5 Tips to a Healthier + Happier ::Y O U::

With the new year approaching so very quickly { only 18 days! } I wanted to share five of my goals for myself as we head into this new year. Below is a collaboration of tips and tricks I’ve learned in the past along with goals and standards I’m setting for myself  to become an all around healthier and happier person in 2017!

 // Stress Less + Positive Outlook //

{1} Practice an attitude of gratitude! It’s no surprise that studies show when people have this mindset and recognize good in any situation they are more likely to be happy with their own lives. Seek the good in everything and everyone.

{2} S T O P comparing yourself to others. I love the quote “The grass isn’t always greener on the other side, it’s greener where YOU water it.” It is very easy to compare yourself to others, especially in today’s world of social media and a.) want more and more and more instead of being grateful for what you do have or b.) your mind will play tricks on you and you’ll  start to think all the hard work you’ve put in to whatever it is you’re working towards isn’t good enough, when in fact it absolutely is! Be happy for your peers and their accomplishments while working towards your own goals and always, always stay confident within yourself.

{3} Be the good in the world and give back. It seems like a simple thing to do but as I sit here reflecting on my year I realized I haven’t done my part in giving back to my community.  My favorite Audrey Hepburn quote is “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, and one for helping others.”

//  Work it //

Probably the most obvious goal and tip for everyone going into the new year is to be healthier. Whether your currently eat well and work out everyday of the week or you’re more like me and just gettig back into the swing of things we can all stand to improve. It’s my personal goal to work out five times a week and to maintain a healthy diet. I absolutely love Barre classes, have a love/hate relationship with running, and really enjoy Zumba. I plan to go on lots of walks with the pooches and husband too! This is a really BIG statement but I plan for 2017 to be the year I get in the BEST shape of my life. With no deadline or pressure of a wedding I’m just going into this to become the best and healthiest version of myself and most importantly, for myself.

// WERK it while you WORK it //

When you look good you feel good right? RIGHT! When I have cute work out clothes it definitely makes it easier and more fun for me to get up and go. While this might seem a little ridiculous to some – sorry not sorry because I’ll take all the encouragement and motivation I can get, even if it comes from getting dressed { insert monkey covering eye’s emoji. } I absolultley love pieced leggings whether it be with mesh or fun patterns, strappy and pieced sports bras, and retro branded graphic tee’s right now. I’m also currently obsessed with sneakers and find myself shopping them all the time – good thing athleisure is IN. Don’t forget the cute accessories like these gorgeous white marble and gold ear bud headphones and this marble and gold Swell thermos bottle – if you live in KC you’ll need this one from KC Tee Company too!

// Fuel Your Body //

Stating the obvious here but you can’t get healthy by just working out, it takes eating healthy as well. I’ve actually found in the past that eating healthy and fueling my body is the number one thing it takes to become healthy and getting and staying fit. I’ve found I can miss a couple work outs here and there but as long as I stayed on track with my meals I was solid – flip flop that and I actually gained weight. Abs are made in the kitchen & I truly believe it’s 80/20 food to exercise ratio (for me anyways.) If you live in the Kansas City area you definitely need to try t.Loft, it’s my go to fuel stop for clean, healthy, and most importantly DELICIOUS food. I love their Sonoma Quinoa { pictured above } full of kale, grapes, apples, quinoa, goat cheese, walnuts, and a cranberry pear viaigrette – so good and actually probably not too hard to make yourself at home. t.Loft is also known for their fresh teas, juices, protein shakes, and protein balls all which I love.

// Take Care of Yourself //

Being healthy shines from the inside out, while food is a big part of this { you are what you eat } it’s also super important to take  the time to care for yourself. Make sure you are staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep is crucial. I think it’s just as important to pamper and reward yourself by scheduling a facial every other month, invest in a skincare routine and nice make up that won’t clog your pores, get a massage every month or buy yourself that item you’ve been wanting each time you hit a milestone. One of my favorite things I use to relax is essential oils and hydrating body mist {check out young living for the best oils.} Another fav is taking a relaxing bubble bath using Lush Bath Bombs, they smell SO good and are full of essential oils and shea butter leaving your skin feeling so smooth.

What are your tips and tricks to becoming healthier? I’d love to hear your goals too, sound off in the comments below!

x – L e a h