Where Well-Being Begins
Over a month ago I decided, kind of on a whim, to make some small changes to my health and lifestyle to set myself up for a better future. Of course, like most things that "I'm suddenly fully invested into", I wanted to start a blog. BUT, I told myself, "if you can keep it up for over a month...then check in and see." So that's where I'm at. It's been 35 days I think.
I don’t know if it’s age, hormones, or the early signs of perimenopause, but my body feels different than it used to. Not necessarily bad though I had been noticing how things that once affected me only a little, all of a sudden felt a lot worse and symptoms were lingering a lot longer. I've been fortunate that genetically, I've never had to worry about my weight and physically I look a lot healthier than I actually am. But looking and feeling are very different things.
I had listened to a podcast about gut health (Mel Robbins) and I'm not sure why this particular episode just really struck a chord. I've read up about gut health before, I've listened to gut health podcasts, I've pinned the pins, seen the reels, but nothing really stuck.
I don't even think it was because of this episode or the guest, I think I was in the right headspace. Sometimes things will just click in your brain because you finally have a little bit of space for the download to be processed.
Here's what stuck with me from that episode:
- Eat more plants.
- Get more fiber (women are supposed to take 21-28 grams of fiber a day, an apple has about 2.8g).
I had listened to another podcast (Nicole Byer) and one of the guests was shocked and also earnestly encouraging Nicole to drink more water as she never drank water. Eek, I felt like I was the one being talked to. They brought up Owala water bottles and I thought to myself, "Ok, maybe if I buy a "fun" water bottle" it will encourage ME to drink more water (spoiler alert: it does, at least for me).
Around the same time, I started noticing my psoriasis flare up again and discovered the marks on my nails were related to psoriasis. (I also have eczema, super fun). Besides the skin flare ups, the past few weeks I had been feeling bloated, heavy, groggy, foggy, and lethargic. Even though I was getting plenty of sleep, I still woke up feeling drained. I attributed this to allergies since we've had unusually high pollen counts this year and less rain than usual.
In the past 30+ days I have made several small lifestyle changes, so simple that I find that I'm actually sticking to them. I have found this is what works best for me as doing big overhauls is not sustainable for my personality.
Here are the easy to incorporate changes I've made:
- Incorporating more plants in my diet
- Drinking more water (bought a big water bottle)
- Going to a workout class that incorporates light weights at least once a week (not my favorite, not gonna lie)
- Learning more about making my own tisanes using organic herbs such as burdock root, dandelion root, milk thistle, nettle, spearmint, and rosehips to help with inflammation + digestion and drinking daily.
- Eating more fiber! Women are supposed to get 21 to 28 grams of fiber a day (one apple has 2.8g for reference).
I've pretty much relied on genetics (thanks Mom!) most of my life but definitely noticing that my physical well-being is nowhere in alignment with my mental well-being. I hated waking up and feeling achy, heavy, bloated, and groggy for no reason!
Since making these small shifts (and sticking with it, much to my surprise!), I have experienced less bloating, the fogginess is gone, I have more natural energy, and definitely a lot less acid reflux!
I still have ways to go and this isn't a quick one and done, or even a slow one and done. These are new habits, new routines, new lifestyle changes I am permanently making. One of the biggest physical things I am dealing with right now is how much my skin has been breaking out. With psoriasis and eczema, the warm summer months my system definitely goes haywire. In fact, a couple years ago, I had such a bad flare up that took about 6 months to clear up then another 6 months for the marks to start fading (as a woman of color I can scar very easily).
Thank you for reading! My hope is by sharing my experiences and what I have learned, I will be able to help and encourage others. I should also note, that because of all the new shifts in my body and well-being, it has impacted not only in how I design for Atèlette but also my intentionality behind the brand...in case you're wondering what any of this has to do with a slow consciously crafted clothing brand. It's all circular. It's all linked.
- Ate Lette
TAGS:
