“Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”

– Albert Einstein

Wellness Tip:

Get Your Food Cravings in Check

Ever felt like that tub of ice cream was calling your name a little too loudly? You’re not alone! To take control of your cravings, you need to design your environment for success. 

• Create cues that trigger healthy eating habits (this exercise can help). 
• Keep unhealthy foods out of sight (thus out of mind!)
• Try habituating to trigger foods – denying them can amplify your desire.
• Look after your physical self: manage stress and get enough sleep.
• Eat for energy (try low GI foods, combine high-fiber foods with proteins and fats).

Read more here – and remember, cravings are like clouds. They pass.

Productivity Tip:

Make Mornings Clutter-Free

Clutter has major psychological effects. So, why not cut it out of your mornings for a better start to the day? Try these tips:

• Declutter your mind with a morning meditation or mindfulness exercise. 
• Try using a morning routine checklist.
• Declutter your digital spaces – organize your apps, cut down notifications, etc. 
• Streamline your grooming routine by keeping to the essentials.
• Minimize decision-making. Simplify your clothing choices, eat the same breakfast.  

Check out more ideas here and see how minimalist mornings work for you.

Routine Breakdown

Hilary Duff, Actress & Singer

Hilary Duff’s three kids are early risers, so she’s usually up by 6.15 or 6.30. She:

• Keeps a giant glass of water by her bed.
• Uses a Hatch alarm clock with ambient light and sounds. “I’m getting to that age where I want to be woken up gently.”
• Grabs her kids and makes breakfast. “My husband and I do it together, which is very sweet.”
• Does Tracy Anderson workouts, or occasionally some weights training.

Why it works:

• Hydration helps us function. It may even slow down aging and prevent diseases!
• Sunrise alarms minimize sleep inertia by giving you a gentle wakeup. 
• Family routines and rituals have been shown to improve relationships and health. Regular family meals are the way to go!
• Physical activity has a whole bunch of benefits (but you already knew that 😉).
  
  

Hilary says her best wellness advice has been to “stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and do what works for you,” and not to feel you have to fill every moment with something exciting. “We’re so overstimulated that just winding down is important,” she says. Agreed!