Whether it’s macrobiotics, Ayurvedic practices, raw food or food combining—I love finding ways to reduce stress and increase energy. I’ll take my research and obsession with freshness and nutrient density, and turn them into approachable tips to help you prosper. Regardless if you are plant-based or not, I hope to help you reach optimal wellness with the most up-to-date information on healthy living.
It can be easy to get lost in our routine: wake up, shower, go to work, have dinner, check Instagram, go to bed, repeat. Taking a moment to add some purpose to each day will do wonders for enriching our human experience. Regardless if you want to shake up your routine or are in a deep need of self-discovery, every day occurrences can be taken on in a new way to bring connection to yourself, loved ones, community and nature.
1. Travel
When we think about connection it is often in terms
of local, intimate, or one-on-one situations. But what about connecting with the world? Venturing outside of your town, and in some cases comfort zone, is an experience unlike any other.
Encountering new cultures, food, people and architecture can help bring a deeper understanding and appreciation for what is going on outside of your town. I was fortunate enough to have a job in my 20s that allowed me to travel 10 months out of the year. By the time I was 30 I had been to all 50 states (a personal goal of mine), and had traveled a few times out of the country. One summer I ventured to Hawaii by myself for some serious soul searching and adventure seeking; my life has never been the same since.
If you aren’t in a position to pick up and go for an extended period of time, take a day or weekend trip to somewhere you have always wanted to go, or better yet somewhere you’ve never considered. Create memories and traditions you can reflect on for a lifetime.
2. Exercise
My great aunt always used to say, “Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” –great advice that I also apply to fitness.
Growing up it always seemed like the only way to stay in shape was going to the gym or pushing through what seemed to be an endless pile of step aerobics, or bun-blasting tapes. For some people this works fine, but being fit is not solely about how fast you can run a mile or how much weight you can bench; you can find connection to yourself, nature and even your loved ones while achieving all of your health goals.
Dancing is an activity that brings genuine passion to my life while keeping me in excellent shape. I go to the same class at Sheila Kelley S Factor weekly and spend two hours not thinking about deadlines, term papers, or what is on my to-do list. I hang out with the lovely women I’ve made friends with, express myself and just let go. For me this was a great way to connect with my strength, femininity and even my sensuality.
You may also consider adventure fitness: hiking, biking, kayaking, rock climbing – the options are limitless! Think about any surfers you might know (or any other outdoorsy type), they always seem to truly love their sport and let’s be real, always have amazing bodies.
If you are seeking connection with other people consider signing up for a flag football, basketball, soccer field hockey, or kickball league. This is a great way to meet new people that have a shared interest while you are sweating it out.
Partner yoga is an option for a little one on one time with a close friend or partner. Nothing says bonding like balancing a plank on your partner’s shoulders.
3. Activism
For the first seven years of my professional career I worked for a non-profit; it was the most rewarding experience of my life and led me to helping others through health and wellness. You don’t have to work for a non-profit full-time to help out in your community or donate your talents to a great cause.
Donating:
If you have some clothing that you’re not using, consider donating it to a non-profit. You can connect by helping a family get back on their feet or providing a single mom with something to wear to a job interview. You’re unused outfits could literally change someone’s life.
Animal lover:
Many shelters are in need of people to walk dogs or just give the animals attention. That’s right; you can play with cats for an hour and actually be helping others. Connecting with animals can be very powerful—for both you and them!
Skills:
Some non-profits accept the donation of your abilities to enrich others’ lives, like teaching interviewing practices to the homeless or veterans that don’t have the experience. You could even volunteer to teach a craft or sport to a local boys and girls club. Your talents are a valuable asset to those that want to learn.
Clean up:
There is a great restaurant in Venice CA that recruits its customers once a month to participate in a neighborhood cleanup. Organizations that put together this kind of service are everywhere. Gather a group of friends and family get some fresh air and clean up your community!
Creating opportunities for connection is the best way fill your life with meaning in all that you do.
