Positively Obsessed: June Anti-Anxiety Routine
I get a lot of questions on how I manage my anxiety, and to me, it's so much more complex than a bullet point answer. If I had that answer, I'd be the most popular person in the world. In my opinion, it’s about creating a life that I am seriously obsessed with. It’s about living my day-to-day in a happy, fulfilling way. It’s about removing toxic energy and creating boundaries when I need to. And it’s about showing up fully every day with a positive attitude and remembering to self care as much as humanly possible. It’s about consistently doing things that I love.
There are certain things that I will always include in my anti-anxiety routine such as: staying active, getting enough rest, meditating, practicing gratitude, and more. But, there are definitely new highlights added in here and there. Because of that, I’m creating a monthly breakdown of my current anti-anxiety routine that is simply a variety of things that make me happy. Some parts of my day stay the same, but some parts change. Keeping things spicy by trying new things is something that keeps me enthusiastic about showing up every day. What I’m obsessed with today may change in a few weeks. So, I’m just going to keep you all updated on that new new.
June Anti-Anxiety Routine
June 2019 Obsessions
What I’m Eating
GG Crackers. A healthy cracker, say what? I am always hungry and seeking out a healthy snack that fills me up. I started eating GG crackers and they are the best. They are low carb and have a lot of fiber so they actually fill you up for hours. I dip them in humus, Kite Hill Jalapeno Cream Cheese Spread, or make little pizzas on them (because pizza is life).
Roasted Vegetables. You may read this and think, well duh. For me, it actually isn’t so obvious. I grew up in Iowa on basically meat and potatoes, and not a lot of vegetables - so honestly, it has been an acquired taste for me. I think I’ve finally trained my brain to like, and dare I say, crave them. I’m personally really digging this recipe right now.
DIY Huevos Rancheros. This is probably my favorite breakfast dish, and sadly not that easy to find in Chicago (the best I've had are at Cafe Sarafornia in Napa!). I actually tried to make them myself, and I have to say, it’s pretty damn good. I use this simple recipe that most people can probably do in their sleep, but any edible dish made by muah is a win.
What I’m Drinking
18oz of water as soon as I wake up in the morning. That just happens to be the amount that my water bottle holds, but I’ve also found that drinking a substantial amount of water has made a difference. The past few weeks I’ve made it a point to leave the bottle on my nightstand and drink the entire thing when I wake up in the morning on an empty stomach (I find that room temperature water is easier to drink). You tend to wake up dehydrated from sleep and you also are releasing toxins that you want to flush out. I’ve noticed a huge difference from doing this both in my general morning energy and fogginess (...I’m still not a morning person though).
Skinny Spicy Margaritas. Disclaimer: alcohol is not good for anxiety. I am human though, and I enjoy an alcoholic beverage, especially a refreshing margarita on a summer day (honestly, my mouth is borderline watering just thinking about it). Due to the severity of my hangxiety (hangover anxiety, if you will) I do consume really clean beverages sans sugar and try to drink plenty of water in between drinks. Here is an easy recipe that is my current go-to.
Simplified Superfoods Peanut Butter Smoothie. My girlfriend owns this company, and these little packets are the best for a person like me that wants convenient, fast nutrition. If it isn’t easy, I’m not doing it. I’ve been specifically trying to increase my fiber intake, so I’ve been drinking smoothies most mornings. I love her new peanut butter + cacao + flax packets because all you had to do is add a banana and nut milk of your choice, and you’re walking away with 12G of protein and 8G of fiber. Boom.
What I’m Listening To
The Goop Podcast: How to Become Your Future Self. I’ve listened to this several times, and will continue to listen and be inspired by it. Joe Dispenza explains the science behind how changing your thoughts can actually change your mind and body.
All Out 90’s Playlist on Spotify. Born in ‘85 and a true child of the 90s, this playlist brings all the nostalgia and gets my vibration UP. Listening and having dance parties to music that you love is a sure way to make yourself feel happy.
What I’m Doing
Still fangirling over Megan Roup. I love her workouts. Unfortunately, she is no longer on Obé fitness (so I cancelled my membership, honestly), but there are two free workouts that you can find on YouTube. I like that I can do them at home whenever I want, and it’s a quick 30-minute high intensity workout that has me dying. In a good way.
Getting Outdoors. It’s Summertime Chi, which means I have a solid 3 months to take in all the Vitamin D that I can. I’m not big on laying out by a pool (I take very good care of my skin), so I partake in other outdoor activities such as concerts, baseball games, street festivals, and farmer’s markets.
Practicing Affirmation. I’ve recently come across the account Third Eye Thoughts on Instagram and really enjoy their daily affirmations. I always take the time to read them thoroughly and anchor them in for the day.
Annual Checkups. The summer is when I’m due for all of my annual checkups with my doctors. Being proactive with my physical health affects my anxiety in a positive way. More on how it helps can be found here.
What I’m Wearing
Rent The Runway Unlimited. Fun fact: almost my entire career has been in fashion, and yet I find clothing to be the worst investment. It has little to no resale value, which is a bummer because dressing well makes me feel good. I recently started Rent the Runway Unlimited though and for $150/month I can rent any 4 items for however long I’d like. It’s so much fun and allowing me to wear all the clothes I want to without spending a million dollars. Here is a referral code for $30 off your first order.
BeautyCounter Sunscreen. I wear SPF on my face every single day, but in the summer it’s important to have maximum coverage when the sun is stronger. I use several Beautycounter Sunscreens because they are clean options and good for the environment, including Tinted Mineral Sunscreen and Sunscreen Stick to keep in my purse. (*I am a Beautycounter consultant but would never promote something that I genuinely don’t use and love).
Isle of Paradise Sunless Tanning Water. If you haven’t picked up on it by now, I just say “no” to the sun. I spent way too much time in tanning beds in college (please tell me no one is still doing this) and am paying for it now. So I don’t scare people away with my paleness in the summer, I like to use sunless tan. Isle of Paradise is the best I’ve used - it’s the longest lasting, isn’t streaky, and it’s certified clean beauty.
What I’m Watching
What If. Hello to the return of Rene Zellweger. This show is ridiculous. I actually turned it off during the first episode, but my neighbor encouraged me to continue watching. Fast forward one day later and I had binged the entire season. It’s unrealistic drama that is completely addictive.
The Bold Type. This is a cross between a more millennial and less raunchy Sex & the City, and a less murdery Pretty Little Liars. And I love every minute of it.
Chernobyl. This sh*t is heavy and intense - episode 4 is especially hard. But, it’s incredibly informative and honestly very hard to believe this actually happened. I don’t recommend watching it before bed, and suggest following up each episode with Friends or something to lighten the mood!
Even just writing this is getting me really jazzed about the life I’m living. Trust me, there is plenty of sh*t that is not in place, and plenty that I am striving towards. For me, it’s so much easier to look at the things that I want and don’t have yet versus the things that I’m currently loving. That’s why I’ve said it a million times, and I will say it again, that a daily gratitude practice is incredibly important for my well-being. If I’m really in a funk, this list is a good thing to look back on. Perhaps write one out and feel all the feels for yourself!