is an added benefit as I will be wasting less plastic and filling my ThinkSport bottle before I leave home. If I still need a boost I throw a scoop of Amazing Grass Green Superfood into a glass of water. Not only is it natural plant based caffeine but it’s packed with chlorophyll, fiber and antioxidants.

One of the greatest discoveries of my life is Alexis Smart Flower Remedies. This method of healing was founded by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930’s and treats emotional and mental wellness. It has helped me to let go of unnecessary stress by removing emotional obstacles and allowing me to pursue my dreams.  Every couple of months I book a session with Alexis and she makes me a personalized bottle of flower essences to take; four drops, four times a day under the tongue. Whenever I travel or feel under the weather I make sure to keep her First Aid Kit drops on hand as they instantly restore a feeling of ease and prevent oncoming illness.

They say there is an actual brain inside your gut and if your gut isn’t happy it will affect your whole system. It isn’t possible to get all the good bacteria we need from food so it’s important to take probiotics daily. I’ve tried a lot of brands but find Garden Of Life Primal Defense has proved the most effective and although they are on the pricy side I think it’s worth it.

I don’t get sick often, but in cold seasons I feel like I’m about to catch something every other week. I’ve found that a high dose of Vitamin C and lots of water works as good for me as any over-the-counter medicine when in the early stages. It’s become part of my daily routine to take Vitamin C with Rose Hips daily with meals.