As a woman today, doing things alone in public—whether grabbing coffee, going to the movies, or enjoying a solo dinner—often comes with a cultural stigma. It can feel like you either have to fear solitude or turn it into a bold statement of independence. There’s vulnerability and judgment at both ends of that spectrum. A few years ago, when I found myself living alone for the first time, these societal narratives left me feeling not only alone but also isolated in my experience.

What I didn’t realize at the time was how transformative this chapter would become. Living alone for the first time is a rite of passage for many, but it also brings unfamiliar challenges. From learning how to decipher a utility bill to figuring out what cleaning products actually work, it’s easy to slip into self-criticism. However, instead, I chose to view this season as one of growth and discovery—an opportunity to practice self-compassion and acceptance, even in the awkward, lonely, or uncertain moments.

Kathryn Lee, MHC, Ed.M, M.A

Kathryn Lee is a New York City-based mental health counselor whose work aims to support all people by creating an empathetic, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment. Her client-centered approach aims to tailor the therapeutic process to each individual, working collaboratively with clients to ensure their perspectives are supported and all their needs are met.

Why Living Alone for the First Time Can Feel So Overwhelming

When I decided to move back across the country after a breakup—selling my car, most of my belongings, and saying goodbye to my cat—I had no clear path forward. But part of me craved the experience of living alone for the first time. I knew it would challenge me and help me reconnect with a sense of inner confidence I’d lost along the way.

Living alone is often tied to significant life transitions: moving out of your parents’ home, leaving a relationship, or relocating to a new city. And while it can be exciting, it’s also a period filled with complex emotions. Financially, emotionally, and mentally, it’s not always easy—but it can be deeply rewarding.

Many people are living alone for the first time if they’ve just moved out of their parent’s home or are leaving a relationship. These can be challenging contexts to move out of. What can make the transition easier?

Expert Advice: How to Navigate Living Alone for the First Time

To help others ease into this new chapter, I spoke with Kathryn Lee, a therapist based in New York City, about how to embrace the ups and downs of living alone for the first time. Her advice is practical, grounding, and a reminder that this season of solitude can actually become a source of empowerment.

1. Create a Sense of Safety and Comfort in Your Space

Your home should feel like your sanctuary. Rearrange furniture, hang artwork, or invest in cozy lighting to build a space that reflects you. When you’re living alone for the first time, creating a sense of safety in your environment can help stabilize an otherwise unfamiliar experience.

2. Establish a Routine

Routines provide structure and comfort. Develop a daily rhythm that feels manageable, whether it’s a morning stretch, an evening walk, or Sunday grocery runs. These small habits can make the transition of living alone for the first time feel less overwhelming.

3. Stay Connected to a Support System

It’s easy to retreat into your own world when you’re living alone, especially if you’re introverted. Schedule regular calls, coffee dates, or video chats. Staying socially connected will help ease feelings of loneliness and remind you that you’re never truly alone.

4. Find Things to Look Forward To

Plan activities that excite you, whether it’s trying a new restaurant, redecorating a corner of your space, or discovering a nearby park. Living alone for the first time offers the freedom to follow your own curiosities.

5. Address Mental Health Proactively

It’s normal for feelings of isolation or overwhelm to surface. Therapy, support groups, or simply talking to trusted friends can help you navigate those emotions in healthy ways.

How to Cope With Loneliness When You’re Living Alone for the First Time

Living alone doesn’t mean you have to feel lonely. Here are a few therapist-recommended strategies to ease those quieter moments:

• Connect with others: Regular calls, texts, and social outings can lift your spirits.
• Adopt a pet: If you’re interested in having a companion around while still living alone, having a furry friend can help ease feelings of isolation.
• Explore your surroundings: Discover new coffee shops, museums, or hiking trails.
• Practice mindfulness: Journaling, meditation, or yoga can help you stay grounded and reconnect with yourself.

Thriving While Living Alone for the First Time

Once you get past the initial discomfort, living alone can become a meaningful opportunity for personal growth. Here are some ways to focus on yourself while still staying in touch with your needs.

• Prioritize self-care: Eat well, stay active, rest, and make your home a reflection of you.
• Build community: Join clubs, volunteer, or connect with like-minded people in your area.
• Work on your relationship with yourself: This is a chance to explore your passions and nurture your inner world.
• Challenge yourself: Try things you’ve always wanted to but felt afraid to do.

How Living Alone for the First Time Can Change You

This experience can profoundly alter your self-perception. You’ll become more self-reliant and develop a deeper awareness of your needs, desires, and boundaries. The challenges of living alone for the first time will help you build resilience, confidence, and the ability to fully trust yourself.

Living alone for the first time isn’t just about adjusting to an empty apartment—it’s about discovering what you’re capable of when you strip away external expectations. It can be one of the most empowering, clarifying, and healing experiences of your life.

This post was last updated on April 27, 2025 to include new insights.

The post “It’s a Season of Growth and Becoming”—A Therapist Explains How to Thrive When You’re Living Alone appeared first on Camille Styles.

Last April, I decided to take a 30-day break from drinking. What I didn’t expect was how that one small decision would quietly reshape the way I move through my days, connect with people, and show up for myself. At first, it was just an experiment. It was a way to reset after a season that felt a little too full, a little too fast. My skin was inflamed, my energy was shot, and I was stuck in a loop of late-night snacking and restless mornings. I wanted to feel better in my body and clearer in my mind—especially as I navigated a breakup that I knew I didn’t want to blur with a buzz.

But letting go of alcohol wasn’t as simple as saying no to a drink. My default was always a glass in hand—at dinner, at concerts, after a long day. It was baked into my routines and tied closely to how I saw myself. I’d taken sommelier courses. I knew how to pair wine with food, how to talk about it, how to make it part of a moment, and integral to each trip I booked. So, sitting down at a restaurant and skipping the wine list? It felt off—like I was missing a part of the experience or a part of myself.

Feature image by Michelle Nash.

But over time, the discomfort gave way to something else: space. Without the predictable rhythm of a drink to lean on, I started to notice what I actually needed at the end of a hard day—maybe it was rest, or connection, or simply quiet. I got curious about how I felt when I wasn’t constantly recovering from the night before. The fog lifted. My skin started to clear. I wasn’t dragging myself through mornings anymore. I was actually rested.

That quiet clarity—along with the surprising pride I felt—was enough to keep me going. I wasn’t chasing some perfect version of myself. I just felt better. And for the first time in a long time, that was enough. As the months passed, I kept waiting for a moment to arrive where a drink would’ve made the experience better, either more fun, more special, or more worth it. But it never came. And when I imagined trading my peace for a hangover, or my presence for a blur, the answer became simple: I didn’t need it anymore.

Biggest Learnings and Surprises

When I first decided to quit drinking, I thought the changes would be straightforward. I expected to feel healthier, sleep better, and experience some clarity. But what really surprised me were the deeper, unexpected shifts that came along the way.

1. I became more in-tune with myself.

The first big realization was that alcohol wasn’t just affecting my physical health—it was influencing how I showed up in the world. I thought I needed it to unwind after a long day or to be social. But without it, I found myself tuning in to what I actually needed: rest, space, and connection, without the haze of a hangover or the social pressure of fitting in.

2. Alcohol isn’t my identity.

I also realized how much I’d tied alcohol to my identity. For years, I thought having a drink in my hand was what made me fun, engaging, and “cool” in certain settings. I now know that I can have just as much fun—probably more—when I’m fully present, without the crutch of a drink. The freedom of knowing I can be me without relying on alcohol is empowering.

3. My body loved the change.

One of the biggest surprises, though, was how much my body loved the change. I never expected my skin to clear up or my energy levels to skyrocket. I didn’t realize how much mental clarity I was missing, or how refreshing it could be to wake up feeling restored instead of dreading the day after a night out.

4. It wasn’t as hard as I thought.

Another unexpected realization? I had made everything feel harder than it actually was. I spent so much time worrying about how it would feel, how I’d navigate social situations, or what I’d be missing out on. But in reality, the process wasn’t nearly as difficult as I’d imagined. It’s been much easier to show up as myself without alcohol, and the moments I once feared have turned out to be easier—and more enjoyable—than I thought.

I wasn’t chasing some perfect version of myself. I just felt better. And for the first time in a long time, that was enough.

5. I saved money—and time.

But there’s more: I never anticipated how much money and time I’d save. I hadn’t realized how much my routine—dining out, grabbing drinks, or attending events—was draining both my bank account and my schedule. Without the impulse to go out for drinks or make last-minute plans, I’ve found more time for activities that actually nourish me, and my wallet is certainly happier too.

6. Nobody really cares (in a good way).

And then there’s the surprise that’s probably the most freeing of all: No one cares as much as I thought they would. I was convinced that not drinking would make me stand out in a room, make me seem different, or even awkward. But the truth? People are more focused on themselves than I ever gave them credit for. 

7. It built unexpected community.

Once I started quietly sharing bits of my journey on social media, something unexpected happened—I realized I wasn’t alone. People I had always seen as the life of the party, the cool, effortlessly social ones, reached out to say they weren’t drinking either. Some had walked away from alcohol after struggling with it, while others, like me, simply wanted a different kind of life. Either way, it reminded me that we’re all just figuring it out. And it felt really, really good to know I wasn’t doing it alone.

A Few Questions I Get About Not Drinking

Many people are curious about my decision. A lot of people wonder if I’m still social, or if I miss having a drink in hand, and here’s the thing: I absolutely thought I wouldn’t be as fun, or as outgoing, or as social without alcohol. Would I actually get out on the dance floor? Would I be as funny?

I’ve learned is that it’s not the drink that makes the evening—it’s the connection. Turns out, I’m a lot more fun when I actually remember my evenings, and I’m far more engaging when I’m fully present. The conversations I’ve had since I’ve stopped drinking have felt even deeper, more meaningful, and more authentic. And waking up refreshed, knowing I’m ready to take on a workout or a productive day? It’s a far better high than anything I could’ve gotten from a drink.

I’m often asked if I’ll ever drink again. The short answer is: I haven’t yet encountered a moment that feels worth the risk of not feeling my best. So, for now, I’m not interested. That doesn’t mean I won’t change my mind down the road—it just means, at this point, I’m not willing to trade a temporary buzz for the certainty of feeling less than great the next day.

Where to Start if You’re Sober Curious

There’s no single blueprint for changing your relationship with alcohol—what worked for me may not work for you. This journey is deeply personal, and that’s what makes it so powerful. For some, it might start with curiosity. For others, a moment of discomfort, a life shift, or simply a desire to feel better.

I began with a 30-day break. That was the only goal. No long-term commitments, no big declarations—just a window of time to see how I felt. That gave me the space to notice what alcohol had been covering up, and what life looked like without it.

If you’re wondering where to start, maybe it’s just that: a pause. A moment to check in with yourself. You don’t need to have all the answers or map out a year. You just need a little willingness to see what might be possible on the other side of one different choice.

A New, Alcohol-Free Beginning

This has been a journey of learning to listen to myself, to honor my needs, and to embrace a life I never thought was possible without alcohol. Each choice, every “first,” has reminded me of the strength I didn’t know I had—and that’s guiding me now in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

The question I continue to ask myself is, “What else in my life have I been holding onto, convinced that it’s necessary but may not actually be?” 

Deciding not to drink has been a daily choice, a gradual overhaul. Socializing without something in hand wasn’t always easy, especially when I rarely went out without it before. But with each new opportunity, I’ve seen that I don’t need alcohol to navigate the world, and I’m still able to enjoy life fully. It’s about embracing the present, without waiting for that temporary buzz, and finding joy in the clarity that’s left behind.

The post What I Learned From a Year Without Alcohol appeared first on Camille Styles.

I recently listened to Arielle Lorre’s The Blonde Files Podcast. In this particular episode, she spoke with celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak, talking about the top five things people can do to feel their best. Out of all five tips, which ranged from nutrition to sleep, it was his advice to prioritize daily steps that impacted me the most. During Harley’s sabbatical a few years back, he traveled to some of the healthiest countries in the world. Throughout his travels, he pursued the question: Why are the people in these countries living (on average) a decade and a half longer than Americans? His conclusion: They were getting an average of 11k steps daily—or more.

One quick look at my metrics told me I was well below that number. On a good day, I’d get between 5,000 and 7,000 steps. Beyond that, the rest of my day was fairly sedentary. I was sitting at work, driving to most of my errands, and my workouts were spent on the Peloton. More often than not, I was in a seated position.

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

How many miles is 12K steps, and what’s the buzz around this number?

Depending on your stride, 12,000 steps can be anywhere from 5.68 to 6.82 miles. The National Institutes of Health claims that it’s not step intensity that matters but that people who took 12,000 steps daily had a “65% lower risk of dying than those who took only 4,000.” When studied, higher step counts were associated with lower rates of death from heart disease and cancer, and the benefits were noted to be consistent across age, sex, and race groups.

Committing to Small, but Consistent Change

From the moment I listened to that podcast, I decided to make one small change: walk more. And I would use Harley’s baseline of 12k steps as my daily goal.

I’m happy to report that I’m still going strong and have hit 12k almost daily since starting my journey. Of course, there have been occasional setbacks, but I realize that having the time to do this and living in the relatively mild Austin climate are both luxuries. Redesigning a bit of my life to make this possible was worth it.

How I Made Time for 12K Daily Steps

1. Making My Goal Non-Negotiable

It sounds simple, but the moment I decided my daily steps were a must, they became a priority. Every morning, before checking emails or texts, I throw on my shoes and head out the door. My five-mile loop gets me to 10,000 steps, and I easily reach my 12,000-step goal with general movement throughout the day.

If I can’t hit the trail in the morning, I make it a point to walk for errands, meetings, or grocery runs—ensuring I stay on track no matter what.

2. Turning Friend Hangs and Meetings Into Walks

Instead of meeting friends for dinner or drinks, I invite them to join me on my morning walks. Most are on the same page about prioritizing movement, so it’s an easy swap.

Since I work remotely, I also try to take calls on my phone while walking instead of being glued to Zoom. And whenever I call my parents, it usually happens on the trail.

3. Creating New Walking Rituals

I love an after-dinner walk—especially when it’s not 100 degrees in Austin. Whenever possible, I make room for one. I also swap short Uber rides for a walk home after dinner or choose walkable destinations like a neighborhood movie theater, spa, or restaurant instead of driving.

How 12,000 Daily Steps Has Improved My Wellness

Since committing to my daily 12000 steps, it has become such a habit that I hardly think about it anymore. But every so often, I reflect on the powerful impact of this simple practice. Here are three major shifts I’ve experienced since prioritizing my daily steps.

Physical Benefits of Daily Steps

What started as a goal to hit 12,000 daily steps has now evolved into running 2-3 times a week, and I often exceed my step count effortlessly. I’ve become stronger and faster—both in walking and running. My body feels fantastic, and as a bonus, I sleep incredibly well thanks to the consistent movement.

Emotional Well-Being Through Daily Steps

Walking has helped me process big emotions. When I feel anxious, uneasy, or overwhelmed, stepping outside for my daily steps immediately soothes my nervous system. I may not always feel 100% better, but I return feeling more grounded, in control, and emotionally at ease.

Mental Clarity and Daily Steps

My daily steps feel like a form of therapy. Whether I’m listening to an insightful podcast, vibing to my favorite playlist, or simply soaking in nature, walking provides the ultimate self-care. The combination of fresh air, movement, and mindfulness makes my daily walks as essential as quality sleep or great conversations with friends.

Do I have to get exactly 12k steps a day to reap all the benefits?

While Harley has suggested 12000 steps a day, he also pointed out the importance (and benefits!) of setting a starting goal of simply aiming for more movement. Remember: Don’t let the exact number overwhelm you. Personally, I love how something so simple can garner such positive results and enhance your life.

This post was last updated on April 9, 2025 to include new insights.

The post I Set a Goal to Walk 12,000 Steps a Day—Here’s How It Transformed My Health appeared first on Camille Styles.

Spring always seems to arrive right on time—the clocks change, green buds unfurl, and nature’s warmth sparks a certain inner glow. There’s a sense of renewal that charges every element of my daily routine, feeling purposeful and vibrant after winter’s rest.

Below, I’m sharing a few ways I like to refresh my beauty rituals, wardrobe, and mindset to align with the season, in partnership with our friends at Haven Well Within. I hope it inspires some fun ways to unlock your own radiance this season, making it less about a makeover and more about clearing space to be intentional with what you welcome in. To me, that’s the real glow up.

Linen Wide Leg Pants

$118 at Haven Well Within

Straw Wide Brim Hat

$88 at Haven Well Within

Renew Your Beauty Routine

After hiding from the sun beneath winter layers, my skin craves some extra TLC this time of year. To mark the changing seasons, I focus my self-care on getting glowing, spring-ready skin with:

1. Slough away dull skin

An all-over exfoliation with a body brush helps to stimulate lymph flow, soften skin, and remove any dull, dry patches. I like to do this before a shower or bath, starting at the ankles and making clockwise, circular motions sweeping up toward the heart. I’ll use harder pressure on rougher skin (like kneecaps and elbows) and lighter pressure on places like the stomach and chest, brushing my arms last.

Nuda Self Tanning Mousse

$44 at Haven Well Within

Lotus Wood Body Brush

$16 at Haven Well Within

Flamingo Estate Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Bar

$42 at Haven Well Within

Nuda Matte Bronzing Powder

$28 at Haven Well Within

Sisal Wash Cloth

$10 at Haven Well Within

Nuda Face Tanning Water – Cloudmist Express

$41 at Haven Well Within

2. Nourish, Hydrate, and Protect

To prep for more sun exposure, I try to be extra diligent with my body care routine. Once exfoliated, I’ll use nourishing oils and creams to fortify the skin barrier and help keep it hydrated as I’m outdoors more often—that includes using sunscreen, too! Protecting the skin from damaging rays is step one in a clear, glowing complexion, so in addition to sunscreen, I almost always wear a big sun hat if I’m going to be spending much time outdoors.

Linen Threaded Cut-Out Slides

$128 at Haven Well Within

Linen Striped Boxy Shirt

$128 at Haven Well Within

3. Give Yourself an Instant Glow

Don’t underestimate the power of a little faux glow for putting some pep in your step. I love to jumpstart the season with an easy, fool-proof tan from head to toe. I’ll use a facial tanning mist and bronzer on my face, then a mousse everywhere else.

Simply Your Spring Wardrobe

Refreshing your wardrobe with some easy, breathable new pieces is one way to instantly shift your mood and mindset. It makes such a difference for me to finally be able to reach for lighter layers and warmer colors that I feel great in—bonus that these transitional pieces weave so easily into the rest of my wardrobe. Here are a few ways I bring intention to my spring shopping so I can ensure I continue building a wardrobe I love.

Silky Maxi Dress

$198 at Haven Well Within

Invest in versatile pieces

Look for items you can mix-and-match with your go-to closet staples as the temperatures warm. I look to neutral colors and patterns, plus natural textures, to help accomplish this. Plus, sandals (It’s finally time!)

Choose eco-friendly materials

Linen and organic cotton that can actually raise your own vibration compared to synthetics. I love sets that can be worn together or thrown on individually for less decision fatigue.

Make getting dressed fun!

Breezy dresses and flowy tops capture the carefree spirit of spring while feeling light and comfortable. 

Balance Active Bra

$58 at Haven Well Within

Crinkle Nylon Jacket

$158 at Haven Well Within

Balance 2.0 Smoothing Leggings

$98 at Haven Well Within

Cultivate Your Mindset

The external only resonates so far as the inner work allows. What feels most powerful to me this time of year is to consciously prioritize what fuels my joy and to prune what drains it. I approach this in a few ways: 

Revisit Your Vision Board

We’re 1/3 of the way through the year—it’s the perfect time to see if your New Years goals still align, or if it’s time to refocus attention on what matters most. The lesson of spring is that we can always begin again. Reevaluate, reaffirm, pivot. (And if you’re just starting—here’s how to create a vision board, at any time of year!)

Get outside!

Whether it’s for an evening walk or my morning cup of coffee, taking it outdoors grounds me and helps me feel inspired by nature’s renewal happening all around me. Research shows that getting morning sunlight exposure resets your circadian rhythm, improves sleep quality, energy levels, and mood. It also stimulates vitamin D production, enhancing immune function and overall health.

Nourish Your Mind First Thing

I try to avoid social media when I first wake up and prioritize my morning routine instead. This makes a world of a difference as I head into the day. It puts me in the driver’s seat of my time and headspace, instead of immediately going into reactive mode.

Start a new hobby

Trying something new, whether it’s a sport, a pottery class, or something that’s always scared you (!!) is a mental challenge and powerful way to spark creativity. I’ve been making my own sourdough and learning more about how to cultivate my garden, and both have already yielded fresh recipe inspo. 

Spring reminds us that there is always more waiting beneath the surface. Wherever we focus our attention—be it with simple beauty and clothing swaps, or intentional mindset shifts—we can uncover even more ways to live authentically and cultivate the beauty that surrounds us. Consider this spring your permission to bloom.

***

Explore Haven Well Within‘s spring collection to discover wardrobe and wellness essentials for your own glow-up this season.

The post Your Spring Glow-Up Guide: Refresh Your Wardrobe, Beauty, and Mindset for a Radiant Season appeared first on Camille Styles.

Hot take: If you want better mental health, stop holding on to what’s holding you back. Reread that. In essence, mental health isn’t just about what you do. It’s equally about what you release. After all, you can’t create space for growth when you’re relentlessly clinging to what drains you. Before you rush to add new healthy habits for your mental health in the year ahead, focus on simplifying. This is a major key to clearing the path for positive change! By shedding these behaviors, you can usher in habits that truly support your well-being.

If this sounds impossible, take a seat. Wherever you’re starting from, there’s something here for you. We’re exploring unhealthy behaviors to let go of and introducing simple steps to break the habit—ones you can adopt based on your time, resources, and needs.

image above from our interview with Monique Volz by Suruchi Avasthi

Unlocking Mental Wellness: The Power of Letting Go

In the pursuit of better mental health, we often look for new habits, morning routines, and strategies to add to our lives. But what if the real secret lies in letting go? Sometimes, it’s not about doing more—it’s about doing less. It’s about abandoning what keeps you stuck. From mindless scrolling to our addictions to over-committing, many behaviors chip away at our well-being (albeit subconsciously!). But relinquishing these habits makes space for calm, clarity, and conscious living.

What to Stop Doing for Better Mental Health

Ready to clear the mental clutter? Start with these 10 things to stop doing for better mental health. We often carry unnecessary mental weight that impacts our mood, energy, and outlook. By breaking free from these habits, you can create room for healthier thoughts and a more positive mindset. Let’s dive into the changes that can help you feel lighter and more focused daily.

1. Weighing Yourself Daily

Obsessing over the scale doesn’t do anyone a favor. In fact, research shows it can harm everything from your self-esteem to your relationship with food and your body image. Thanks to water retention, stress, sodium, bone density, and more, the scale doesn’t accurately reflect your true health.

Break the habit: Instead, prioritize other health markers (your sleep, energy, digestion, etc.)—not your gravitational pull to earth. When you focus on how your body feels instead, you begin to appreciate the small (but significant) wins: extra energy, improved sleep, strength gains, and more.

2. Overcommitting to Obligations

We’ve all been there: we stretch ourselves too thin, only to find burnout knocking at the door. It’s time to set healthy boundaries to prioritize your mental and emotional energy. Not sure where to start?

Break the habit: Unless a request, get-together, or opportunity is a hell yes, practice saying no. If something doesn’t align with your values or adds unnecessary stress to your life, it’s not worth it. By doing so, you create more room for the things that truly matter—your health, your creating habits for healthy relationships, and your happiness. Protecting your time and energy isn’t selfish. It’s an act of self-care.

3. Mindlessly Scrolling Social Media

Familiar with mindless scrolling? Same. Unfortunately, it fosters comparison and overstimulation, which impacts your mood, self-esteem, and overall sense of well-being. Not to mention, it can leave disconnected from your own reality.

Break the habit: To break free from the chains of endless information, limit your social media use to intentional, mindful moments (if necessary, add short bursts of “scroll time” to your calendar). You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel when you swap that scrolling habit for activities that truly boost your mood.

4. Skipping Meals or Ignoring Hunger

Undereating can have a serious effect on both your body and mind. Skipping meals (or simply not eating enough), leads to mood swings, blood sugar crashes, fatigue, and irritability. Your brain needs consistent fuel to stay sharp and maintain emotional balance. Make it a habit to nourish your body—regularly.

Break the habit: Ideally, eat a healthy breakfast within an hour of waking. This supports healthy cortisol levels (stress response) and sets the tone for steady energy throughout the day. Additionally, focus on protein-rich meals every 3-4 hours. This keeps your glucose stable and curbs intense sugar cravings. By fueling yourself properly, you’ll notice a big difference in both your mental well-being.

5. Seeking Validation from Others

For most of us, this is much easier said than done. But relying on others for validation is like trying to fill a leaky bucket. No matter how much you pour, it never stays full. But when you fill your cup from within, you’ll discover you’ll discover a deep, lasting sense of self-worth (that no one else can take away!). In other words, the key to lasting confidence lies in recognizing your own value.

Break the habit: Start by celebrating your strengths, acknowledging your progress, and practicing self-compassion. A daily journaling habit is a powerful tool to reinforce this. As you learn to appreciate yourself, you build a solid foundation of self-worth—one that doesn’t require anyone else’s opinion (we know Mel Robbins is nodding in approval).

6. Doomscrolling News or Negativity

Of course, keeping up with current events is important. But overindulging in distressing information? That’s a one-way ticket to stress city. It drains your energy, amplifies anxiety, and quickly distorts your perception of the world. Stay informed, but set boundaries on your news consumption.

Break the habit: Limit how often you check the headlines, and balance it out with positive or uplifting content to protect your mental health. For inspo, check out Good News Network! In essence, focusing on what you consume is crucial for nurturing a positive mindset.

7. Over-Caffeinating or Under-Sleeping

We’ve all had those days: pushing through on too little sleep and too much caffeine. But when you over-caffeinate or skimp on sleep, you’re setting yourself up for a rollercoaster of energy crashes, irritability, and brain fog. While caffeine can give you a temporary boost, it’s easy to overdo it. And skimping on sleep? It robs you of the mental clarity, focus, and energy you need to show up as your best self.

Break the habit: If you love your coffee, try adding l-theanine to your daily brew. Additionally, hone in on your nighttime routine—it’s imperative for getting those zzZzz’s your body needs.

8. Multitasking All the Time

It might seem like multitasking makes you more productive, but in reality, it fragments your attention and heightens stress. Juggling multiple tasks at once can leave you feeling scattered and less effective.

Break the habit: Instead, practice single-tasking—focusing on one task at a time—for better productivity and a sense of calm. When you’re not constantly switching gears, you’ll accomplish so much more (trust us!). To help prioritize tasks, try using the Eisenhower Matrix. It’s a simple but powerful tool that helps you focus on what truly matters, making it easier to manage your time and energy.

9. Comparing Yourself to Others

You’ve heard it before, but it bears repeating: comparison is the thief of joy. When you constantly measure yourself against others, it’s easy to feel inadequate or like you’re falling behind (unfortunately, social media exacerbates this). But the truth is, everyone’s journey is different.

Break the habit: Instead of focusing on what others are doing, shift your attention to your own growth and accomplishments. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and remember that your path is uniquely yours. The only competition you should worry about is with the person you were yesterday. Embrace your journey, trust your pace, and let go of comparisons to find true fulfillment.

10. Ignoring Your Feelings

Spoiler alert: your emotions don’t magically disappear when you suppress them. And while it’s tempting to push your emotions aside—especially when life gets busy or overwhelming—ignoring them only makes them louder (and harder to manage).

Break the habit: Instead of ignoring what you’re feeling, take the time to acknowledge it. Embracing your emotions is key to healing, understanding, and moving forward. Consider journaling, talking to a trusted friend, or seeking therapy (if you don’t know where to start, here’s how to find a therapist).

A Journey to Inner Peace

Letting go of habits that drain you clears mental clutter, reduces stress, and helps you focus on what matters. Small changes in your routine can make a big difference in your well-being. Cheers to taking control, setting boundaries, and nurturing your mental health. Each step creates more space for peace. Here’s to letting go of what doesn’t serve you, and consciously choosing habits that fuel your happiness.

Edie Horstman

Edie is the founder of nutrition coaching business, Wellness with Edie. With her background and expertise, she specializes in women’s health, including fertility, hormone balance, and postpartum wellness.

The post More Peace, Less Stress—10 Daily Habits That Are Draining Your Energy appeared first on Camille Styles.

Self-care takes on countless forms. It can be embodied through the stillness of watching the sunset, sweating it out in a hot yoga sesh, or cooking your favorite protein-packed meal with your partner at the end of a long workday. But with so many ways to experience wellness, why is it so hard to incorporate into our daily routines? For answers, I went straight to the source and asked my favorite female founders to share the wellness rituals they swear by.

Between juggling careers, families, and social lives, it can be challenging to put aside time to prioritize ourselves. But it feels so sweet when we can squeeze in those blissful moments of self-care. This is where the importance of a balanced lifestyle comes into play.

Featured image from our interview with Mari Llewellyn by Michelle Nash.

24 Wellness Rituals Female Founders Swear By

Like many, I save countless wellness tips and vow to make positive changes, only to slip back into old habits. Through it all, I’ve come to understand the challenge of cutting through the noise to find practical, sustainable rituals that truly make a difference.

That’s why I went in search of game-changing, easy-to-apply founder wellness rituals. These habits and routines come from leaders who truly practice what they preach. Leaning into these simple yet effective wellness rituals can help pave a sustainable and intentional road to a healthier lifestyle and bring more moments of joy into your life.

Morning or Evening Walk

Walking, whether to clear your mind in the morning or to unwind in the evening, provides a precious opportunity for introspection, fresh air, and easy movement. It’s a simple yet effective ritual you can squeeze into your routine. Even 15 minutes does the trick! 

“Walking is one of my absolute non-negotiables. It’s not just movement—it’s a ritual that resets my mind, fuels creativity, and keeps my body balanced. I try to walk every day, whether it’s a long stroll through nature or just stepping outside between meetings. It’s such a simple but powerful way to support longevity and well-being.” – Tata Harper, founder of Tata Harper Skincare

“My morning walks make my day, and I look forward to them every morning! Nothing beats an AM walk to Pilates combo!” – Mary Ralph Lawson, co-founder of Daily Drills

“I take my dog for a walk every morning and get a coffee before starting my day. It’s peaceful and quiet, allowing me to have a moment to myself to breathe and move my body before the chaos of my busy work day!” – Ariana Ferwerda, co-founder of Halfdays 

“I started incorporating evening walks into my daily routine a few months ago. It’s such an easy way to get some fresh air and feel relaxed after a long day, especially when I can’t fit in a full workout.” – Kiley McKinnon, former Olympic skier and co-founder of Halfdays 

Spend Time in Nature

Sometimes, you just need to touch grass—literally. There’s something to be said about the grounding and serene qualities of the outdoors. Whether it’s enjoying your morning coffee on the front porch, taking a weekend hike, or simply leaning into the beauty of a big breath of fresh air, spending moments in nature can help you feel centered and rejuvenated. 

“One daily wellness ritual I cherish and can’t do without is spending time outdoors. Whether it’s a few minutes working in my garden or a post-work walk, I prioritize getting fresh air and connecting with nature to stay grounded amidst life’s busyness. Taking these moments for ourselves is crucial for maintaining balance throughout the day!” – Sophie Axelson, founder of Homebody Studios

“Recently, I got a new pup and he’s made me get outside with my bare feet in the grass first thing every morning! I love this little moment and am very thankful for summer sunshine!” – Mary Ralph Lawson, co-founder of Daily Drills

Stay Hydrated

Bottoms up, ladies. Hydration is key to maintaining overall health and well-being. Starting your morning with a glass of water and staying hydrated throughout the day can improve energy levels, aid digestion, and support radiant skin. (Exactly why my emotional support water bottle never leaves my side!)

“Simple, but always a big glass of water before I drink coffee. If you make it a habit, your body will adjust and you’ll wake up super thirsty, encouraging more hydration.” – Dale Stabler, co-founder of Sweats and the City and ORRO

“I can’t live without electrolytes! They give me energy and a mood boost amidst running my all-women’s gym, my family-owned farm, and being present with my family. (While helping reach my daily water goals.)” – Brook Voortman, founder of Salty Fitness Studio

Incorporate Daily Movement

Engaging in movement, be it a high-intensity workout, embracing the pilates shakes (IYKYK), or a leisurely bike ride, is essential for both physical fitness and mental clarity. Find a form of movement that brings you joy and make it a regular part of your routine.

“Movement! Whatever that may be—a long walk, a Lagree class at my studio, or a weight training session with a friend. I always aim to find a way to move my body in some capacity. It brings me the most joy!” – Kenzie Wesp, founder and owner of True Form Fitness

“I can’t live without mindful movement. Each day, I make it a point to engage in some form of physical activity, whether it’s Pilates, strength training, walking, yoga, cardio, or stretching, tailored to how my body feels and my schedule allows. This practice helps me maintain both physical well-being and mental clarity.” – Elena LaMadrid, founder of Studio Pilates

“At this stage in my life, strength is everything. I make sure to incorporate weight training into my routine to maintain muscle tone and resilience. And after an intense workout, my infrared sauna is my sanctuary—it helps with muscle recovery, detoxification, and overall relaxation.” – Tata Harper, founder of Tata Harper Skincare

“My favorite daily ritual is exercise, indulging in a combination of spin, barre3, stretching/foam rolling, and walking my dogs.” – Caitlin Walker, founder of Ride Culture and owner of barre3 Bellingham

Prioritize Self-Care

Prioritize self-care to recharge and rejuvenate. Taking time for intentional self-care practices—whether it’s a soothing skincare routine, a calming bath, or a few moments of deep breathing—is crucial for nurturing your mind, body, and soul.

“My most beloved daily wellness ritual is 20 minutes in the sauna. I am constantly on the go, and these 20 minutes are not only SO good for my body but center my mind and almost feel like a meditation. I’ve [also] made face rolling a staple part of my morning routine. It feels amazing, gets my blood flowing, and just shapes my face in a beautiful way.” – Mia Powers, Founder of Core Collective

“I gua sha my face and body every morning. It has made such a significant change in my overall wellness routine.” – Olivia Helleson, founder of Oli Rose 

“On weekends, I enjoy a bath with magnesium bath salts from Better You, followed by a luxurious facial massage using the Pistachio Face Mask. Sometimes, I add a few drops of the regenerating Pistachio Face Oil with Phytomelatonin, an advanced ingredient that helps restore skin vitality and boost hydration. I may also integrate a gua sha for extra results. Afterward, I apply my Rose Body Oil with Ximenynic Acid on damp skin using fast, draining massage techniques. I then cleanse with lukewarm water, tone, and finish with my nighttime duo: Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Serum and Hibiscus Night Cream.” – Irene Forte, founder of Irene Forte Skincare

“Nothing is more important for longevity than sleep. I prioritize going to bed early and creating a restful nighttime ritual because deep, quality sleep is the foundation of health, beauty, and energy.” – Tata Harper, founder of Tata Harper Skincare

Fuel Your Body 

Food is fuel. It’s as simple as that. Filling your body with nutritious, whole foods rich in essential nutrients and protein, can help sustain energy levels, support overall health, and promote a balanced lifestyle. Prioritize nourishing your body with wholesome meals and snacks.

“I always eat a protein-dense breakfast to start my day off strong. Eggs are nature’s multivitamin which is why I love to incorporate them into my daily breakfast—farm-to-table style fresh from my family farm!” – Brook Voortman, founder of Salty Fitness Studio 

“I never skip my supplements, and right now, I’m obsessed with Dr. Mark Hyman’s recommendations. Akkermansia for gut health and Urolithin A for cellular energy—these are some of the hottest supplements everyone should be taking for longevity. The right nutrition goes beyond what we eat; it’s about supporting the body at a cellular level, and that, combined with great sleep, is the key to aging beautifully.” – Tata Harper, founder of Tata Harper Skincare

“While it may not seem simple, healthy eating is worth prepping for. I love the ritual of eating dinner with my family and the opportunity to be creative apart from my work. I regularly grocery shop to decrease food waste and eat based on how I feel. Protein and veggies fill most of my plate while allowing for the occasional cookie. (Oatmeal raisin is my favorite!)” – Caitlin Walker, founder of Ride Culture and owner of barre3 Bellingham

Practice Discipline

When your motivation is at a low, it’s time to lean on discipline. Your planners, already-scheduled workouts, and meal-prepped lunches keep you on-task and productive. By allocating specific time slots for tasks and activities, you can create a sense of structure and purpose in your daily life.

“I’m a big fan of time blocking—it keeps me on track with my schedule and ensures I prioritize the right things in my daily life effectively.” – Olivia Helleson, founder of Oli Rose 

“I always try and follow these rules (every day of the week): going to sleep and waking up at the same time of day no matter what; no exercise right before bed; avoiding stimulants like coffee or foods high in sugar a few hours before bedtime; most importantly, avoiding phones, tablets and laptops, cutting out exposure to blue light, before bedtime.” – Irene Forte, founder of Irene Forte Skincare

Allow for Moments of Stillness and Reflection

Cultivating a strong mind-body connection through practices like meditation, mindfulness, or expressing gratitude can enhance your overall well-being. Taking these moments to center yourself, leaning into gratitude, and supporting a positive mindset can help bring peace and balance into your day-to-day. 

“An essential wellness ritual for me is listening to guided meditations or positive affirmations. Whether in the morning or evening, dedicating five to 10 minutes to this practice helps me stay centered and fosters a positive mindset, enhancing my overall sense of well-being.” – Elena LaMadrid, founder of Studio Pilates

“Starting the morning with meditation and a gratitude journal consistently sets a positive tone for my day by allowing me to center myself and cultivate gratitude from the outset.” – Sophie Axelson, founder of Homebody Studios

“Starting my morning with a heart of gratitude and thankfulness over my protein coffee—it just doesn’t get better than that!” – Kenzie Wesp, founder and owner of True Form Fitness

The Takeaway

Embracing a health-centered life shouldn’t feel like an unattainable goal. Use these simple rituals as inspiration to make wellness feel effortless and rewarding. By honoring your mind and body through attainable practices, you can make time for self-care every day. Here’s to prioritizing a more vibrant and balanced lifestyle together!

The post 24 Daily Wellness Habits of Successful Women appeared first on Camille Styles.

I’ll preface this piece with the self-awareness that by no means am I a relationship expert. As a matter of fact, every single thing I’m about to outline I have either failed at or could stand to improve in. I’d venture to guess you might fall into one of the two categories as well, because—hello, we’re human.

As I think about what makes a relationship truly thrive, I recall the various conversations and tools I’ve received from individual and couples therapy, not to mention any relationship-focused book or podcast I’ve digested. It always comes back to the question, how strong is the foundation?

With a secure and solid foundation, a relationship is poised to grow. We all know establishing healthy habits with movement, nutrition, and sleep is crucial to feeling our best, and the same is true for relationships. Implementing core habits helps establish the building blocks for trust, intimacy, and lasting connection.

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

What Are Healthy Relationship Habits?

Think of these as daily actions or behaviors that promote mutual respect, trust, and emotional well-being. These habits shape the tone and strength of a relationship over time with consistency and the ability to shift and pivot as needed. In any relationship I’ve been in, I’ve felt most secure and solid when consistency was a priority.

Read on for 8 Key Healthy Relationship Habits

Prioritize Communication

I think we can all relate to this one. Anytime I’ve had a misunderstanding or conflict in a relationship, I can usually point back to a lack of communication. We’re not always going to get this right, but as long as we make it a priority and learn how we can be better with our partner, we’ll move in the right direction.

• Schedule regular check-ins to discuss feelings, needs, and concerns.
• Practice active listening: hear to understand, not to respond. Repeat what you heard your partner say so you’re sure you’ve heard them. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.
• Use “I” statements to express emotions without blame.

Practice Gratitude

We have to celebrate the wins, too. Who doesn’t love hearing when something you’ve done was well-received or you’ve made their day?

• Express appreciation for both big gestures and small actions. Tell your partner how they made you feel, don’t hide it.
• Create a gratitude ritual, like sharing one thing you’re thankful for daily. In my last relationship, every month on a set day we sent one another a list of things we appreciated and loved about our partner. It started as a joke and turned into a little love letter to each other, which kept the spark alive.

Maintain Individuality

It’s so important to have your own thing outside of your relationship. If you’ve listened to or read anything by Ester Perel, you know that she preaches this sentiment often. We cannot be everything to our partner. As someone who is highly independent and requires space and alone time to recharge outside of the relationship, this one is crucial for me.

• Encourage personal growth by pursuing hobbies and interests independently.
• Respect boundaries and give each other space when needed.

Prioritize Quality Time Together

Let’s face it—life can get hectic as we juggle work, kids, and moving schedules. But quality time can mean something different to each of us. Even if we only have 30 minutes in a day to spend together, think about how you can use that time to be the most present within it. One of my favorite things my last partner and I did while I was on the road traveling, was to carve out just five minutes to FaceTime and stay connected. Sometimes, it doesn’t take much to have a significant impact.

• Plan intentional date nights or shared activities without distractions.
• Be present by unplugging from phones and other interruptions.

Build Emotional Intimacy

I’ve loved when my partners have opened up and shared more about their life, sharing how or why they feel a certain way, or big life goals they have—and I’ve loved when I’ve felt safe to do the same. It always makes me feel more connected to develop that respect for each other’s heart.

• Share vulnerabilities and dreams to deepen your bond.
• Develop rituals, like morning coffee chats or evening walks, to connect daily.

Resolve Conflicts Constructively

Next to prioritizing communication, this might be the second-most important habit to understand and evolve in. Conflict is inevitable; how we navigate conflict determines the quality and health of the relationship. I’ve appreciated how Julie and John Gottman of The Gottman Institute approach “fighting right” and ensuring conflict leads to compassion for and connection with one another.

• Approach disagreements with curiosity instead of defensiveness.
• Focus on solutions rather than assigning blame.
• Remember: You’re a team.
• Take breaks during heated arguments to cool off and gain perspective.

Celebrate Wins Together

I don’t know about you, but in my relationships, your wins are my wins and vice versa. I love it when my partner shines and soars, and I want the same sentiment reciprocated. This, to me, is what it feels like to be a part of a team.

• Acknowledge achievements, milestones, and everyday victories as a team.
• Celebrate both individual and shared successes to foster mutual support.

Focus on Physical Intimacy

Physical touch might not be your love language, but it’s important to be able to communicate our intimacy needs and how we can best meet them for one another. Prioritize this in your communication and weekly or daily check-ins. It’s ok to share what is working for you and what isn’t, so long as you’re approaching this with kindness and curiosity, and even some levity.

• Maintain touch through hugs, hand-holding, and affection.
• Communicate openly about physical needs and desires.

Why Healthy Habits Matter in the Long Run

We all want to feel safe in our relationships. Healthy habits provide a secure foundation for emotional and physical vulnerability. They do a great job at preventing resentment and misunderstandings by fostering open dialogue, which strengthens the relationship’s ability to navigate challenges together.

Tips for Building Healthy Relationship Habits

• Start small: Incorporate one or two habits at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Be consistent: Commit to daily or weekly practices to make habits stick.
• Adapt over time: Reassess and evolve habits as your relationship grows and changes.

How to Handle Setbacks

We won’t always get it right. We’ll fumble, have a bad day, revert to less-than-favorable behavior and completely miss the mark. When that happens, remember:

1. Be forgiving: Understand that progress is not always linear.
2. Communicate openly: Talk through challenges and reaffirm your commitment to growth. Communication is important, but affirmation goes just as far.
3. Seek help when needed: Consider therapy or counseling for added support. Couples’ therapy greatly helped me to understand my partner’s point of view. Having someone neutral guide us through conflict was game-changing and gave us new tools to approach future obstacles ourselves.

One of my favorite Instagram follows is author Yung Pueblo, who just wrote about his “5 Irreplaceable Lessons from 9 Years of Marriage” in a recent Substack. He focused on humility in the post, but it was his first takeaway that resonated most. He said:

“The main thing all relationships need is balance. Both people should be giving and receiving. If one person is doing all the emotional heavy lifting, all the forgiving, all the problem-solving and leading, then things will start to turn sideways for the relationship. You both should feel like equals in the relationship. Even though you both have different strengths and preferences, you should both feel that your power is helping design the culture of what love looks like in your home. You are both leaders in your relationship, even if that leadership looks different for each of you.”

Intentionally making time and space to cultivate these healthy habits will give your relationship this balance that Pueblo references. Starting small, communicating often, and pivoting as needed will build a foundation that allows your relationship to grow and thrive, which we all want and deserve.

The post How to Build Healthy Habits for a Strong Relationship appeared first on Camille Styles.

The year’s earliest months arrive with a rush of ambition: lofty goals, bold resolutions, and an immediate urge to reinvent ourselves. We’re driven by the belief that a new calendar page resets our lives. But (spoiler alert!) Mother Nature’s narrative follows a completely different path. While we’re busy feeding into the new year, new me, the natural world is moving at a slower, more deliberate pace. Animals retreat, trees stand bare, and the earth exhales a quiet sigh.

By taking a cue from winter, we realize this season isn’t a race to self-improvement. These months aren’t about frantic beginnings or hurried transformations. They’re about reflection and energy conservation. More than anything, it’s a season of gentle preparation for an ongoing evolution. Just as seeds lie dormant beneath the snow, we, too, can use this time to focus on nurturing the roots of our well-being. Rather than sprinting toward change, we can honor a steadier pace. We can allow small, intentional steps to shape our future.

With that in mind, let’s explore a variety of winter wellness tips to help you feel grounded, restored, and ready for the season ahead. Now’s the time to set the stage for spring’s renewal.

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

The Essence of Vitality

When you tap into vitality, you’re fully engaged with life. You wake up with purpose. You move through your day with (relative) ease. You’re fueled by your own potential. You’re energized and driven by a deeper sense of fulfillment. In essence, vitality extends far beyond our physical health and spills into our emotional and spiritual well-being.

During winter—when motivation dips and the couch calls—maintaining our vitality requires a bit more effort. But here’s the thing: nurturing our winter vigor doesn’t come from pushing ourselves harder. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. This season is an invitation to be gentle with ourselves. Instead of running out of the gate with strict resolutions and punishing workout routines, what if we leaned into cozy, restorative rituals instead? Here are a few practical and empowering winter wellness tips to nourish your vitality during winter.

1. Lean Into Restorative Rituals

Embrace this season’s invitation to reconnect with yourself. Where to start? Light a (non-toxic) candle in the morning and set an intention for the day. Carve out time to read a book that inspires or comforts you. Write a gratitude list of what brought you joy this year. Take a mindful walk outdoors without your headphones in. Consider making self-care practices, like warm baths with Epsom salts, herbal teas, and essential oils (like cedarwood), part of your weekly routine. These small acts of self-kindness can help ease the sense of pressure always to be “on” and productive. They remind us that rest and recharge are productive—something that’s often forgotten amidst the hustle culture of the new year.

2. Nourish Your Body from the Inside Out

In the colder months, our bodies naturally crave heartier dishes. Focus on seasonal, nutrient-rich ingredients that support immune health. These provide essential vitamins and minerals to help bolster your body’s defenses. Foods like squashes, beets, pumpkin, and warming spices (cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, etc.) can fuel your vitality while keeping you cozy and nourished through the season.

Also, don’t forget foods rich in antioxidants, probiotics, and healthy fats. A cup of turmeric-spiced bone broth, a spoonful of raw honey in your tea, a handful of pomegranate seeds with yogurt, a forkful of kimchi with eggs, or a sprinkle of omega-3-packed seeds (like chia) can go a long way. Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of staying hydrated. Even in winter, consuming enough electrolytes is crucial for maintaining energy levels and preventing that sluggish, tired feeling.

3. Embrace Gentle Movement

Rather than throw yourself into a punishing regimen, celebrate your health with exercises that energize. Consider how you can move your body in a way that feels grounding (instead of depleting). Take a hot yoga class, stretch with a foam roller after a long walk, and—if it calls to you—incorporate strength training into your winter wellness routine.

Ultimately, focus on exercises that connect you with your breath and help release tension. And if you’re feeling low on energy, remember that discipline isn’t about forcing more activity. It’s about dialing it back (or taking a different approach) in the name of sustainable progress.

4. Prioritize Sleep and Deep Rest

Winter is a season of hibernation. Bearing this in mind, prioritize getting enough sleep (for most of us, that’s 7-9 hours). Create an evening ritual that helps you wind down: dim the lights, put away your screens, and perhaps listen to calming music or binaural beats to promote deeper sleep.

Our culture glorifies productivity, but we often overlook the value of rest. Winter can be a time to reclaim that balance, allowing for longer, restorative sleep that supports your overall vitality. Trust that giving yourself permission to rest will actually set you up for more creativity. If you can, establish a mid-day mindfulness activity. Take a few minutes to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and focus on closing the (many) open tabs in your mind. Doing so can refresh your energy levels and help you feel more rested for the rest of the day.

5. Set Your Intentions with Purpose, Not Pressure

We’re all familiar with the pressure to start the year strong—to set ambitious resolutions and dive into all things self-improvement. But what if we’ve been getting it wrong all along? Instead of forcing yourself into a new beginning in the depths of winter, consider using this time for reflection and gentle goal-setting. Allow yourself to get clear on what you truly want before taking action.

The Beauty of a Slow Winter

In our fast-paced world, we’ve forgotten how to truly slow down. I’m guilty as charged! But winter, with its quiet, unspoken beauty, offers an opportunity to reconnect with ourselves. By embracing the natural rhythms of this season—rest, reflection, and nourishment—we can truly thrive. Let this be the winter where you choose rest over hustle, reflection over resolutions, and self-compassion over self-improvement. Because perhaps, in slowing down, we find exactly what we’ve been searching for all along: a sense of peace, simplicity, and true vitality.

Winter wellness tips to start the process of reflection and clarity:

Journal for clarity

Take some quiet time to write down your thoughts. Ask yourself questions like, What feels energizing to me? What drains me? What are my core values? Let your pen flow freely. Don’t judge, just observe.

Create a vision board

Sometimes, words don’t capture the essence of what we want. A vision board can help visually align your goals. Gather images, words, and symbols that resonate with your ideal life, and place them in a way that feels inspiring to you.

Explore your Enneagram type

Take a quiz or read up on the nine types to discover which resonates with you most. Knowing your type helps you identify patterns in your behavior, how you respond to stress, and what truly motivates you. This self-awareness can bring clarity to what you want from this season and guide you in setting goals that align with your authentic self.

Reflect on the past year

Take a moment to reflect on projects you delivered or events/experiences on your calendar. What did you learn? What worked well, and what didn’t? Identifying patterns and lessons can offer valuable insights into what you might want to focus on in the year ahead.

The post Slow Down to Thrive: 5 Winter Wellness Habits That Will Transform Your Energy appeared first on Camille Styles.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the “expert advice” out there for better mental health, it may be time to simplify things. Because with the right tools, building habits to support your mental health can be both straightforward and sustainable. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for everyone—that’s the essence of wellness. With that in mind, we’ve broken down mental health habits into three levels depending on where you’re at. It starts with a handful of simple changes you can implement today, then elevates to more advanced practices as you’re ready. No matter your starting point, remember: building habits is a journey—not a race.

image above from our interview with Jules Acree, by Michelle Nash

Building Mental Health Habits That Work for You

For better mental health, the first step is to start exactly where you are—not where you think you should be. This may sound simple, but it’s easy to overlook. As a Health Coach, I see it often: a woman trying to follow someone else’s routine, only to realize the most impactful changes happen when she meets herself where she’s at—and stays consistent with it. Rather than adopt someone else’s specific mental health habits, the goal is to honor your own pace. Begin at level one, and gradually build from there.

How to Avoid Mental Health Burnout

Temptations aside, don’t overhaul everything at once. You want to incrementally increase your efforts over time. In turn, you’ll avoid burnout and set yourself up for lasting success. Whether you’re new to prioritizing your emotional well-being or looking to enhance an already strong foundation, this tiered guide offers a roadmap to meet you where you’re at—and help you grow from there.

We’re breaking it down into three levels:

• Level 1: Basic Habits – Low-hanging fruit that’s easy to incorporate into your day.
• Level 2: Intermediate Habits – Requires moderate effort but offers tangible benefits.
• Level 3: Advanced Habits – These habits require more time, money, or commitment but can provide transformative results.

No matter your starting place, the first (tiny) change is most important.

Level 1: Basic Habits

Think of these as the low-hanging fruit of mental health—simple, accessible changes that can quickly boost your well-being. Best of all, these don’t require a huge time commitment.

Morning Sunlight Exposure

How to do it: Spend five to 10 minutes outside first thing in the morning. No sunglasses, just natural light. If possible, go for a short walk!

Why it helps: Boosts serotonin, regulates circadian rhythm, and supports sleep.

Live in an apartment? Open your blinds or curtains as soon as you wake up and sit near a window to soak in the natural light. If you have access to a balcony or patio, spending a few minutes there can also help.

Live in a cold climate? Although stepping outside isn’t comfortable, any kind of outdoor exposure is better than none! Even if the sun isn’t present, it supports your circadian rhythm and boosts serotonin levels.

Keep a simple streak tracker on your phone or a calendar, noting each day you stick to it. Building momentum becomes a great motivator to get outside.

Deep Breathing or Box Breathing

How to do it: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and hold for 4. Repeat for two to five minutes.

Why it helps: Reduces stress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

Prioritize Hydration

How to do it: Start your day with a tall glass of filtered water (either with a pinch of sea salt or your favorite electrolytes) and drink consistently throughout.

Why it helps: Dehydration is linked to fatigue and irritability.

Move Your Body for 5 Minutes

How to do it: Stretch, dance, or take a brisk walk around your house or block.

Why it helps: Even small bursts of movement release endorphins and improve mood.

Write Down One Positive Thing Every Day

How to do it: Keep a journal by your coffee machine and jot down a win or something you’re grateful for.

Why it helps: Trains your brain to notice the good, fostering a positive outlook for the day ahead.

Level 2: Intermediate Habits

These habits require a bit more time and effort but are highly effective in supporting mental health (and overall well-being!). Consider these the next level of your journey toward a healthier, more balanced mind. They take more dedication, but the benefits are worth the investment. Ready to step it up? Here’s how to enhance your mental wellness with moderate effort.

Add Omega-3s to Your Diet

How to do it: Add fatty fish (like salmon), flaxseeds, or walnuts to meals. Consider supplements.

Why it helps: Omega-3s reduce inflammation in the brain and support neurotransmitter function.

Practice Digital Detoxing

How to do it: Designate a tech-free hour before bed or—ideally—take one tech-free day per week. If this feels unthinkable, try a lockbox!

Why it helps: Reduces overstimulation and enhances focus and presence.

Incorporate Strength Training

How to do it: Use resistance bands or free weights for two to three sessions weekly (follow a program, like Form, to stay accountable). Add these sessions to your calendar!

Why it helps: Builds confidence, lean muscle mass, and reduces anxiety.

Limit Alcohol (or Abstain Altogether)

How to do it: Start by reducing your alcohol intake gradually, or set clear boundaries such as limiting drinking to certain days or occasions. If you choose to abstain completely, find non-alcoholic alternatives that you enjoy and keep them handy.

Why it helps: Alcohol disrupts sleep, dehydrates the body, and increases anxiety and depression over time. By limiting or abstaining from alcohol, you allow your body to restore balance, improve sleep quality, and support better mental clarity and emotional stability.

Connect with Nature

How to do it: Spend time in a park, hike, garden, or walk barefoot on grass.

Why it helps: Lowers cortisol, reduces anxiety, and fosters a sense of calm.

Level 3: Advanced Habits

Last but not least, these advanced habits require a greater investment of time, money, or long-term commitment—but the rewards are life-changing. These practices go beyond the basics and help cultivate deep resilience, balance, and well-being. While they take more effort to incorporate into your routine, the impact on your mental health can be profound. If you’re ready to challenge yourself and elevate your wellness, we’ve got you covered.

Therapy or Coaching

How to do it: Seek a therapist or coach specializing in areas relevant to your needs (e.g., CBT, trauma).

Why it helps: Provides tools and a safe space to process emotions and challenges.

Practice Cold Plunging or Sauna Therapy

How to do it: Alternate hot/cold exposure with a sauna and cold plunge two to three times a week.

Why it helps: Enhances resilience, reduces inflammation, and improves mood.

Try a Yoga or Mindfulness Retreat

How to do it: Book a local or weekend retreat focused on mindfulness and self-care.

Why it helps: Deepens relaxation, self-awareness, and connection to your inner self.

Experiment with Adaptogenic Herbs

How to do it: Incorporate ashwagandha, rhodiola, or holy basil into your diet (after consulting a practitioner).

Why it helps: Supports adrenal health and reduces stress.

Volunteer or Start a Community Project

How to do it: Find a cause that resonates and commit to a few hours per month.

Why it helps: Creates a sense of purpose and builds social connections.

Bringing It All Together

Strong mental health is a journey without a finish line—we can continue getting stronger and healthier our entire lives. Ultimately, it’s about choosing the habits that resonate with you the most (and for that matter, sustainably fit into your life!) Start with the basics, and as you build momentum, you can gradually add more advanced practices to your routine. There will be days when some habits feel easier than others, and that’s okay. Every step you take—no matter how small—is a step in the right direction. You’re not striving for flawless mental health; you’re working toward a healthier, more balanced version of yourself. And that’s something worth celebrating.

Edie Horstman

Edie is the founder of nutrition coaching business, Wellness with Edie. With her background and expertise, she specializes in women’s health, including fertility, hormone balance, and postpartum wellness.

The post Start Where You Are: Building Mental Health Habits That Stick appeared first on Camille Styles.

The beginning of a new year often inspires a fresh wave of determination to prioritize our health and well-being. But as the days unfold, that initial energy can fade, leaving many of us wondering how to maintain the changes we set out to make. The truth is, true transformation doesn’t come from bursts of motivation but from small, consistent actions that align with our values and bring us joy. This shift in perspective is at the heart of Sam Cutler Mengel’s approach to wellness—one that champions sustainability, balance, and a deep understanding of what it means to nourish body and mind.

After overcoming her own health struggles, Sam built a career empowering others to embrace sustainable wellness practices. Her holistic approach blends science-backed principles with intuitive living, offering a path to health that feels as natural as it is effective. From healing chronic inflammation to fostering a positive relationship with food, Sam’s expertise has helped countless individuals break free from the cycle of all-or-nothing diets and overwhelming routines. At the heart of her philosophy is a simple yet profound truth: transformation isn’t about perfection, it’s about finding what works for you.

In our conversation, Sam shares her insights on mindful eating, food freedom, and the often-overlooked connection between gut health and overall well-being. As January winds down and the pull of old habits threatens to resurface, her advice serves as a timely reminder: health is a journey, not a destination. Read on for actionable tips and transformative mindset shifts to help you turn your resolutions into lifelong practices—without sacrificing joy or balance.

Images courtesy of MINDFULL.

Many people struggle to maintain habits once the initial excitement wears off. What advice would you give to someone looking to make sustainable changes to their health?

It’s essential to stay connected to your “why”—the deeper reason behind the shift you’re trying to make. Focus on activities and habits that genuinely bring you joy, rather than forcing yourself into a rigid diet or routine that doesn’t feel right. The key is to integrate these changes into your life in a way that works for you, rather than conforming to a one-size-fits-all approach. Health is deeply personal, and the more aligned your habits are with your lifestyle, the more likely you are to stick with them.

Mindset is a big part of your philosophy. What are some of the most profound mindset shifts that have helped you or the women you’ve worked with achieve meaningful transformation?

One of the most profound mindset shifts is embracing food freedom. This approach allows women to view every meal or nutrition choice as a learning opportunity instead of a source of guilt. It encourages making better-for-you decisions most of the time while allowing flexibility.

We call this 80/20 nutrition, which emphasizes eating 80% whole foods from the earth while leaving room for anything else in your 20%. This shift not only reduces mental stress around food but also creates a positive and empowering relationship with eating.

You emphasize moving away from tracking and counting toward a more intuitive, whole-food approach. Why is this shift so powerful, and what advice do you have for women looking to embrace food freedom?

This shift is powerful because it’s sustainable. Relying on calorie counting or tracking grams to determine if a meal is “healthy” can lead to stress, especially in situations where tracking isn’t feasible, like dining out or enjoying a meal at a friend’s home. Food freedom encourages flexibility and, more importantly, emphasizes education about ingredients.

When you understand how certain foods interact with your body, you gain skills that allow you to navigate any situation confidently. These are skills no one can ever take away from you and can be applied anywhere. This kind of knowledge is invaluable and equips you to prioritize your health without obsessing over numbers.

Your guided health program, MINDFULL, is rooted in the science of gut health. What’s one misconception about gut health you wish more people understood?

There are so many misconceptions about gut health! One of the biggest is that it’s only about bloating. In reality, the gut is the body’s central operating system, influencing everything from skin health to mental health. For instance, issues like acne, anxiety, or fatigue often stem from gut imbalances, even if you don’t experience digestive pain.

Another misconception is that no digestive discomfort means your gut is fine, but symptoms like immune challenges or low energy can signal gut-related issues. Gut health is about so much more than digestion—it’s the foundation for overall wellness.

Your approach to wellness also focuses on sustainability. How can we apply this principle to create balance and consistency without feeling overwhelmed?

Sustainability starts with finding what you love. Wellness should feel good, and the practices that make you feel your best are the ones you’ll enjoy and stick with. Balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency. Focus on small, joyful habits that fit into your life naturally, and wellness becomes something to look forward to rather than a chore.

Most importantly, stay focused on you and your life and what can work for you. Take inspiration from other people, but do not hold their journey as the single source of truth. Lean on science and on your own trial and error, collecting as many data points over years of getting to know yourself better, to truly understand what consistency can look like for you. 

For someone who feels stuck in a cycle of unhealthy habits or self-doubt, what’s one first step they can take toward meaningful change?

A powerful step is to audit your starting point. Understanding where you are now makes change less overwhelming. For example, if you want to pay off debt, you need to know the exact amount to create a plan. The same principle applies to health. Get clear on your current habits and challenges, and you’ll be better equipped to set realistic goals and make steady progress. This creates a plan that reflects your life, and is not based on trends and an overwhelming amount of information coming from social media and other sources. 

What do you believe is the biggest misconception about what it takes to achieve real transformation in health and life?

The biggest misconception is that eating whole, nourishing foods means being on a diet. Many people also lack education about what constitutes whole foods versus processed ones. For example, cooking a piece of chicken in various ways—grilling, sautéing, or air frying—still qualifies as eating a whole, real food. On the other hand, processed deli slices of chicken, though marketed as lean protein, often contain preservatives, sugar, or other additives.

True transformation comes from understanding and choosing real, nutrient-dense ingredients that nourish your body without falling into restrictive or misleading definitions of “healthy eating.” I believe a lot more people would be open minded about changing the way they ate if they had a clearer picture about what whole real ingredients meant. 

The post Forget Perfection: How to Build Wellness Habits That Stick appeared first on Camille Styles.

Over the years, I’ve learned that a full and vibrant life is made up of the small, everyday things we often do without thought—those healthy daily habits that help us feel grounded and aligned. While we may think that achieving success and experiencing fulfillment comes from sweeping changes and significant action, it’s instead those little moments you weave consistently throughout your day that eventually become a life you love.

Your life doesn’t need an overhaul. (Despite ubiquitous ‘New Year, New You’ messaging.) If you feel stuck, it may be time to change your daily routine. The aim is for small but meaningful steps; adopting a few healthy daily habits can make all the difference.

Sure, many of the tips ahead support your physical health. But you’ll also find habits that draw upon the mind-body connection to create a ripple effect for your overall well-being. The adage rings true: it’s often the small changes that make the biggest difference. And these healthy daily habits prove exactly that.

Featured image from our interview with Roti Brown by Michelle Nash.

50 Healthy Daily Habits to Add to Your Routine

Tiny modifications here and there can improve your quality of life in countless ways. We already know all the obvious options that keep us feeling our best, but plenty of tweaks can be easily embraced without much effort. We’re all about taking a proactive yet realistic approach toward creating a well-lived life—and these healthy daily habits will help you get there. Let’s dive in.

1. Use a Habit Tracker

No matter what habit you’re trying your hand at, a habit tracker is an efficient and structured way to keep track of your daily responsibilities. This monthly habit tracker is simple and doesn’t require more than a pen or pencil to build a happier, more organized life. It’s free to download and allows you to list several habits and your daily progress throughout the month. Ready to make your dream (goals) a reality? Grab the habit tracker above!

2. Make Time to Read Every Day

Not only is reading an act of self-care, but it can help improve long-term neurological function. It doesn’t matter if you’re a fiction junkie, you love to read memoirs, or you want to disappear in a good old-fashioned romance novel. Your body and mind will thank you for it.

3. Go on a Walk

Breathing fresh air while on a walk is sure to improve your mood, clear a muddled head, and offer a moment away from the computer. It’s also an incredibly underrated form of exercise that can strengthen your heart and lungs, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, improve high blood pressure and high cholesterol, ease joint pain, and much more. Put it this way: Walking is a simple, fun, and low-impact way to improve your overall health.

4. Stretch Before Bed

Fall asleep faster, improve blood flow, and relieve muscle tension with a few simple stretches. After a day of being hunched over a computer, hauling groceries, and generally pushing my body and mind to their limits, few things feel better.

5. Meditate

If you’ve been searching for a surefire way to help reduce stress and anxiety, quiet a buzzing mind, or go deeper within, give meditation a whirl. I know you’ve heard it before (and as a longtime meditation skeptic, I hate to admit this), but it does positively impact one’s well-being.

6. Use Sunscreen Daily

Regardless of whether it’s a sunny day or not, using sunscreen daily is imperative for both short- and long-term health. Preventing sun damage and cancer is not something that should be taken lightly, and there are so many effective sunscreen options available that you can easily find the one that best fits your skin type and needs. Please don’t make me nag you about this!

7. Spend Time Outside Every Day

Get a breath of fresh air and chase away the blues by spending even just a few minutes outside every day. There are few things that being around some trees, people watching, and looking at the clouds can’t cure.

8. Drink More Water

Did you know that even being mildly dehydrated can affect the body? Make sure you’re drinking enough to get you through the day without impairment (psst… it may be a little more than the eight glasses you’ve been hearing about). The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is about 15.5 cups a day for men and 11.5 cups a day for women.

9. Eat More Plants

While being fully vegan or vegetarian is not an option for all, incorporating more plant-based foods into your meals can make a big difference to one’s health. Plant-based foods are full of fiber, minerals, and vitamins that our bodies crave and need. Bonus: They’re delicious!

10. Get a Little Cardio In

Strengthen your heart, lower blood pressure, improve your sleep quality, and so much more with regular cardiovascular exercise. And this isn’t just relegated to workouts! Take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk instead of hopping on the bus, or do jumping jacks between Zoom sessions. Even better, throw on some music and dance it out on your lunch break. We’re all about the vibes.

11. Ride Your Bike to the Store

Dropping off some mail? Picking up a few ingredients for dinner? Ditch the car and hop on your bike for some chill cardio. Even just 30 minutes on a bike can help build endurance and strengthen your heart. It’s also a great way to clear your mind and enjoy being outdoors. Don’t forget to wear a helmet!

12. Reduce or Eliminate Alcohol Consumption

Whether you want to redefine your relationship with alcohol, are looking for help quitting, or trying to drink more mindfully, cutting back is almost always a good idea. Reducing alcohol intake can lead to better sleep, mental clarity, weight loss, and lower the risk of heart and liver disease, cancer, and strokes. Try a 30-day reset—even just a month away can provide so much clarity.

13. Cook More

I learned how to cook in my late 20s when I realized that not being able to feed myself was no longer cute. But it took me well into my 30s to understand the joys of cooking at home. Aside from the obvious health benefits (ability to eat a healthier diet and cook with good, fresh, high-quality ingredients) it simply makes me happy! It’s time away from a screen when I can listen to music and create something nourishing and wholesome from scratch.

14. Don’t Forget to Floss

There are few things that are worse on planet Earth than having to floss one’s teeth. The fact that I have to do it every day until I die is an abomination. Unfortunately, it’s incredibly important for one’s overall health. Yes, it’s obviously key for gums and teeth, but did you know that flossing supports heart health? If you’re not an everyday flosser, commit to a month of mindful flossing before bed. Once you make it a healthy daily habit, you won’t be able to imagine skipping it.

15. Swap Sugary Desserts for Fresh Fruit

Listen, sometimes you just need a cookie or a piece of cake. And since life is long and hard, you should have it. But if you have been in a habit of eating sweet treats for dessert then it may be time to start mixing it up with a bit of fresh fruit. You get that palate-cleansing burst of sweetness that we all need after a savory meal minus the added sugar overload.

16. Create a Consistent Exercise Practice

Getting your body moving here and there is great and certainly better than nothing. But having a regular workout routine is one of the best things you can do for your body and mind. It’s good for sleep quality, anxiety, and stress, lowers blood pressure, improves cardiovascular and bone health, and more. The list truly goes on and on. Find a workout that best fits your lifestyle and schedule and commit to it. You will be amazed by how good it feels.

17. Replace Coffee With Green Tea

Coffee is a delicious gift from the earth and we can’t get enough of it. That said, replacing it with green tea can come with a whole bunch of health benefits (while still giving you a caffeinated kick!). It can help reduce inflammation, has antioxidants that can help prevent cancer, promotes fat burning, and more.

18. Pick Up a New Hobby

Whether it’s learning a new language, knitting, trying out a new sport, or volunteering, finding a new hobby is a great way to take some time for yourself daily. It helps expand mental muscles, gets you out of your comfort zone, is a great opportunity to meet new people, and comes with a renewed sense of well-being and confidence. We’re never too old to learn something new.

18. Get Enough Sleep

We all know that awful feeling when we’re sleep-deprived. It’s hard to focus, our bodies feel depleted, and our moods suffer greatly. But did you know that a lack of proper sleep can lead to weight gain, reduce productivity, and increase your risk for heart attack and stroke? Prioritizing sleep is an absolute must.

20. Limit Processed Foods

Sometimes, processed foods are unavoidable. But whenever possible, eating fresh, wholesome food makes a big difference for our general health. (And it’s delicious!) Processed foods contain a lot of hidden sodium, fats, and sugar that can throw your energy out of whack. Your body will thank you.

21. Try Facial Rolling or Gua Sha

This delightful form of self-care not only feels good but also has numerous benefits. It wakes up your skin, stimulates the lymphatic system, and helps with inflammation. Just a few minutes of me-time can set the tone for a happy, healthy day, so why not? Learn more about starting a facial massage routine.

22. Sit Down With Your Journal

Carving out a few minutes in your day to free-write your thoughts is such a healthy practice. Journaling helps you stay in touch with your thoughts and feelings, which can keep them from bottling up and eventually exploding (we’ve all been there). Save yourself the emotional rollercoaster by journaling every day. You won’t regret it!

23. Make Connections

For me, connecting with people is life’s greatest joy. And it’s something that’s so simple but often forgotten in our busy day-to-day. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget to reach out to those around us, which is totally normal and not something to beat yourself up over.

That said, it’s important to connect with the people around us. And it can be as easy as a quick phone call to a loved one or as intentional as a handwritten letter to an old friend. However your connections look, they’re one of those healthy daily habits I think we could all use a little more of.

24. Do Something for Yourself

Maybe there’s a new TV series you’ve been dying to start, or you need a manicure/pedicure. Or maybe you could use some good old-fashioned afternoon power nap. Whatever you need, now is the time to make it happen. Doing something for yourself every day keeps you in touch with your mind and body, which can lead you to a happier and healthier lifestyle.

25. And Something for Those Around You

I love to start each day with the intention of doing one thing for myself and one thing for someone else. It can be as simple as delivering bedside coffee to your S.O., sending one of those “checking in, hope you’re having a great week” texts, or writing a loving note to pack in your kiddos’ lunch boxes. Small acts of kindness like these always put a smile on other people’s faces.

26. Listen to a New Podcast

I may lose some of you by saying this, but I haven’t always loved podcasts. When I was first introduced to them, I wasn’t overwhelmingly impressed—which left a bad taste in my mouth and resulted in a “podcast boycott” for a while. It wasn’t until I actively sought out topics and people that interested me that I began to appreciate someone in my ear for hours at a time.

Starting a new podcast can inspire you, push you outside of your comfort zone, and ignite new passions. A podcast is a great way to feed your mind and soul, which is never a bad idea. If you need a place to start, check out our editors’ list of feel-good podcasts or motivational podcasts for a spark of inspiration.

27. Develop A Morning Routine

Once I had a solid morning routine in place, I started looking forward to waking up (even if it was at an ungodly hour). Implementing skincare, hydration, mindfulness, and a healthy and balanced breakfast into your mornings can have a huge impact on how the rest of your day will turn out.

28. Limit Social Media

Social media can often do more harm than good when it comes to our overall happiness. It’s a great place to share accomplishments, feelings, thoughts, and memories. However, we often find ourselves comparing our realities to others’ posts. This lowers confidence which can then lead to more unhappiness and insecurity. Taking a bit of time off of social media and getting to know yourself is one of the best ways to embrace ourselves as we are.

29. Reduce Inflammatory Foods

Inflammation can be caused by a variety of factors—one of which is the food we consume. There are many foods that can increase inflammation in our body, and while all inflammatory foods cannot be avoided, many can be swapped for healthier options that will lessen the negative impact on our bodies. Following a Mediterranean diet is a great way to incorporate anti-inflammatory foods—such as salmon, avocado, and olive oil—into your meals.

30. Take Breaks in Your Daily Schedule

Whether you work from home or from an office, taking breaks is necessary to sustain optimal levels of focus throughout the day. We’re simply not built to sit and stare at computer screens all day. Instead of staying glued to your chair for eight hours or more, try moving your body every half an hour or hour for ten minutes. This will make sure your muscles stay active, and your brain-to-body connection is strong.

31. Find a Community

Whether it be in the workplace, at a yoga studio, or online, finding a community can play a huge role in building sustainable happiness. On bad days, your community can share positive energy and support. Not only can a community help you work through your immediate emotions, but you just might learn something from your peers.

32. Clean Regularly

Keeping your space organized and disinfected can instantly boost your mood. No more dreading your work days in a cluttered space—we’re turning our homes into our sanctuary. Introduce an oil diffuser to your office, keep cleaning products on hand, and tidy up at the end of each day. Here’s how to start loving your cleaning routine.

33. Focus on Your Posture

This little habit can make such a difference in your long-term confidence. Start to be more conscious about your posture while sitting at your desk or at the dinner table to better your posture throughout the day. Also, doing shoulder stretches and exercises can prevent your neck and shoulders from cramping or tiring while sitting for long periods of time.

34. Think About Meal Prep in Advance

One of my favorite weekend activities is cozying up on the couch and brainstorming a list of meal ideas for the week ahead. This allows you to create an accurate grocery list before getting to the store which will help you budget and save money on food in the long run. Get more of Camille’s top meal prep tips.

35. Make Your Bed

As the critically acclaimed memoir, Make Your Bed says: this small habit can ensure that your mind is focused and your space is neat before your day begins. I’m a firm believer that making my bed (no matter how much I don’t want to) starts my day out on the right foot as the first step in my morning routine. It allows me to feel accomplished as soon as I wake up, which leads to a more productive morning.

36. Incorporate Vitamins and Supplements Into Your Diet

Supplements can make all the difference when it comes to your diet. Prioritizing adaptogens such as ashwagandha for stress and taking magnesium for sleep and PMS relief allows you to get the proper rest needed to boost happiness.

37. Color, Paint, or Draw

Having an outlet for creativity is a great way to activate a different part of your brain and think outside the box. Try free-hand painting with no expectations of a result, or invest in an adult coloring book to take with you on the go when inspiration strikes.

38. Try Something New Each Week

Mix up your schedule, try a new restaurant, or walk a different path. Who knows—you may find something unexpected or witness a random act of kindness! To break free from a cycle of unhappiness, you need to reach beyond your norm.

39. Be Present

Being present in everything you do—whether that be spending time with friends or meditating alone—is key to finding happiness. If you live in the present moment without dwelling on the past or pondering the future, you’ll find that everything can be an opportunity to embrace the joy all around you.

40. Take a Greens Powder

This is one of the easiest healthy daily habits to incorporate into your routine. I love taking the Bloom pineapple greens powder in the AM—each scoop contains fruits, veggies, probiotics, and adaptogens. I have it before my coffee and notice a sustained energy boost all throughout the day. What’s more, I’ve always dealt with uncomfortable bloat, and this is the best way I’ve found to keep it at bay.

41. Do a Brain Dump

This is my favorite form of journaling. I like to sit down before the day begins and write down everything that’s on my mind. Oftentimes, it’s the things I need to do coupled with worries and anxieties that have been cluttering my headspace. Trust me: You’ll feel mentally lighter after spending just 20 minutes brain-dumping—science proves it.

42. Engage With the Natural World

Whether that’s going on a walk (see above), buying yourself flowers (or better yet, picking them yourself), or simply—and literally—touching grass, engaging with nature reminds us of the truth of our existence and connects us with our internal, unwavering truths.

43. Spritz a Functional Scent

Essential oils have the power to shift our moods with a single spritz. I love filling a small spray bottle with water and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Then, I just spritz a little over my pillows at night—it’s such a simple way to add a little luxury to your evening routine.

44. Prioritize Protein

It’s essential (but don’t forget about getting a healthy mix of fats and carbs as well!). Incorporating more protein into your daily diet will help you feel more satiated at meals and promote sustained energy throughout the day. To get started, steal our high-protein meal prep ideas.

45. Laugh More

It’s true—laughter really is the best medicine. Whether it’s watching a funny show, sharing jokes with a friend, or finding humor in everyday life, laughter reduces stress, boosts your immune system, and increases endorphins. Make it a point to laugh every day, and watch how it lifts your spirits.

46. Set Daily Intentions

Starting your day by setting an intention helps you focus on what matters most. Whether it’s being more present, showing kindness, or prioritizing rest, aligning your actions with your intentions can create a sense of purpose and direction in your day.

47. Tidy Up Your Space

A cluttered home can lead to a cluttered mind. Taking just 5–10 minutes each day to tidy up—whether that’s making your bed, doing the dishes, or organizing your desk—can help you feel more in control and create a more peaceful environment. Plus, the sense of accomplishment is a great way to start or end your day.

48. Practice Gratitude

Taking a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for can shift your mindset and improve your mood. Whether it’s jotting down a few things in a gratitude journal or simply saying them aloud, practicing gratitude can help you focus on the positive and feel more content with your life.

49. Take a Digital Detox

Set aside dedicated time each week to unplug from devices. Whether it’s a phone-free walk or a screen-free evening, this practice helps you reconnect with the present moment and reduce mental clutter. You’ll be surprised how refreshing it feels to step away from the constant buzz of notifications.

50. Seek Happiness In Everything

Smile at someone on the sidewalk, leave a tip for your favorite barista, or lay on the floor with your pet for a few moments. Wherever you are and whatever you do, find some bit of happiness within everything you encounter.

The post 50 Simple Daily Habits That Will Make You Happier and Healthier appeared first on Camille Styles.

How we start the day is as individual as we are. For some of us, it’s a quiet moment with a cup of coffee. For others, it’s a whirlwind of tasks and to-dos—a race against the clock. As a mom of two, I’m lucky if it’s the former. At any rate, most of us are run by our schedules (instead of being in charge of them!). But what if you could reclaim your mornings without needing a complete routine overhaul? That’s where microhabits come in: small, powerful shifts to make mornings feel more manageable.

And here’s the kicker: the beauty of microhabits lies in their simplicity. They’re easy to start and stick with, even during chaotic seasons of life. Whether you’re battling morning anxiety, managing young children, or just want a smoother start, these habits can help create a calmer, healthier morning.

Edie Horstman

Edie is the founder of nutrition coaching business, Wellness with Edie. With her background and expertise, she specializes in women’s health, including fertility, hormone balance, and postpartum wellness.

How External and Internal Pressures Fuel Morning Anxiety

Morning anxiety has a way of feeling like a tidal wave, especially if your to-do list starts piling up before your feet hit the floor. Speaking from personal experience, it can be overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with external pressures (like getting kids ready for school) or internal struggles (like dreading a work meeting), these feelings can quickly cast a shadow over your entire morning. The good news? There are strategies to mitigate that stress and bring more calm and clarity to your mornings.

The Antitode to Anxiety Is Trust

Maybe you’ve read that if you’re anxious, you need to breathe deeply, meditate, or practice mindfulness. While these techniques have their place, the deeper antidote to anxiety is trust: trust in yourself, in your resilience, and in the belief that things will unfold as they should. When you choose trust over fear, anxiety loses its grip and you’re able to face uncertainty with clarity. In essence, it’s not about eliminating fear. It’s about trusting that you have the strength to face it, step by step.

Why Microhabits Work

To truly transform your mornings, you need a consistent approach. That’s where microhabits come in. Microhabits are practical, intentional actions that—when practiced regularly—can create lasting change. The beauty of them lies in their simplicity. They require minimal effort but yield maximum benefits. Best of all, microhabits don’t require major lifestyle overhauls or an abundance of time.

Now that you understand the power of microhabits, it’s time to choose which ones resonate the most. Don’t feel pressured to adopt every strategy (that’s not the point). Instead, pick a couple that feel doable and align with your goals. Microhabits are meant to be flexible! So, start practical and build as you go. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s about consistency and finding what truly supports your unique morning routine.

Evening Microhabits for a Stress-Free Morning

It’s no secret that a peaceful morning starts the evening before.

Tidy Your Kitchen

Walking into a clean kitchen helps ease decision fatigue and sets the stage for a more positive morning. Load the dishwasher, wipe the counters, and set out your coffee or tea essentials before bed. By doing so, you’ll feel way less rushed when preparing breakfast for yourself or your family.

Lay Out Your Clothes

Set out your outfit the night before to eliminate guesswork when getting dressed. This applies to your kids, too—laying out their clothes can streamline your morning routine.

Prep a Simple Breakfast

Whether it’s overnight oats, a protein-packed smoothie base, or just a plan for what you’ll eat, having breakfast ready helps curb stress and ensures you’ll start the day with nourishment.

Journal or Brain-Dump Your To-Do List

If racing thoughts or worries keep you up at night, take five minutes to jot them down. Writing a to-do list or simply offloading your thoughts can help you sleep better and wake up with a clearer mind.

Microhabits for a Grounded Start

Without a doubt, the best mornings start with purpose. The following microhabits are designed to calm morning anxiety, ease transitions, and help you feel in control.

Resist Reaching for Your Phone

As mentioned, this is easier said than done. But starting your day by giving your phone attention can quickly overwhelm your brain. Instead, try waiting at least 15 minutes before checking your text messages and calendar. Use this time for a grounding activity—like deep breathing, stretching, or making a matcha latte.

Drink a Glass of Water

Hydrating first thing in the morning kickstarts your metabolism and helps you feel more awake. Bonus: Add lemon or a pinch of sea salt for a boost of electrolytes.

Make Your Bed

Any act of tidiness creates an instant sense of accomplishment. And in the case of making your bed, it signals that your day has begun. Plus, climbing into a made bed at night feels so much better.

Move Your Body for 5 Minutes

Whether it’s light stretching, a quick yoga flow, or even dancing in your kitchen, moving your body helps release tension and reduces anxiety. Keep it simple—five minutes is enough to shift your mood and energy.

Take 3 Deep Breaths Before Interacting With Others

If you’re rushing around and your kids or partner need your attention, pause first. Taking three slow, intentional breaths can calm your nervous system and help you respond (rather than react) to morning demands.

Microhabits for Efficiency and Calm

Finally, below are strategic tweaks to save time and reduce decision fatigue—try them tomorrow and thank us later!

Keep a “Grab-and-Go Station”

Designate a spot near the door for essentials like keys, wallets, backpacks, and shoes. You can even add a basket of shelf-stable snacks. This functional habit reduces the chaos of last-minute searches and ensures smoother exits.

Light a Candle or Use Aromatherapy

Adding calming scents like lavender, citrus, or eucalyptus to your morning can make even mundane tasks feel luxurious. Light a candle or diffuse essential oils while preparing breakfast or getting ready.

Start with a Moment of Gratitude

Before the day’s demands pile up, take 30 seconds to think of one thing you’re grateful for—something outside the usual “my health” or “my family.” It could be the comforting sound of your dog’s paws on the floor, the way your favorite sweater feels, or the smell of fresh coffee brewing. Look for those little moments that bring unexpected joy.

Simple Shifts, Big Impact

To bring this full circle, your mornings don’t have to be chaotic to be productive. Simply by incorporating a few microhabits, you can usher in a sense of calm and control—from the moment you wake up. Whether it’s tidying your living room the night before or streamlining your routine, these intentional shifts can make a big impact. Choose the habits that work for you, and remember—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The key is consistency, not perfection. Start small, stay mindful, and let your mornings set the tone for a more peaceful, purposeful day.

The post How to Create a Peaceful Morning: 12 Microhabits for a Stress-Free Start appeared first on Camille Styles.

If you’ve been following my column here this year, you may have noticed a shift in focus that mirrors the transformation happening in my personal life. Since April, just about everything has changed in my life: I’ve shifted careers, given up alcohol, reconnected with movement, and committed to nourishing my body with food. In creating my own prescription for self-care, I’ve discovered a fresh perspective that’s left me feeling refreshed as I step into the year ahead. My own life proves: change really is possible.

6 Self-Care Moves That’ll Change Your Life in 2025

I recently attended a marketing and branding conference, hearing from some of the brightest minds at the helm of the biggest brands. I took some nuggets of wisdom from each of them, but the ones who gave the audience tactical takeaways stood out the most. This article intends to do just that. I don’t want to simply tell you that I prioritized sleep, I want to tell you how I did. Not only that, but what I needed to shift to make that happen.  

It’s been eight months since I’ve prioritized myself. These are the tools I deployed that changed everything.

Ditch Alcohol

What started as a 30-day hiatus has turned into one of my biggest life transformations. At the time of writing this, it’s been 217 days since I’ve had a drink. It was once a big part of my personality. I took sommelier courses. I talked about getting into “The Grone Zone” (with negronis). And there wasn’t a dinner that I didn’t snag a pic of a martini or bubbles. And now, I’m on day 217 without alcohol. 217 days of waking up crystal-clear, of the best sleep, of saving money, of not waking up anxious, and remembering every detail of my evenings.

Tips for where to start:

• Make a plan. Give yourself a set number of days you’d like to try. If I declare a set timeframe, it takes out any ambiguity, and I’ll stick to it
• Find other ways to hang out with friends. Go for a friend walk, coffee, lunch, a workout, etc.
• It might be hard or awkward at first. That will eventually go away. Remember too, that no one really cares. If they do, are those your people? 
• Grab a sparkling water. I found that even just having a sparkling water with lime was perfect and didn’t make me feel like I was missing anything 
• Take stock of how good you feel. I continue to say over and over: “No drink is worth ruining how great I feel now when I wake up.” 
• Find other people who are doing this. Liz Moody recently did a podcast on the topic. I find this incredibly helpful and have shared the episode with a few curious friends. I also have a few buds who have either completely given it up or aren’t big drinkers. It’s nice to connect and relate to them. The more people talk about it, the less of a big deal it is

Prioritize Sleep 

Not drinking has made sleeping a breeze. It used to take me a while to fall asleep, but now, the second I lay my head down, I’m out. I almost don’t even know who I am anymore—I leave parties and events early to get a full 8-9 hours. Sleep is paramount, so it’ll come as no surprise that I have a hardcore wind-down routine.

Tips for where to start:

• Eat dinner 2-3 hours before bed. I can’t sleep on a full stomach. If it’s a late travel day and there’s no way around it, I’ll opt for a snack (a hard-boiled egg, a piece of fruit, raw veggies, nuts). Something that feels light.
• Shut down work, social media, and screens 1-2 hours before bed. With the exception of TV, anything that has the potential to raise my heart rate is a no-go. This goes for mornings, too. If someone needs to reach me urgently, they know how. 
• Magnesium. I honestly don’t know what I would do without this mineral. I take it at night right after dinner and have the best sleep because of it. There are so many health benefits of magnesium. It also helps keep you regular in the morning. 
• Try sleep training. I need 7-9 hours of sleep. If I hit a snag in my schedule and have a later-than-usual night, I set an early morning alarm to get back on track. I might be a little more tired than usual that day, but I’ll be in bed early that night to get back on track.

Stay Prepared

As I typed this, I reached into my bag to grab a Chomps stick on a flight. We all know the saying, “failing to plan is planning to fail.” I fully agree. There isn’t a moment I’m not thinking of all scenarios, especially when traveling.

Tips for where to start:

• Pack snacks. In my purse, my car, and my desk—I always have something portable and easy in a pinch.
• Plan workouts in advance. Before I go on any trip, I plan my workouts and do my due diligence to see what’s available.
  • Hotel gym
  • Nearby hike/walk/run
  • Evlo mobile workouts
  • Pack Bala bangles for an in-room workout 
• Calendar blocking. Allot time for rest between work. Block an hour or so in the morning or afternoon to have a little me time to decompress. 

Commit to Daily Movement

I’ve had an on-again, off-again relationship with exercise, but something clicked for me recently. When I learned that exercise shouldn’t be used solely as a tool for weight loss, it was a game-changer. In the past, my workouts were entirely focused on shedding pounds. I didn’t realize that diet plays a primary role in weight management. This shift in perspective completely transformed how I approach movement—especially strength training.

Now, I focus on building muscle to become stronger and improve my quality of life as I age. Thinking about workouts as a way to enhance longevity and overall well-being makes them feel like an act of self-care rather than punishment. I no longer push myself to the brink just to “get in a good workout.” Instead, I’m motivated by the knowledge that increasing muscle mass not only makes me stronger but also boosts my metabolism. With this mindset, exercise feels purposeful and rewarding, and I genuinely enjoy the process.

Tips for where to start:

• Find a workout you like. I wish a younger version of me had this advice. I love walking and running, and I found a strength training platform I really connect with.
• Mornings are mine. Calendar is blocked and nothing gets in the way. I don’t schedule coffees or meetings, or add anything to my calendar until I get my workout in
• Movement can look different. We’re moving more than we think just in our day-to-day activities. Playing with kiddos, going to the grocery store, cleaning a full house—our bodies don’t know the difference between running a trail and running our errands.
• Good gear helps. These are my tried-and-true favorites.

Beats

Powerbeats Pro Totally Wireless Earbuds – Black

Love that they stay over my ear and don’t pop out on runs.

$129.99 (reg. $199.99) at Best Buy

lululemon

Wunder Train High-Rise Tight with Pockets 25″

I can’t wear any other leggings—they hold me in tight and have a drawstring and pockets.

$128 at lululemon

lululemon

Women’s Power Stride Tab Socks 5 Pack

There is no other sock on the market for me, they have the slightest tab in the back that ensures no chafing.

$58 at lululemon

Goodr

A Unicorn’s Calamity Sunglasses

For $25, you cannot beat these. They don’t slip, have great frame options, and if you lose them, it’s not as harsh on the wallet.

$25 at Goodr

HOKA

Mach 6

Good shoes can make or break the workout. 

From $111.99 at HOKA

Apple

Apple Watch Series 9 Smartwatch Aluminum Case (2024)

In the wearables game, I’m low-key only having the Apple Watch, which I mostly use to track my run pace, heartbeat, and daily steps. I never look at the calorie count. Many studies point to calorie count being completely off and I’m not using my workouts for weight loss and calories

$309.99 (reg. $429.99) at Target

---

Understand Your Social Battery

When a lot of life was changing, I noticed I needed my friends and community a lot more. I was hungry for new social activities, I needed deep convos with people I love and trust, and I needed to do things outside of myself, like volunteering or giving back. But I also needed space to be alone and reflect—and I still do. Getting clear and articulating my needs to friends was vital and contributed to a beautiful season of change.

Tips for where to start:

• Ask for help. I used to fear that I was taking up too much space, but I leaned into my community hard over the past seven months. There is a lot of freedom in being able to say, “I am not doing okay and I need some support,” or “Please invite me out, I want to be more social.” 
• When you make plans, be honest about what you can give. As the girl who typically closed a party down, I became honest with myself and my friends when I didn’t have it in me. “Guys, I am feeling super low energy tonight, mind if I just stay for an hour?” Releasing that without making an excuse for anything gave me the power to be honest with myself and loved ones.
• Advocated for healthier hangs. Ultimately, going to bars, happy hours, and the constant deluge of dinners didn’t sound up my alley like it once did. Plus, I knew I’d have way more energy in the mornings vs. the evenings, so I switched many of my catch-ups to coffee dates and walks. I was surprised by how many friends wanted this, too.

Rebuild Your Relationship with Food

In the simplest terms, I look at food as nourishment and what is going to make me feel my best. (Within reason.) Not drinking alcohol and pumping the brakes on foods that are high in sugar, processed, or greasy has completely transformed the way I feel. My skin is clearer, I feel less puffy and inflamed, and yes—I have lost weight.

I don’t label foods as good or bad. Instead, I consider how it will make me feel. I remember someone remarking, “Oh, you’re on a trip, just have the dessert.” This is where it used to be a problem for me. Do you know how many trips I take? A lot. If I treated every single trip as a way to indulge in everything, I would physically feel horrible.

At the same time, I can’t tell you how many times I ate something just because it was tradition or it was right in front of me. Half the time, I didn’t even want it. I recently took a trip to LA and thought I’d visit all my old favorite stops. But when I checked in with myself, I realized—I didn’t want any of it at that moment. It didn’t matter that I wouldn’t likely be in LA for another six months. If I didn’t want it, I didn’t have it.

Tips for where to start:

• Sweet tooth swaps. When I quit drinking alcohol, I noticed I craved sweet foods. Adding fresh fruit into my diet, specifically berries in the morning and after a workout, really helped. Anytime a sweet tooth creeps in, fruit does the trick. But also, have the cookie if you want the cookie. I won’t deprive myself if I want to try a dessert. 
• Get to know your body. Learning what foods make me feel good, give me energy, keep me regular, and don’t contribute to bloating or GI issues took time. But now, I know my body better than ever. It’s important to know what works best for you. 
• Understand your cycle. Once I started connecting with my cycle, it became clear what foods helped me during each phase. I use the app Flo and have followed the creator, Alisa Vitti for a while. Both come with an incredible amount of resources that ensure what you eat supports you.
• Ask, “How do I want to feel?” Time and time again, I come back to this simple question, and I make decisions from there. Usually, the answer is good, so I gravitate toward just having bites of things, but it changes all the time. If we can all get used to asking ourselves what we need, like we would anyone we care about, we’d start to make choices that align most with the answer. 

Final Thoughts

As we enter the new year, I hope this self-care guide supports you in living your most authentic life. Self-care isn’t a buzzword or something aspirational. When it comes to making time to know yourself and shifting your priorities accordingly, self-care becomes an ongoing practice that’s the key to feeling good and living well.

The post From Burnout to Balance: 6 Self-Care Habits That’ll Change Your Life in 2025 appeared first on Camille Styles.

We all know someone who radiates timeless youth. Their energy is contagious. Their skin glows. And their vibrancy is unmatched. Conversely, others seem to age before their time. Are these variations purely by chance? Or luck? Not quite. In fact, your biological age—the true measure of how well you’re aging—might not match the number of candles on your birthday cake. Knowing your biological age is remarkably empowering. It keen insights into how your lifestyle and genetics affect your well-being. Scroll for the 411 on biological age, how to measure it, and actionable ways to turn back the clock.

Featured image from our interview with Megan Roup by Michelle Nash.

Edie Horstman

Edie is the founder of nutrition coaching business, Wellness with Edie. With her background and expertise, she specializes in women’s health, including fertility, hormone balance, and postpartum wellness.

What is biological age?

While chronological age is the number of years you’ve been alive, biological age tells a deeper story. It reflects how well your body’s cells, tissues, and organs are holding up over time. If you’re healthy, active, and manage stress well, your biological age might be lower than your chronological age! Or, it might be higher. Factors like poor sleep, an ultra-processed diet, and chronic stress speed up the clock. But unlike chronological age (which is inevitable), biological age can change. By understanding your biological age, you can make targeted lifestyle adjustments to slow aging—or even reverse some of its effects.

Why You Should Care About Your Biological Age

Discovering your biological age has profound health benefits:

• Lowers your risk of disease. Reduced biological age is associated with fewer age-related diseases.
• Improves the quality of your life. You’ll feel better, stronger, and more resilient if your body is “younger” than your chronological years.
• Increases the odds of a longer life. Slower biological aging supports longevity and vitality—also known as our healthspan.

How is biological age measured?

The best way to get insights into your biological age is a combination of health and fitness assessments. Trust me, they’ll inspire you to build a younger body. After all, your biological age is reversible! Here’s a breakdown of the main methods, all different forms of science-backed aging clocks:

1. DNA Methylation (Epigenetic Clock)

One of the most researched aging clocks, DNA methylation, measures chemical changes to your DNA. As we age, patterns of DNA methylation change in predictable ways. This allows researchers to estimate biological age. Models like the Horvath Clock and DunedinPACE are two examples that use this data to assess aging.

2. Telomere Length

Telomeres are the protective caps at the ends of our chromosomes, and they shorten as we age. Shorter telomeres are linked to aging and age-related diseases. Telomere testing, while not as precise as other methods, can be a useful indicator of biological age.

3. Biomarker Panels

By measuring various biomarkers—cholesterol, blood sugar, inflammation markers, and organ function indicators—doctors can estimate biological age. These blood biomarkers reveal how the body’s systems are functioning compared to chronological age.

4. Functional Tests and Physical Fitness

Inevitably, physical abilities (e.g., grip strength, balance, and walking speed) decline as we age. Therefore, they’re excellent indicators of biological age. Higher performance on these tests often correlates with a younger biological age.

5. Proteomic and Immune System Markers

Recent research also examines proteins and immune markers in the blood. Protein levels can indicate the aging of specific organs, offering deeper insight into biological age.

What influences biological age?

Overall health status aside, a range of factors can influence how quickly (or slowly) our bodies age.

• Genetics. Genetics play a foundational role in determining how quickly we age, affecting everything from cellular repair mechanisms to disease susceptibility.
• Lifestyle factors. To no surprise, a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and whole foods can slow aging, while a diet high in ultra-processed foods can accelerate it.
• Exercise. Physical activity supports cellular health, circulation, and heart health—all of which impact biological age.
• Sleep. Quality sleep promotes cell repair and stress management, while poor sleep can lead to faster aging.
• Stress Management. Chronic stress raises inflammation and cortisol levels, accelerating aging processes.
• Environmental factors. Exposure to toxins (such as pollution and smoking) can speed up biological aging as they increase cellular damage and inflammation.

How to Find Out Your Biological Age

Curious to find out your biological age? Many companies offer at-home test kits that use DNA methylation or biomarker analysis to estimate biological age. These tests are accessible and provide detailed reports on your biological age. GlycanAge is my recommendation! Otherwise, chat with your healthcare provider about comprehensive biomarker testing (blood tests, etc.) to estimate your biological age. Last but not least, consider a fitness test—through DexaFit—to measure your precise physical fitness.

Empower Your Health Through Epigenetics

While genetics play a role in how we age, what really matters is how our genes are expressed. Enter epigenetics. Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression that don’t alter the DNA sequence itself. Think of it as a series of switches that can turn genes on or off, influenced by lifestyle factors (diet, stress, exercise, sleep, etc.). Over time, these epigenetic changes can accelerate or slow down the aging process. And this impacts our biological age. In essence, healthy choices can help ‘rewind’ some of these effects, keeping our cells and systems younger.

Can you slow down—or reverse—your biological age?

Yes! Although we can’t turn back time, lifestyle changes (eating nutrient-dense foods, staying active, managing stress, and getting enough sleep) all have a powerful impact on how quickly you age. By adopting the right habits, you can help your body reduce its biological clock.

1. Consume Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Antioxidants—like vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenols—combat free radicals, which accelerate aging. Berries, dark leafy greens, nuts, and green tea are excellent sources. Aim for a rainbow of colorful foods (daily!) to get a wide variety of antioxidants. Ginger and turmeric are also key as they help reduce inflammation in the body, supporting cellular repair. Don’t forget about herbs like oregano, rosemary, and thyme, which are packed with antioxidants as well. Incorporating a mix of these nutrient-dense foods can boost your body’s defenses, protect your cells, and help keep your biological age in check.

2. Include Omega-3 Fatty Acids

When in doubt, add omega-3s to your plate. They’re found in fatty fish (salmon), walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds. They’re known to reduce cellular aging and promote elasticity in skin cells, helping preserve youthfulness. These healthy fats also combat inflammation, which is a key driver of age-related diseases. Studies show that higher omega-3 levels are linked to longer telomeres (as mentioned, the protective caps on our DNA that naturally shorten as we age). So, adding more omega-3s to your diet could help keep your cells healthier for longer, slowing down the aging process at a molecular level.

3. Prioritize Gut Health

Your gut isn’t just responsible for digesting food—it’s a powerful regulator of overall health and aging. A balanced gut microbiome plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation, supporting the immune system, and even impacting mood and energy levels! Research shows that a diverse gut microbiome is linked to slower biological aging. Where to start? Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods, like artichokes, berries, legumes, and sprouted grains. And don’t forget fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi. These nourish beneficial bacteria and keep your digestive system running smoothly.

4. Emphasize Protein for Muscle Maintenance

Protein is essential for muscle repair and maintenance, which is crucial as we age. High-quality protein sources like lean meats, eggs, lentils, and beans can help preserve lean muscle mass. Aim for at least 20-30 grams of protein per meal to support muscle and tissue health. Additionally, incorporating protein-rich snacks like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or edamame can keep energy levels steady and help curb cravings. Try to spread your protein intake throughout the day to optimize its benefits.

5. Incorporate Strength Training and HIIT Workouts

Speaking of building muscle, muscle mass naturally declines with age. Fortunately, regular strength training (2-3 times per week) can prevent loss of muscle, maintain metabolic health, and strengthen bones. Compound moves—like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses—are best for reversing the clock. Resistance training prevents muscle wastage and boosts growth hormones, which help you retain bone-building calcium as you age. That said, you also want to stay limber. Incorporate yoga and dynamic stretches to keep your hips and joints open. 

6. Limit Alcohol Consumption

While the occasional glass of wine isn’t a barrier to reversing your biological age, regular consumption can accelerate the aging process. Alcohol is inflammatory, disrupts gut health, and contributes to oxidative stress—all of which can speed up cellular aging. It also dehydrates your skin, making it less resilient and more prone to wrinkles. If you’re aiming to slow down your biological clock, consider reducing your alcohol intake to a few drinks per week or cutting it out entirely. Instead, hydrate with antioxidant-rich options like herbal teas or sparkling water with a splash of citrus. Prioritizing fewer alcoholic drinks means more energy, better sleep, and a clearer mind—all essential for feeling (and looking) younger.

7. Minimize Ultra-Processed Foods—Including Refined Sugar

Ultra-processed foods, especially those high in refined sugars, can accelerate aging by promoting inflammation, insulin resistance, and glycation (the process of damaging proteins and speeding up skin aging). To support healthier aging, focus on whole, nutrient-rich foods like seasonal veggies, healthy fats, organic grains, and lean proteins. When cravings hit, opt for natural sweeteners—like dates, allulose, or small amounts of raw honey. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce your intake of processed sugars to protect your body from premature aging.

8. Prioritize Vitamin D and Magnesium for Bone Health

Not only does muscle mass naturally decline as we age, but so does bone density. In turn, increasing the risk of fractures and joint issues. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in supporting calcium absorption, which is essential for maintaining strong bones. You can get vitamin D from sunlight, fatty fish (salmon), and fortified foods (milk). Magnesium also supports bone health by helping with calcium regulation and muscle relaxation. Magnesium-rich foods include spinach, almonds, and avocados. Prioritizing these nutrients can help strengthen bones, improve flexibility, and reduce the risk of age-related bone problems.

9. Embrace Circadian Rhythms

Try to get sunlight exposure in the morning and dim lights in the evening to align with your natural circadian rhythms. This supports optimal melatonin production, improves sleep quality, and enhances cellular repair processes that occur during deep sleep. Quality sleep is crucial for overall health—it’s during these restful hours that your body regenerates, repairs, and slows the aging process. Prioritizing good sleep helps keep your biological clock ticking at a healthier pace.

10. Practice Daily Mindfulness

Chronic stress isn’t just mentally exhausting—it speeds up aging at the cellular level by throwing off your cortisol balance. It also causes telomeres (the protective caps on your DNA) to shorten faster. The good news? Simple mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, and nature walks can help calm your nervous system and reduce the damage caused by stress. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can promote mental resilience, protecting your cells from stress-induced aging.

11. Incorporate Brain Exercises

Keeping your brain engaged with reading, puzzles, and learning new skills promotes cognitive longevity and reduces the risk of cognitive decline. In addition, staying mentally active fosters neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to adapt and grow even in later years. A healthy brain directly supports overall vitality and quality of life as we age, improving everything from memory to mood. Prioritizing brain health is one of the most powerful ways to ensure a vibrant, sharp mind—well into your later years!

12. Engage in Social Connections

Last but not least, don’t underestimate the power of building strong relationships. They’re essential for emotional well-being and longevity. Did you know that positive social connections stimulate the release of oxytocin—our “bonding hormone”—which promotes emotional resilience? Oxytocin also strengthens the immune system! Staying socially connected can help protect against age-related diseases, improve mental health, and enhance overall quality of life. Whether it’s through family, friendships, or community, investing in meaningful relationships is a key pillar of aging well.

Bonus Habits for Longevity

Want to take your anti-aging game to the next level? Here are a few bonus habits to supercharge your efforts.

• High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). 1-2 times per week, incorporate HIIT sessions (short bursts of intense activity—like 30-60 seconds—and recovery periods, like 60-90 seconds). This improves cardiovascular health, boosts mitochondrial function, and can improve insulin sensitivity—all critical for aging healthfully.
• Protect against environmental toxins. When possible, reduce your exposure to unnecessary toxins, like swapping your cleaning and beauty products for non-tox alternatives. Limiting your pollution exposure reduces the accumulation of harmful substances in the body that speed up cellular aging.
• Incorporate intermittent fasting. Giving your body regular breaks from food can improve cellular repair mechanisms (like autophagy), which helps remove damaged cells and supports healthier, more resilient cells over time. Try a 12-hour fast at night (e.g., having your final snack at 8 p.m. and not eating again until 8 a.m.).
• Cold plunges or cold showers. Exposure to cold temperatures can stimulate the body’s stress-response mechanisms, which enhance mitochondrial function, improve circulation, and increase fat-burning brown adipose tissue. Even a quick cold shower can boost energy, support immune health, and improve stress resilience.
• Regular sauna use. Heat exposure—through saunas—promotes detoxification, enhances blood flow, and stimulates heat-shock proteins, which aid in cellular repair and longevity. Studies link sauna use to improved cardiovascular health and reduced mortality from all causes.
• Grounding. Spending time barefoot on natural surfaces like grass, sand, or soil can reduce inflammation and promote a sense of calm. Studies suggest that grounding helps improve sleep, support immune health, and lower stress.
• Practice breathwork or pranayama. Breathwork exercises (slow, deep belly breathing or alternate nostril breathing), help reduce stress, oxygenate the body, and promote mental clarity. Breathwork can also positively impact cardiovascular health and strengthen the nervous system.
• Incorporate adaptogenic herbs. Adaptogens like ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and holy basil help balance cortisol levels, improve resilience to stress, and support energy and immunity. These herbs can play a powerful role in reducing the negative effects of chronic stress on aging.

Start Small, Stay Consistent

To bring this full circle, understanding your biological age is a powerful tool in your journey toward optimal health. By making mindful choices around nutrition, exercise, stress management, and social connections, you can significantly slow the aging process and enhance your overall well-being. And good news! It’s never too late to start. Small, consistent steps today can lead to a healthier, more vibrant you tomorrow.

The post 20 Habits to Reverse Your Biological Age, Starting Today appeared first on Camille Styles.

Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, Charles Duhigg wrote the bible on habits. His book, The Power of Habit made popular the statistic that 40% of our daily activity is the result of repeated tendencies and practices. But Duhigg’s research did more than simply introduce us to habits as a concept—it empowered his global audience to build a life they’re proud of and inspired by. Since then, the internet has been obsessed with habit hacks. They’re crucial for professional success and personal fulfillment and key in building a life we love.

Today, we’re breaking down not only the most game-changing habit hacks but also sharing tips for how to consistently and sustainably incorporate them into your life.

image above from our interview with Sami Spalter, by Michelle Nash

Understanding Habits

During the summer, it’s easy to step away from our habits and instead embrace the season’s laid-back vibes. But with a clean slate on the horizon (hello, fall!), we’re beginning to crave a return to the healthy habits and daily practices that keep us feeling our best. This doesn’t look like perfection—instead, we can think of habits as a foundation. They’re the support beams that help us find joy every day and leave us feeling vibrant and energized.

What constitutes a habit? Though we often use them interchangeably, habits are different from the rituals and routines we fall into day after day. Nir Eyal, a behavioral design expert, explained to CNBC that habits are the behaviors we turn to subconsciously. In contrast, a routine is “a series of behaviors frequently repeated.” Sure, some routines can become habits, but the key distinction—and what makes habits so powerful—is that element of instinctual behavior.

This isn’t just about semantics. Instead, the difference between habits and routines sheds light on this truth: while it’s easy to practice a habit once it becomes a subconscious, repeated behavior, we have to anticipate the challenges in this transition period. Realistic expectations, a commitment to putting in effort, and an awareness of the inevitable discomfort that growth brings will set you up for long-term, habit-hacking success.

Read more: 5 Unhealthy Habits to Ditch ASAP

How to Do a Habit Audit

Before you dive into the habit hacks to incorporate into your life, it’s important to take stock of the habits—both positive and negative—you currently practice. A habit audit allows you to identify and evaluate how your current habits are impacting your life. From there, you can eliminate unhelpful habits, improve upon existing ones, and add in habit hacks that will ultimately support your best self.

1. Perform a Self-Assessment

Write down everything you do. Begin by writing out all of your activities during a typical day. Operative word: everything. No matter how big or small—this will help you see exactly how you’re spending your time.

Include weekly variations. Some activities will change depending on the week. Write down the activities that happen on specific days (e.g., workout classes, hobbies, etc.).

2. Categorize Your Habits

• Positive Habits. These are habits that support and positively contribute to your life. Examples can include movement, nutritious meals, meditation, journaling, reading, etc.
• Neutral Habits. These habits neither significantly help nor are detrimental to your goals. Examples can include moderate social media use, occasionally watching TV, etc.
• Unhelpful Habits. These habits detract from your life—this could include procrastination, compulsive phone use, unhealthy eating, excessive drinking, etc.

3. Analyze Habit Patterns

With this information written down, it’s time to assess the impact these current habits have on your life. Reflect on the following three questions:

• Time spent. How much time do you spend on each habit?
• Emotional impact. How do these habits make you feel? Reflect on each individually: does it energize or drain you?
• Alignment with goals. Do each of your habits support your short- and long-term goals, or do they push you further away from achieving them?

4. Identify Patterns

• Triggers. What prompts a habit? It could be a certain time of day, how you may be feeling, or a particular setting.
• Patterns. Do you notice any consistent patterns in your habits? Example: Do you go to bed intending to read but always end up scrolling your phone?

5. Create a Plan

• Lay out a roadmap. Now that you have a clear idea of your current habits, decide which unhelpful habits you’ll eliminate first and which positive habits you’ll introduce instead.
• Set goals. As you’re modifying your habits, give yourself specific, measurable goals to work toward. This helps frame your efforts in an achievable, concrete way.

Building Good Habits

I get it: when you start implementing healthy habit hacks into your life, your motivation starts at an all-time high. However, that energy can quickly dwindle—and you don’t want to be left with only willpower to keep you going. That’s where discipline comes into play and clear guidelines to ensure you not only build these habits, but keep them going strong in the long-term.

• Start small. The power of micro-habits is deeply underrated. Oftentimes, when you start with these smaller habits, you’ll begin to make incremental progress, building your confidence and making it easier to incorporate more healthy habit hacks along the way.
• Make a plan for how you’ll deal with setbacks. Challenges are inevitable—and you need to have a roadmap in place for how you’ll handle them when they crop up. What can you do to be kind to yourself, learn from the hiccup and come back to your habits even stronger than before?
• Consider habit stacking. This popular behavioral technique involves leveraging existing habits to build new ones. For example: Before getting out of bed, take a sip of water from the bottle on your nightstand. By taking advantage of the habits you already do regularly, you’re creating new opportunities for positive habits and skills to flourish.

15 Habit Hacks to Transform Your Life

1. Change your environment.

Does your apartment (with the shades drawn, laundry everywhere, and dishes in the sink) bring you down and trigger negative habits? Get out of your space and go somewhere that brings you joy—a coffee shop, bookstore, or on a simple outdoor walk.

2. Establish clear triggers.

Ever noticed how much easier it is to go for a walk when your shoes are already set out next to the door? Or how laying out your workout set next to the bed reminds you of your long-term goal of getting into shape? Set up your environment so that you’re reminded of the habits you’re building and to ease the burden of getting started.

3. Practice the two-minute rule.

Coined by Atomic Habits author James Clear, this rule states that no new habit should take you longer than two minutes. Example: Want to read more? Start by reading one page before bed every night. Make the habit as attractive as possible—and therefore, easy to follow, commit to, and continue.

4. Find an accountability partner.

When the motivation is gone, it’s easy to give up on your healthy habits. Enlist a friend who you check in with to ensure you’re staying on track. Better yet, get them involved! Start going to workout classes together, create a two-person book club, or commit to making your coffee at home.

5. Write your habits in the affirmative.

When writing down the behaviors you’d like to practice, focus on the doing vs. not doing. Instead of saying: Don’t eat junk food, try: Focus on how good prioritizing healthy foods makes you feel.

6. Find replacements.

Substitute healthier options for your negative habits. For example, swap your post-work wine with a non-alcoholic alternative.

7. Get clear on your why.

Understanding the root of our behaviors—what we truly want in carrying out our habits—allows us to find other ways to meet our needs. Example: Do you reach for your phone and scroll Instagram every time you feel lonely? Replace that with more meaningful human interaction by calling a friend or chatting with your partner.

8. Track your habits daily.

Using a habit tracker is another way to help yourself stay accountable and see your progress in real-time. Bonus: It’s so satisfying to check those boxes.

9. Consider the reward.

Ask: what does practicing this habit award me in the long term? By creating healthy habits that yield highly reinforcing rewards, it becomes easier to commit to over time.

10. Make it fun.

No matter how hard you try, habits are hard to keep if they’re not enjoyable. Think: Will it be easier to sit down and write if I have a cup of tea and music playing? Will I want to do this yoga flow more if I light a candle and spritz some essential oils? These are your habits—you get to design them however you’d like.

11. Remove obstacles.

Practicing new, healthy habits is all about making this process as easy on yourself as possible. Organize your environment in a way that’s conducive to positive habits and that makes bad habits harder. Example: Replace the ultra-processed snacks in your pantry with nutritious options.

12. Visualize success.

You know we’re big proponents of a vision board. By spending some time thinking of future you—and how good you’ll feel in consistently practicing these new habits—you’ll be reminded of what success feels like every step of the way.

13. Practice the power of “no.”

If something doesn’t align with your goals, have confidence in your ability and right to say no. For example, if you’re invited to go out with friends and you have an early workout in the morning, politely decline. Just be sure you’re still attending to your social and personal needs while staying committed to your habits. Remember: It’s all a (sometimes imperfect) balance.

14. Express self-compassion.

Building new habits is not easy. It involves changing many things about your life and will often bring up uncomfortable, challenging feelings. The best thing you can do is be kind and sympathetic with yourself. Beating yourself up is not only unproductive, but it can also lead to creating negative associations with that habit, possibly setting you back even further.

15. Reflect. Reflect. Reflect.

There’s much to be said for reflecting on how your habits make you feel. If you discover that your new habits no longer align with your goals, ask how you can modify or incorporate other habits that feel more relevant to the progress you’d like to see.

Making Your Habit Hacks Work in the Long Run

Your energy and commitment to your goals and healthy habits will ebb and flow—that’s inevitable. But you can ensure success by building in these strategies and habit hacks that will keep you focused. Lasting change doesn’t happen overnight, and while it can be frustrating at times to experience so much change, a shift from your previous life is a sign that you’re headed in the right direction.

Explore more articles to help you master the power of habit:

Healthy Habits

Sep. 08, 2023

My Ultimate Wellness Playbook: 20 Daily Habits That Keep Me High-Vibe and Energized

Cozy, calm, and collected.

Healthy Habits

Jan. 07, 2025

50 Simple Daily Habits That Will Make You Happier and Healthier

Small tweaks, major difference.

Healthy Habits

Jun. 24, 2024

Ditch These 5 Unhealthy Habits to Unlock Your Best Life

Because you deserve to thrive.

The post How to Do Anything—15 Simple Habits That Will Change Your Life appeared first on Camille Styles.

Move over, New Year, New Me. We endorse (read: highly encourage) a mid-year refresh. In fact, there’s no better time to take small, impactful steps toward a healthier, happier you. After all, today’s habits are tomorrow’s health. And good news! These habits are as budget-friendly (or free) as they come. With that in mind, we’re exploring five practical yet essential practices that will transform your life. If you’ve ever wondered how to have a good day—consistently—hit scroll. 

P.S. Circumstances will never be perfect. Rather than wait for that golden moment to change your habits, just choose something (small or significant!) to implement today. Before you know it, you’ll have transformed your well-being. Cheers to seizing July’s momentum.

Edie Horstman

Edie is the founder of nutrition coaching business, Wellness with Edie. With her background and expertise, she specializes in women’s health, including fertility, hormone balance, and postpartum wellness.

The Power of Habit

At Camille Styles, we love our daily habits. There’s no denying their profound impact on our lives. They’ve calmed our minds, improved our creative flow, made us more resilient, and helped us pause in the midst of our busy schedules. But what is it about habits that make them so powerful? For starters, they shape our future. Our rituals create the foundation for long-term well-being. Plus, when we consistently practice positive behaviors, we train our bodies to operate more efficiently and effectively.

A Positive Ripple Effect

These habits—be it regular exercise, mindful eating, or consistent sleep patterns—have a remarkable ripple effect. They translate into everything from improved physical health to emotional stability. Moreover, their discipline and structure help us navigate challenges with resilience. Eventually, these daily actions lead to dramatic transformations. Without a doubt, they enhance our overall quality of life! And the research proves it. 

How to Get Back Into a Routine

We all know good habits reap countless rewards. But if you’ve veered off track, committing (back) to them can feel like climbing Mount Everest. We get it. If you’re overwhelmed by the thought of getting into routine—or for that matter, starting a new one—here’s where to begin.

1. Assess your current circumstances. Identify what aspects of your routine need improvement and what changes you want to make. Be realistic!
2. Set clear goals. Define specific, achievable objectives for your new routine to give yourself direction and motivation. Take a peek at our steps to make your goals actually happen.
3. Start small. Introduce one or two small changes to avoid feeling overwhelmed and to ensure consistency. For example, go for a five-minute walk after you eat lunch and commit to that for one week.
4. Create a schedule. Plan your day with designated slots for your new habits, ensuring they fit seamlessly into your daily life. Pop them into your calendar to hold yourself accountable.
5. Stay accountable. Speaking of accountability, track your progress and consider sharing your goals with a friend. You can also use a habit tracker for added accountability.
6. Be patient and flexible. Allow yourself an adjustment period, and be open to tweaking your routine as needed! Perfectionism isn’t the goal here. Progress is.

All About Habit Stacking

When it comes to getting back into routine, one of the most effective ways to do this is via habit stacking. It’s a game-changer. Habit stacking is a powerful technique where you build new habits by linking them to existing ones. In turn, creating a chain of positive actions. This method leverages the momentum of your established routines. And this helps you integrate new behaviors more seamlessly. For instance, if you already have a habit of brewing coffee every morning, you can stack a new habit, like breathwork, with it. Or before you take your first bite of dinner, express gratitude for one thing that happened earlier that day.

Why does habit stacking work?

If you’re skeptical, hear us out. Habit stacking works because it makes it easier to adopt new behaviors. In essence, it reduces the mental effort required to build new habits—which, as mentioned, can feel taxing. However, by associating new habits with familiar cues, habit stacking requires less cognitive strain. It’s easier to remember whatever new habit you’re implementing! As you consistently perform these actions, positive change is inevitable.

Reality Check: Ditch These Habits

Before we dive into habits that support your well-being, what habits aren’t serving you? Of course, this looks different for all of us (we each have our vices). But generally speaking, habits to ditch include the following:

• Procrastination: Delaying tasks increases stress and reduces productivity. Fortunately, we have the cure.
• Negative self-talk: This undermines your confidence and mental well-being. Constantly comparing yourself to others does this too!
• Overeating junk food: This doesn’t do your physical health, energy levels, hormones, or digestion any favors. Use the notion of “crowding out” these foods and replacing them with more nourishing ones.
• Excessive screen time: If you know, you know—this reduces productivity and affects sleep quality. Consider a dopamine detox by swapping your phone for a page-turning book.
• Skipping exercise: This negatively impacts everything from sleep to blood sugar balance. It’s so important to find movement you enjoy.
• Impulsive spending: This is leads to financial stress and insecurity. If you currently subscribe to a slew of retailer newsletters, hit unsubscribe. Out of sight, out of mind.
• Neglecting sleep: Affects mood, cognitive function, and overall health.
• Multitasking: For most of us, this decreases efficiency and increases errors. Time batch, baby.
• Holding grudges: This doesn’t do you (or your family, friends, or coworkers) any favors.

How to Have a Good Day: 5 Essential Habits to Practice

Once you recognize behaviors that aren’t serving you, you can begin breaking unhealthy patterns (by replacing them with feel-good habits). Elevate your well-being with the following daily practices. Spoiler alert: these all reduce inflammation, fuel proper digestion, improve your self-worth, and so much more. 

1. Sunlight

If you’re like me, you love the sensation of warm sun on your skin. I crave it—particularly in the middle of a Colorado winter. 

The Benefits: Sunlight is a powerful, natural source of energy and vitality. We need it! Spending time in the sun is a mood-booster, enhances vitamin D levels, balances blood sugar, and regulates your circadian rhythm. It’s key for feeling more alert during the day and encouraging better sleep at night.

How to Implement: Aim to spend at least 15-30 minutes outside each day, preferably in the morning. Whether it’s a walk in the park, sitting on your balcony, or simply opening a window to let the light in, finding small ways to embrace sunlight can make a big difference.

2. Movement

Movement is essential for maintaining physical health, hormone balance, and stable blood sugar levels. To keep your body active and engaged, incorporate more standing and walking into your daily routine!

The Benefits: Frequent movement improves posture, increases energy levels, and enhances your overall physical well-being. It also supports mental clarity and reduces the risk of chronic diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Plus, it’s the secret sauce to mitigating the afternoon slump.

How to Implement: Set a reminder to stand up and move every hour. Take short walks during breaks, use a standing desk (or better yet, a treadmill desk!), or have a post-dinner dance party in your living room. 

3. Quality Sleep

Quality sleep is the foundation of a good day. Practicing good sleep hygiene—such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a restful environment, and avoiding stimulants before bed—can drastically improve your sleep quality.

The Benefits: Good sleep enhances cognitive function, mood, and overall physical health. It allows your body to repair and rejuvenate, leading to more energy and productivity during the day.

How to Implement: Establish a consistent bedtime routine. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and create a relaxing pre-sleep ritual, such as reading a book or practicing meditation, to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.

4. Minimally-Processed Foods

It’s not secret that consuming whole, natural foods nourishes your body with essential nutrients and helps maintain optimal health. In essence, minimally processed foods are those that are as close to their natural state as possible. These include avocados, sweet potatoes, eggs, almonds, herbs, beans, etc.

The Benefits: Eating natural and organic foods improves everything from digestion to longevity. It’s also the catalyst for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing inflammation, and providing the nutrients your body needs to function optimally. Aim to choose organic options when your budget allows.

How to Implement: First and foremost, stick to the perimeter of the grocery store. That’s where you’ll find fewer processed foods (and more produce). Second, read labels. If you do buy packaged items, look for products with a short list of recognizable ingredients. Ultimately, simple swaps, like opting for fresh produce (a banana and a handful of walnuts) over processed snacks, can make a big difference.

Pro tip: as you transition to eating more whole ingredients and fewer ultra-processed foods, make sure to salt your meals appropriately! Your new meals may taste bland(er) because your palate is used to high sodium in most processed foods.

5. Mental Health

Last but not least (but an easy one to neglect): your mental health. It’s crucial for a balanced, happy life. Fortunately, a few minutes go a long way. Practices like meditation, breathwork, and listening to empowering podcasts help manage stress, improve focus, and foster a positive mindset. 

The Benefits: Prioritizing mental health enhances emotional resilience, reduces anxiety, and promotes a sense of inner peace. All things we love! Additionally, these practices can improve your overall mental clarity and help you navigate daily challenges with greater ease.

How to Implement: Dedicate a few minutes each day to mental health practices. Start your morning with a brief meditation session, incorporate deep breathing exercises before you hop onto a Zoom call, or listen to a motivational podcast during your commute. Find what works best for you and make it a daily habit.

Start Today for a Better Tomorrow

Implementing these five habits will transform your day-to-day life. Trust. They’ll help you feel more energized, focused, and balanced. With habit stacking in mind, start with one practice and gradually incorporate the others. Remember, consistency is key. By making these habits a part of your daily routine, you’ll set the foundation for a healthier and happier you. 

The post Transform Your Life with These 5 Daily Habits appeared first on Camille Styles.