2 Wellness Habits to Try This Month

When you take your health and wellness seriously, you will naturally start to feel your best. And when you feel your best, you are better able to take care of yourself, your work and the important people in your life.

One way to put your best self forward is to establish a morning or evening wellness routine. Healthy habits can help you take care of yourself physically, mentally and spiritually so that you have the energy and focus to achieve your goals.

The options are nearly endless when it comes to creating a healthy, self-nurturing wellness routine. If you are looking to start a wellness routine or shake up your current routine, we have two easy habits that won’t break the bank.

2 Wellness Habits to Try This Month

Dry Brushing

Dry brushing has recently experienced a resurgence due to its popularity with celebrities and social media personalities. Dry brushing is a mechanical exfoliation of your skin using a natural, bristled brush. Devotees of dry brushing say that it gives you a natural glow by removing toxins and stimulating your lymphatic system. Plus, it just feels really good!

The Claims:

Like many wellness trends, dry brushing has its doubters. While many experience the benefits, some argue that there isn’t much science to back up the claims. Even if you don’t believe the hype, there’s no denying that it can be a relaxing way to take care of your skin, your largest organ! Dry brushers say that this daily practice gives them these healthful benefits:

• Smoothes and evens skin
• Improves circulation for a healthy glow
• Releases toxins through the pores
• Better absorption of skincare products
• Loosens and dissolves fat, reducing the appearance of cellulite

How to Include Dry Brushing in Your Routine:

If you want to give dry brushing a try, it’s super easy to get started. You can add this to your morning or evening routine, or even both if you have the time. Remember, don’t go too hard and stop if you notice any irritation. Here are the necessary steps for dry brushing properly:

1. With a natural bristle brush starting at your feet, brush in long, sweeping motions toward your heart.
2. Scrub each body part several times, always brushing toward your heart.
3. Hop in the shower to clean your newly scrubbed skin.
4. Follow with a natural body oil or lotion.    

Whether the health claims are real or not, dry brushing is a loving and relaxing way to care for your body that doesn’t take much effort!

Apple Cider Vinegar

A shot first thing in the morning? We aren’t kidding. There are tons of health and wellness gurus that preach the incredible benefits of drinking a shot of apple cider vinegar each day. Apple cider vinegar contains lots of beneficial vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, folic acid, biotin and potassium, just to name a few. People also use it externally as a part of a natural, skincare routine.

The Claims:

Again, there is some dispute as to whether a daily shot of apple cider vinegar is really as good as it’s made out to be. Many health professionals warn about the dangers of drinking such an acidic substance for your teeth enamel, esophagus and lungs. That is why it is always best to dilute it with water or other ingredients. Proponents of the stuff say that a shot of apple cider vinegar a day can provide benefits like:

• Curbing hunger
• Weight loss
• Brighter skin
• Better digestion
• Better immune health
• Stable blood sugar levels

How to Include Apple Cider Vinegar in Your Routine:

If the idea of drinking a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar makes you feel woozy, you are not alone. The taste can be very unappealing and the smell pungent. To help make it more palatable and less harmful to your teeth, try one of the many recipes available for a diluted apple cider vinegar drink. 

Try this recipe for a yummy apple cider vinegar drink that you can actually enjoy every morning upon waking up:

1 cup of water (still or sparkling)

2 tbsps of apple cider vinegar

2 tbsps of fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp of raw honey

1 tsp of cinnamon

A dash of cayenne pepper

Combine all of the ingredients and pour over ice.

Ready to boost your wellness routine? 

If you are looking to shake things up, try incorporating dry brushing or an apple cider vinegar drink into your day. Which wellness trends have you recently added to your routine?