5 New Year’s Intentions to Support Your Wellness Journey

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1. FOCUS ON GUT-HEALTH

The gut-microbiome is said to be at the root of all disease, and certainly is at the center of good health.  This is because the gut has a dramatic influence on all other bodily systems, including the immune system, hormone regulation, and mental health.  Taking good care of our gut is a vital first step towards improving immune function, regulating hormones, and supporting mental well-being.  Below, we’re sharing three simple ways to encourage optimal digestive health and nourish your gut-microbiome after the holiday season.

• Add a probiotic – probiotics are live microorganisms that populate the gut microbiome and encourage a diverse array of good gut bacteria.  Probiotics can be found in fermented foods (such as sauerkraut, yogurt, kombucha, and kimchi), but unfortunately, most people won’t obtain enough from diet alone.  A probiotic supplement is an easy way to increase your probiotic intake and ensure optimal digestive function.  We love Garden of Life’s Dr Formulated Once Daily Probiotic containing 30 billion CFU and 14 different probiotic strains per capsule.
  
  
• Diversify your plant intake – vegetables, fruits, and legumes are excellent sources of prebiotics, which are compounds that feed the good probiotics in your gut . Plant foods also contain fiber, which is an important nutrient to ensure regular elimination.  The more diversity the better, so try to rotate the produce you buy each week, and don’t be afraid to incorporate a new veggie or fruit that you haven’t tried before!
  
  
• Incorporate a collagen supplement – collagen powder contains an assortment of essential amino acids that help to strengthen the gut lining and repair damage.  We recommend a marine-based collagen supplement such as Within Us Naturals, which is wild caught, sustainably sourced, and more easily assimilated than bovine-based collagen.

2. UP YOUR GREENS

The start of a new year is an excellent time to add more greens to your diet!  In addition to increasing your intake of veggies, fresh herbs, and leafy greens, we recommend adding a high-quality greens powder to ensure your nutritional needs are being met.

Botanica’s Perfect Greens Powder contains an assortment of mineral-rich superfoods, and comes in two flavors – chocolate and super fruit. Harmonic Arts Green Powder Blend is alkalizing, flavourless, and easy to digest, while Organic Traditions Super Greens Powder is infused with turmeric and probiotics.  Add to smoothies, green juice, or just add water!

3. SUPPORT MENTAL WELL-BEING

• Meditate – Meditation is a wonderful practice that offers many benefits, including stress relief, reduced mental chatter, self-connection, and an increased sense of presence, acceptance, and well-being.  If you’re a beginner, using an App such as Insight Timer or Daily Calm can help you learn the basics and stay committed to a daily practice – whether it be 5 minutes or 50!
  
  
• Journal – Journaling is one of our favorite ways to process emotions, practice gratitude, self-reflect, and “mind dump” daily stress.  Come into Roberts Creek Well-being to check out our wide assortment of beautiful journals.
  
  
• Go outside – it’s simple, yet incredibly effective.  Nature, fresh air, and sunlight are medicine!  Bundle up in the chilly January air and take a walk in the forest, by the ocean, or around your neighbourhood.  Getting outside as much as possible – even for just a few minutes at a time – can dramatically improve mood, cognitive function, and immune health.  Set the intention to explore a new spot in nature every week!

4. HYDRATE OPTIMALLY

Staying hydrated is one of the most important things we can do for our health.  Unfortunately, tap water is filled with a variety of chemicals and heavy metals that can be harmful to our health. Investing in a water filter, such as Santevia’s Mineralized Alkaline Water Filter, removes these harmful additives and remineralizes your water – making it taste fresh and delicious, while encouraging proper cell hydration!

5. GREEN YOUR HOME

Start the new year with a commitment to non-toxic and eco-friendly living by cleaning up the products in your home.  Conventional household items, from shampoo and deodorant to cleaning products and skin care, are often loaded with synthetic chemicals that are harmful to both the environment and our health.  

Swap these products for non-toxic alternatives, with sustainable ingredients that are safe for you and your family.  And you don’t have to do it all at once!  Simply replace products one by one after you’ve used up what you have.  This can make the process less overwhelming and more budget friendly!  Below is a list of our favorite green body care and household products for you to try:

• Modern Hippie – Skincare
• Carina Organics – Bath & body products
  
• Routine – Deodorant
• Dr Bronner’s – Toothpaste and soap
• The Future is Bamboo – Toothbrushes, Q-tips & floss
  
• Natracare – Period products
• The Bare Home – Laundry detergent, cleaning spray, hand soap, dish soap
• Nellie’s – Home cleaners
• Caboo – Toilet paper and paper towel
• Fable- Essential oil based home freshener sprays

Written by: Hannah Schmitt