MELLOW MOUNTAIN MOOD
This blog post is sponsored by OLLY Wellness. As always, all opinions and recommendations are my own.
Summer is coming to an end, and with it, I can feel the transition of the seasons taking me from an energized & high-intensity mindset, to a more reflective and relaxed headspace. I decided to take some much-needed time to chill in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado this week -- a place where I’ve lived and grown up and makes me feel like my most centered self.
I often need to remind myself that it's okay to take time to rest. For me, I tend to get caught up in my everyday to-do lists, work, and even the personal goals I set for myself mentally, physically and creatively. I'm beginning to realize that rest is not just as mindless as "taking a break" but it's actually a really important & restorative part of the creative process as a whole. I think that it is so powerful to be able to go do or explore something different for a while, and then be able to come back with fresh ideas and new perspectives on whatever you may be working on. I took myself down to one of my favorite spots by the river, did some journaling, shot some film photos of the sunset, and just listened to how quiet it was. I sat next to the water on the smooth rocks: breathing deeply and taking it all in.
Whenever I'm going to have some chill time to myself, I also bring along my Miss Mellow supplements from Olly Wellness, with herbal ingredients like chasteberry & dong quai root for helping with mood swings and balancing hormones -- to help you create your own peaceful bliss wherever you go.
Since we can’t always escape to the mountains, I think there are ways we can implement rest in our daily routines, without making it seem lazy or unintentional. One way that I think we can encompass rest is by building it into our day by setting aside a specific time for it. If you are similar to me, I tend to only “rest” once everything I need to do is complete in a given day. But usually, I end up feeling so burnt out by the time that I can accept the “rest,” that I feel like I’m unable to be intentional with how I rest. I have started to build rest into my day by taking mini breaks throughout the day. I give myself an attainable 2-3 smaller tasks to accomplish, and reward those little victories with something that will revive my mood and put me in a refreshed headspace. Whether that be a 10 minute walk outside, making yourself an iced oat latte or doing a meditation, taking time to reset throughout the day has become such an important part of my routine.
I’ve also recently been learning so much when it comes to my cycle! I’ve done some research on the four stages of the menstrual cycle, so I can be more in tune of when I should really let my body rest. These Miss Mellow supplements are also great for helping with PMS symptoms!
This is what I eat & focus on in my four stages of my cycle:
Menstrual Phase: a time for inner reflection, nourishing my body, and making self-care a priority, I eat warming foods, teas, root vegetables & berries
Follicular Phase: a time for creativity & new beginnings, I eat lots of veggies like broccoli, carrot, citrus fruits, and fermented foods
Ovulatory Phase: high energy levels, I eat lighter foods like quinoa, spinach, tomatoes, nuts, as well as herbs of dandelion & maca for detoxing & balancing the body
Luteal Phase: a time for organization, rest, and I navigate sugar cravings by eating foods with vitamin B, such as sweet potatoes, leafy greens, and herbs of ashwagandha to help balance stress
During my Luteal & Menstrual phases is usually when I’ll take the Miss Mellow supplements on a daily basis, when I need some extra herbal support through cravings & mood swings. Miss Mellow also has another natural plant ingredient called Isoflavones, which have powerful properties that help keep hormones in check during PMS.
All in all, I hope you’re able to integrate rest into your daily routines, find some time to spend outside, and learn more about how you can be best in tune with your body’s natural rhythms.
Lots of love,
A
