1) “Legs Up The Wall” Exercise
This is one of my favorite gentle yoga poses and the number one thing I do as a part of my wind-down routine. This simple pose improves circulation and digestion, helps you de-stress, promotes sleep, and may even ease a mild backache.
How to do the “Legs Up The Wall pose
Lie down on the floor and place your hips closer to the wall.
Now, lift your legs against the wall. Ensure that both legs are pointed vertically facing the ceiling.
As the legs are kept against the wall, try to consciously relax each part of the body
Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Maintain the position for at least 20 minutes.
To come out of the pose, bend the knees first and push yourself away from the wall.
My special hack: I do this pose right before bed and use the headrest of my bed as I would use a wall.
2) Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is exactly how it sounds. Brushing your body with a dry brush! I try to dry brush at least three times a week before I shower. I’m addicted to how it makes me feel! It’s really invigorating for the whole body, and my skin feels smoother, too.
Benefits to Dry Brushing
Stimulates your Lymphatic System (The system responsible for eliminating cellular waste products)
Exfoliates your Skin
Increases Circulation
Reduces Cellulite
Relieves Stress
Improves Digestion and Kidney Function
Revitalizes the Whole Body
How to Dry Brush
I recommend getting a natural bristle brush. Start at your feet and brush upward toward the heart. Similarly, when you start on your arms, begin at the hands and work upward. Use firm, small strokes upward, or work in a circular motion. For the stomach, work in a clockwise direction.
3) Getting 10-15 minutes of sunshine daily
Ideally, you want to be under the sun during the first 20 minutes from the time you wake up. This is a proven way to support your body’s circadian rhythm, so you can sleep better at night and feel more rested. 10-15 minutes under the sun will also provide your body with a good dose of Vitamin D. Note: I make sure to put sunscreen on my face while exposing my bare hands and shoulders to the sun.
4) Belly Breathing
Most of us take shallow breaths during the day (especially when stressed), depriving our bodies of oxygen.
Benefits of belly breathing
Increases supply of oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body
Helps increase the supply of blood and nutrients to muscle, blood, and bones
Relaxes muscle spasms and relieves tension
Supports muscle growth and provides energy
How to do belly breathing
Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. When you take a deep breath in, the hand on the abdomen should rise higher than the one on the chest. This ensures that the diaphragm is pulling air into the base of the lungs.
After exhaling through the mouth, take a slow deep breath in through your nose imagining that you are sucking in all the air in the room.
Slowly exhale through your mouth.
Repeat the cycle.
5) Self-Massage
This is such an incredible tool for well-being that’s easy-to-do. I love giving myself a little face massage in the morning when applying my skincare routine (you can find some face massage tutorials in my reels on my Instagram page), and I always massage my hands and feet when I watch TV. Even a few minutes of self-massage improves circulation, boosts mood, and promotes a general sense of well-being.
6) Bath or Foot Soak
What’s nicer than a simple self-care ritual of drawing a bath in the evening! I love adding a scoop of epsom salt in for muscle relaxation and extra magnesium. Sometimes I add dry flowers and essential oils for a luxurious “spa” feel. Bring a book or magazine with you, pour some tea (or wine :)), or listen to your favorite podcast/meditation.
7) Clean and Organize Your Home
Clearing your space is one of the most effective ways to clear your mind, brighten your mood, welcome new and positive energy into your life, and increase your productivity and happiness. Tidying up your home can be truly life-changing. It’s not about having an orderly and clutter-free home. It’s about enabling and supporting you to lead the life you want, and deserve to live.
8) Get some House Plants
Taking care of plants relieves stress, and brings great energy and a sense of vitality into any space. On top of the above benefits, getting air-purifying varieties will help with the quality of indoor air. I recommend a Pothos plant for the kitchen and living room areas, and Sansevieria (snake plant) for the bedroom. Sansevieria is an ideal bedroom plant. Whereas most other plants release carbon dioxide at night (in the absence of photosynthesis), the Sansevieria continues to produce oxygen.
What are your favorite easy wellness hacks?
Share your comments below, or send me an email. I looking forward to hearing from you!
