Two of the most important things in my life – health & wellness.

I’m that annoying person that wakes up early, drinks green tea, and goes to yoga. I know, I know. Must be easy, right? For me, it comes naturally. And here are some of the benefits I’ve found in living a life focused on health & wellness… the two go hand in hand.

S L E E P

Go to bed early – wake up early.

It’s as simple as that. Once you begin forcing yourself to shut down electronics, relax in bed with a book or your journal and wind down by say 10 pm, it will become natural. I feel S O much better about myself and my day when I get an early start around 7 or 8 am.

H Y D R A T E

Drink water drink water drink water.

I simply cannot say it enough. Flushing your body of toxins by hydrating throughout the day with water (add some lemon for taste & extra detoxification) gives you more energy and all around makes you feel lighter, healthier and happier.

R E A D

I have recently fallen back in love with reading. It’s amazing, and it feels liberating to shut down electronics / technology to wind down and escape into the world of a good book.

Current summer reads – Big Magic, Everything Everything, Girl Boss & You Are a Badass.

E X E R C I S E

And don’t only “exercise” by forcing yourself to run on a treadmill or do squats.

Find a workout that you love, that makes you feel good, before, during and after. I personally love yoga and body-weight exercises (meaning I don’t like to use equipment or weights). Living in a big city, I also love going for long walks to explore new neighborhoods.

M E N T A L H E A L T H

I’ve struggled with an ongoing anxiety & panic disorder since I was 10 years old.

I am an avid list maker, schedule filler and planner. I very rarely take a moment (or a day) to simply do nothing – just relax. However, I am always aware of where my mental health is, and making sure I am doing everything I can to maintain control and positivity. Even if that means canceling on a friend last minute simply because I don’t feel mentally well. THIS IS A THING. I cannot emphasize it enough. THIS IS OKAY.

P O S I T I V I T Y

I am always always always striving to be positive through gratitude.

This has truly been the best method for me in maintaining a positive outlook and life. Always staying humble, thankful and gracious. It is also so incredibly important to surround yourself with people pursuing things that are uplifting and encouraging to support you through your journey.

F O C U S  O N  Y O U

Ahhh… ME TIME! My favorite time ever.

I always find me time, whether it be through an hour of yoga or a long walk, relaxing with a face mask, binge watching my favorite Youtubers (Aspyn & Parker & Estee Lalonde), or going to the beach on my own for an afternoon. Some of my best days are spent doing things as simple as grabbing lunch & shopping by myself or going on weekend getaways to places like the island of Mallorca (more to come soon on that!).

So truly – it is simple – it can be done – and Y O U can do it. Live a life of health & wellness.

Besos,

Madeline Alice Johnson Xx