FRIENDS! I know it’s been a minute, but in my defense I started a new job and also life. I’m glad to be back! You could say it’s too late to recap last year, but I disagree. Time is a construct! Beyond making resolutions or intentions for the new year, I think it can be nice to look at what you did right last year and what you’d like to change with some gentle course correction.
There are always exercises, supplements, doctors etc. that I don’t stick with for whatever reason (cough my comically expensive functional medicine dr, my trampoline), and it’s nice to see what actually made the cut! I try a lot of things- I’m like Gwyneth, but not.
A few good ones.
Savory Breakfasts. OK, my obsession with the Glucose Goddess and more broadly regulating my blood sugar is something I’ve discussed ad nauseum, but I am consistently shocked by the difference in how I feel when I don’t have a protein-rich, savory breakfast. I don’t follow all of her advice (vinegar before meals, walking after eating, etc.), but this one has made a genuine difference in my life. When I do eat a good breakfast I feel set up for the day and rarely have blood sugar crashes throughout the day. When I don’t? Maybe stay away from me. I often make a version of these paleo breakfast biscuits (they’re mostly eggs and almond flour plus any veggies/cheese you want) that I make ahead and freeze, and I also add collagen protein and cacao butter to my coffee like this for a little oomph.
Arma Colostrum. I try lots of new supplements. What can I say, it’s fun for me! As a reminder, this colostrum is from a (COW) mother’s milk (sounds icky, but seems to be ethical-ish) and it’s supposed to be good for your immune system, GI tract, it’s anti-inflammatory etc. There are a lot of claims. I’ve stuck with it because I genuinely think it’s helped strengthen my immune system and as a bonus has had my hair grow longer than ever before. Colostrum really is the new collagen, feel free to patent that! I don’t want to jinx myself, but I haven’t gotten properly sick in a while despite everyone getting sick, traveling, and the cesspool that is the NY subway system, so I can’t stop taking it. Ever. Linking my referral link but I’m sure other brands are great too. I have tried the flavors and unflavored, and think the artificial flavor of orange isn’t great and I think it’s wild that they charge more for it- I would just get unflavored, it tastes a little bit milky in water which is fine. The chocolate is out of stock but actually tastes good and is supposed to help with muscle strength, so keep an eye out.
Morning Pages. I’ve previously spoken about my favorite creativity guide The Artist’s Way and I stand by it. I love Julia Cameron’s practice of freewriting/ journaling three pages in the morning. I’m not perfect about doing it and I sometimes fit it in at a different time of day, but doing it consistently make sa huge difference for me.
Meditating with Manjit. This is a meditation app that you have to pay for, but I’ve been genuinely shocked by how much I use it and love it. I do one of her five minute meditations almost every morning, and I also love the nap meditation and the manifesting ones— I at least partially credit the Career meditation with helping me get my new job.
Miracle Tones- Ambient electric music based on healing frequences. Free on Spotify. When I hosted a manifestation event for my birthday (something I may delve into at a later date), I played these beats and people were VIBING. The theory behind them is that different sound frequencies can have different effects on your mood, help you to calm down, fall asleep etc. Try them out when you’re feeling stressed or want to wind down, I find them shockingly effective.
Walking (lol). It’s basic! As I will discuss later, I haven’t been doing as much exercise as I would like to, but I have set a goal for 10,000 steps a day and on days when I hit that goal I am happier and feel better. Shocking but true!
Do better in 2024:
I need to exercise more! I quit my gym because it didn’t make sense after I moved and my trainer left. My fifteen minute pilates videos and walking/occasional yoga classes are great, but I definitely need to get back in the swing up things.
See how positively I wrote about not exercising as much as I’d like? I am trying not to beat myself up so much! I’m using the Clarity app for CBT to act as my own therapist/ best friend on days when I’m not talking to one.
Fun things:
Murder on Sex Island podcast - I consider it my duty to share this podcast- which is actually the comedian/author reading her book. It’s so, so funny. Described as “a sexy reality TV show with a missing contestant. An undercover detective. Two cats safe at home. Murder on Sex Island is a twisty psycho-sexual thriller with equal parts humor and intrigue,” a great pick for all Love Island fans or just people who like to laugh (everyone except sociopaths).
TBCH I haven’t gotten that excited about movies/ tv shows recently. I really enjoyed Slow Horses Season 2 on AppleTV and liked the movie May December. I hated Saltburn with a fiery passion, and right now I’m mostly just watching Sex and the City reruns that don’t always hold up! I’d love to hear what you did right this year or what you’re watching.
back soon,
xoAlex
Glucose Goddess has to be the worst instagram name, but looked at her profile and she kind of rules? Anyways, good luck with moving more. That's what's keeping me sane right now :)