It's already June, which means 2017 is nearly
halfway over! Now is a good time to revisit your New Year's resolutions
(or aspirations) and see if you're on track. Don't worry if you already
abandoned your resolutions-you can make new ones now! Whether you're a
dancer or not, here are some of my top tips to be your best.
1. Incorporate more micronutrient-rich (i.e., unprocessed plant-based) foods in your diet. As you all know, my diet is predominantly vegan and soy-free. I have had massive improvements in stamina, athletic performance, digestive health, and skin clarity since transitioning to eating only plant-based foods. I understand the lifestyle isn't for everyone, but substituting fresh whole foods for processed ones has an enormous positive impact on health. Try practicing Meatless Monday or swap out soda in favor of fresh-pressed juice.
2. Listen to Fresh Air. This is a daily program on NPR that features interviews with interesting people (like actors, chefs, journalists, etc.). Topics can include anything from Oscar-winning films to food trucks to training cats. I've listened on and off since high school, and I always learn something new and unexpected. The show can be found in podcast format so you can listen when it's convenient for you. Note that occasionally interviews are political, religious, or mature in nature, but even then, they're extremely informative. Reading the show notes below each podcast is a good way to see what topics are discussed.
3. Practice Pilates and yoga. You definitely don't have to say mantras, jump on a reformer, or sweat through Bikram, but incorporating some Pilates and yoga into your regular exercise routine will help you achieve a stronger, more aligned body whether you dance or not. I like doing Pilates work to strengthen the abs and legs and follow with restorative yoga stretches that focus on the hips, chest, back, and shoulders. Just 20 minutes per day is a big help to strength, toning, and posture!
4. Use a planner to schedule your life. I think it's worth it to spend money on a high quality planner and supplies like pens and stickers. I personally use Erin Condren like almost everyone else on the internet, but I like to keep it a little simpler with the stickers. The process of decorating the pages and writing in your schedule is fun-it's like scrapbooking. You're much more likely to stick to your plans and make it to all your appointments if you spend time making and looking at your planner. It's also a great tool to make sure you don't over-schedule yourself (place your prettiest stickers over times that you want to keep unscheduled for relaxation or impromptu adventures).
5. Build in rewards. It can be tough to make changes in your life like eating more vegetables, upping your workouts, or cleaning your closet. Rewarding yourself with treats is good motivation, but sometimes it can undo your work or promote bad habits. Try tackling your challenges in ways that have rewards built in, like listening to an addictive audiobook while you clean or wearing cute new leggings for your workout. It's more fun and feels like less of an effort if you can enjoy baking and eating zucchini bread instead of picking at raw salad for dinner in order to earn an unhealthy dessert. You'll have more fun, and you will be promoting healthy habits along the way.
1. Incorporate more micronutrient-rich (i.e., unprocessed plant-based) foods in your diet. As you all know, my diet is predominantly vegan and soy-free. I have had massive improvements in stamina, athletic performance, digestive health, and skin clarity since transitioning to eating only plant-based foods. I understand the lifestyle isn't for everyone, but substituting fresh whole foods for processed ones has an enormous positive impact on health. Try practicing Meatless Monday or swap out soda in favor of fresh-pressed juice.
2. Listen to Fresh Air. This is a daily program on NPR that features interviews with interesting people (like actors, chefs, journalists, etc.). Topics can include anything from Oscar-winning films to food trucks to training cats. I've listened on and off since high school, and I always learn something new and unexpected. The show can be found in podcast format so you can listen when it's convenient for you. Note that occasionally interviews are political, religious, or mature in nature, but even then, they're extremely informative. Reading the show notes below each podcast is a good way to see what topics are discussed.
3. Practice Pilates and yoga. You definitely don't have to say mantras, jump on a reformer, or sweat through Bikram, but incorporating some Pilates and yoga into your regular exercise routine will help you achieve a stronger, more aligned body whether you dance or not. I like doing Pilates work to strengthen the abs and legs and follow with restorative yoga stretches that focus on the hips, chest, back, and shoulders. Just 20 minutes per day is a big help to strength, toning, and posture!
4. Use a planner to schedule your life. I think it's worth it to spend money on a high quality planner and supplies like pens and stickers. I personally use Erin Condren like almost everyone else on the internet, but I like to keep it a little simpler with the stickers. The process of decorating the pages and writing in your schedule is fun-it's like scrapbooking. You're much more likely to stick to your plans and make it to all your appointments if you spend time making and looking at your planner. It's also a great tool to make sure you don't over-schedule yourself (place your prettiest stickers over times that you want to keep unscheduled for relaxation or impromptu adventures).
5. Build in rewards. It can be tough to make changes in your life like eating more vegetables, upping your workouts, or cleaning your closet. Rewarding yourself with treats is good motivation, but sometimes it can undo your work or promote bad habits. Try tackling your challenges in ways that have rewards built in, like listening to an addictive audiobook while you clean or wearing cute new leggings for your workout. It's more fun and feels like less of an effort if you can enjoy baking and eating zucchini bread instead of picking at raw salad for dinner in order to earn an unhealthy dessert. You'll have more fun, and you will be promoting healthy habits along the way.
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