the ward method

Author: kelly ann ward

  • Things I’m obsessed with rn.

    Things I’m obsessed with rn.

    Lately, I’ve been in this really fun, creative little bubble where I just want to romanticize my life and soak up everything that makes me feel like me. I don’t know if it’s the change in season or the fact that I’ve finally stopped forcing myself to hustle 24/7, but I’ve been leaning into the things that spark joy (yes, I said it).

    So here’s a not-so-serious list of things I’m currently obsessed with, no gatekeeping, no judgment, just vibes:

    1. Charcuterie boards, always
    I don’t care if I’m alone or with friends, give me a wooden board, some crackers, cheese, olives, a drizzle of honey, and I’m set. Something about arranging snacks like a little artist with a palette just feels so healing. It’s not even about the food (okay, it kind of is), it’s the aesthetic. It’s the ritual. It’s the pretending I’m in a European indie film.

    2. Getting creative with my wardrobe
    I’m done playing it safe. Lately, I’ve been mixing textures, layering weird combos, and pulling things out of my closet I forgot I owned, just to see what happens. Sometimes it works. Sometimes I look mildly unhinged. But I always feel like me.

    Fashion is basically dress-up for grown-ups, and I’m here for it. If it sparks joy and turns heads (in a good or confusing way), I’m wearing it.

    3. Almond milk cappuccinos
    Is this a personality trait? Maybe. I feel like an off-duty poet every time I sip one. There’s just something about the smoothness of the almond milk and the foam situation that makes me feel centered. Bonus points if I’m drinking it while journaling or pretending to be productive at a coffee shop.

    4. My digital camera
    I recently dusted off my digital camera (not a fancy DSLR, I’m talking early 2010s, blurry flash vibes), and let me tell you: the content is immaculate. It gives everything a nostalgic, artsy energy that iPhones just can’t replicate. I’ve been documenting the random moments, messy dinners, sunsets, outfits I love, trees, and it honestly makes life feel more cinematic.

    5. Books that feel like soul food
    I’m in my “reading to feel things again” era. I’ve been gravitating toward books that either inspire me creatively, make me cry, or make me want to write my own. There’s nothing better than a story that pulls you out of your head and into someone else’s world, especially when it inspires you to show up in your own life a little differently.

    So yep, I’m fully leaning into my artsy, emotional, coffee-fueled era, and I love her.
    She’s romanticizing the little things. She’s playing dress-up for the plot. She’s editing blurry photos like it’s 2008. She’s not taking life too seriously, but she’s savoring it in her own way.

    And maybe that’s what embracing your creative side is all about: letting yourself feel things, follow random sparks of joy, and curate a life that looks and feels like your own little masterpiece.

  • How I’m actually getting sh*t done.

    How I’m actually getting sh*t done.

    I don’t know about you, but I’ve had a love-hate relationship with productivity for years. On one hand, I want to feel like I’m moving toward something, like I’m actually making progress on the million goals floating around in my head. But on the other hand… I also want to lie on the floor and scroll Pinterest in peace.

    Here’s the thing no one really talks about: staying motivated is hard when you’re overwhelmed. And trying to do everything is the fastest way to end up doing absolutely nothing.

    So lately, I’ve been testing out a new approach. I stripped everything back and asked myself: How do I make this feel doable, not terrifying?

    Here are the 2 things that have actually helped me get things done (without the burnout spiral):

    1. The “one thing a day” rule

    Forget the mile-long to-do list. These days, I pick one thing each day that moves me closer to a goal. Just one.

    Some days it’s sending that email I’ve been avoiding. Other days it’s writing half a blog post, or even just brainstorming for 20 minutes. The key is making it so doable that my brain doesn’t automatically resist.

    It might not sound like much, but here’s the magic: one thing a day adds up fast. You build momentum without overwhelming yourself, and you don’t feel like a failure when you can’t tick off 12 tasks in 3 hours.

    2. I romanticize the boring stuff

    No one talks about how boring consistency can be. Showing up every day? Doing the same small tasks over and over? Snoozefest.

    So I romanticize it. I light a candle. I put on a playlist that makes me feel like the main character in a movie where I get my life together. I make my workspace cute. I reward myself for showing up, even if I just crossed off one thing.

    It sounds silly, but tricking your brain into enjoying the process makes a huge difference. You stop chasing motivation and start leaning into rhythm.

    So if you’re feeling stuck, scattered, or straight-up exhausted by your to-do list, let this be your reminder: You don’t have to do it all at once. You just have to start, in a way that works for you.

    Small wins count. Slow progress is still progress. And getting sh*t done doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your peace.

    You’ve got this (and if you don’t today, there’s always tomorrow).

  • Why you shouldn’t take yourself so seriously.

    Why you shouldn’t take yourself so seriously.

    Let me just start by saying: I used to be that person, the one who agonized over every little thing, trying to get life exactly right. Like, if I didn’t have my act perfectly together, I felt like a total failure. And honestly? That was exhausting.

    I think we all get caught up in this trap sometimes, thinking we have to be perfect, or at least look like we do. We want to appear put-together, confident, and in control, even when inside we’re scrambling and second-guessing ourselves.

    But here’s the thing: life isn’t some rigid checklist or Instagram highlight reel. It’s messy, unpredictable, and often downright ridiculous. So why am I spending so much time trying to be serious and “on” all the time?

    That’s when I realized, I needed to lighten up.

    Taking myself less seriously didn’t mean I stopped caring. It just meant I stopped giving my worries and mistakes so much power. Instead of freaking out about every slip-up, I started laughing at them. Instead of overthinking every conversation, I reminded myself that nobody’s keeping a scorecard.

    And you know what? It felt like a breath of fresh air.

    When I stopped obsessing over perfection, I actually became more present. I enjoyed the little moments that would have otherwise passed me by while I was busy stressing. I felt freer to be myself, flaws and all.

    So if you’re anything like me, constantly stuck in your head and taking life a little too seriously, here’s my two cents: try giving yourself a break. Laugh at your awkward moments. Embrace the chaos. Remember that it’s okay to mess up and not have all the answers.

    Life’s too short to be serious all the time, and honestly, it’s way more fun when you don’t take yourself too seriously.

    Let’s make room for more joy, silliness, and realness in this wild ride we call life.

  • 4 realistic ways to help anxiety.

    4 realistic ways to help anxiety.

    Let’s be real: anxiety doesn’t care how many gratitude lists you write or how many times you meditate before breakfast. Some days, your heart is racing and your brain feels like it’s running five tabs at once, and no, you’re not even on caffeine yet.

    If you’ve been riding the anxiety rollercoaster lately (same), here are 4 things I come back to when I need to breathe, reset, and not spiral into the void:

    1. Moving your body (even when you don’t feel like it)

    I know, I know. “Exercise helps anxiety” is not exactly groundbreaking. But hear me out, it’s not about burning calories or doing a full HIIT class while trying not to cry. It’s about shifting energy.

    Whether it’s a long walk, a slow yoga flow, or dancing around your room to your old Spotify playlists from 2016, movement is medicine. When anxiety is living in your chest like a weighted balloon, sweating it out (even just a little) can feel like releasing the valve.

    Pro tip: Don’t overthink the workout. Put on your comfiest set, cue up a playlist, and just move until your brain stops buzzing so loud.

    2. Matcha over meltdown

    Matcha is my personality at this point, and not just because it’s cute on Instagram. Something about the ritual of making it calms me down: the slow whisking, the warm mug, the soft, earthy taste. It’s like giving my nervous system a little hug.

    And yes, matcha has L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm and focus without the jittery chaos of coffee. So if caffeine makes your anxiety worse (welcome to the club), switching to matcha might be your new best friend.

    Bonus: It feels fancy. Even if you’re just drinking it in pajamas with yesterday’s mascara still on.

    3. Staring at the ocean (or anything that makes you feel small in a good way)

    You ever just… go to the beach and let the ocean roast you in the best way?

    “You’re one tiny human. That’s why you don’t have all the answers. Take a breath.”

    Staring at the ocean reminds me that I’m allowed to let go. I don’t need to be in control of everything. I don’t have to “fix” how I feel in 5 minutes.

    If you don’t live near the ocean, go find a mountain, a sunset, a tree, or even just the sky at night. Look up. Breathe. Let it remind you that you’re part of something bigger, and that your anxious brain doesn’t have to carry the whole world.

    4. Rest, not just sleep

    When you’re anxious, resting can feel like a waste of time. Like if you’re not actively doing something, you’re falling behind. But that’s exactly what anxiety wants you to think.

    Real rest, the kind that refuels you, not just knocks you out, looks like giving yourself permission to do nothing and not feel guilty about it.

    It’s putting your phone on airplane mode for an hour. Laying on the couch and listening to music. Journaling without an agenda. Saying “no” to things that drain you. Watching something light and silly with zero intellectual value. You get the picture.

    Because here’s the truth: you’re not lazy for needing a break. You’re human.
    And anxiety thrives when we treat ourselves like machines.

    If your anxiety feels heavy right now, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to overhaul your life to start feeling better. Start small. Pick one thing. Give yourself a moment to pause.

    Move a little.
    Sip something calming.
    Stare at something beautiful.
    Rest without guilt.

    Because feeling better isn’t about having a perfect routine. It’s about creating moments of peace that you can actually stick with.

    And sometimes, that starts with choosing a salad, a matcha, and a walk over doom scrolling.

  • Two realistic ways to get healthier skin (without trying too hard).

    Two realistic ways to get healthier skin (without trying too hard).

    Let’s be real: skincare can feel overwhelming.

    There’s always a new serum, a trending “must-have” tool, or someone on TikTok dunking their face in ice water for six minutes straight. And while I love a good hack, sometimes your skin just needs the basics.

    Here are two low-effort, high-impact things I’ve been doing lately that have actually made a difference:

    1. Drinking more water, for real this time

    Yes, it’s boring. Yes, we’ve all heard it before. But no, most of us aren’t actually doing it.

    I didn’t realize how dehydrated I was until I started drinking more water, and I don’t mean just sipping throughout the day. I mean intentionally getting those 2–3L in daily. My skin? Less dull. My face? Less puffy. My energy? Way better.

    If you’re someone who forgets to drink water until 3pm and then tries to chug a whole bottle in panic, same. Here’s what helped:

    • A cute water bottle (it makes a difference)
    • Adding electrolytes or lemon for taste
    • Linking it to a habit (like drinking a glass every time you check your phone or scroll Instagram)

    The truth? Hydration is one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to improve your skin, and your mood.

    2. Giving your skin a break from everything

    Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your face is… nothing.

    No new products. No intense actives. No 10-step routines at 11pm when you’re already half asleep. Just letting your skin breathe and go back to basics.

    I started doing this unintentionally after forgetting to re-order a product, and my skin actually looked better. Less reactive. Less inflamed. More balanced.

    Try a “skincare reset” day or weekend:

    • Cleanser, moisturizer, SPF. That’s it.
    • No exfoliants, retinol, or heavy treatments
    • Bonus points if you go makeup-free and just let your skin live

    Turns out, your face doesn’t always need more. Sometimes it just needs less.

    Drink your water. Take a break from the 14-step routine. Your skin’s not mad at you, it might just be tired.

    Healthy skin doesn’t have to mean expensive products or confusing routines.
    Sometimes it just means tuning in, simplifying, and showing up for yourself in the smallest ways.

    Your skin (and your nervous system) will thank you.

  • No one’s you, and that’s your power(a gentle reminder in a world that keeps trying to shape you)

    No one’s you, and that’s your power(a gentle reminder in a world that keeps trying to shape you)

    There’s this line from On the Road that always hits me in the gut:
    “There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars.”

    That kind of wild, free, unfiltered energy, it makes you want to exhale. Makes you want to grab your keys, leave your phone behind, and just drive with the windows down. Because when the world feels heavy, loud, and a little too curated, that’s what we crave. Realness. Stillness. Ourselves.

    But it’s hard, right? To be yourself when everyone and everything is trying to sell you someone else.

    Scroll through your feed and you’re told to be softer but more productive. Thinner but body positive. Confident but not too loud. Authentic but also aesthetically on brand.

    It’s a lot.

    And somewhere between overthinking captions and questioning your path, you can forget who you were before the noise.

    So here’s your reminder, from one soul to another:

    You were never meant to fit.

    You weren’t born to be digestible. To shrink into a category. To shape-shift for likes, for approval, for peacekeeping.

    You were made to take up space. To feel deeply. To cry in public if you need to. To laugh hard at the wrong time. To wear the outfit you love even if it doesn’t make sense to anyone else.

    You were made to make people feel something. Not everyone will like that. But not everyone was meant to be your people.

    You don’t need to have a 5-year plan.

    You just need to have a pulse and a passion and a little bit of faith that if you keep showing up as you, life will meet you where you are. Not where you’re pretending to be.

    We live in a world obsessed with productivity, perfection, and performance. But the best parts of life, the real, electric, human stuff, they don’t live on to-do lists.

    They live in the in-between. In the weird voice you use when you talk to your dog. In the way you sing when you drive alone. In the messy notes app ideas that make no sense but still feel like magic.

    That’s where you live. That’s where your art is.

    When in doubt, choose soul over strategy.

    Because when you show up as the most you version of you, even if it’s not trending, even if it’s not polished, that’s when life starts to feel real again.

    Your presence doesn’t need a filter. Your thoughts don’t need to be profound. You don’t need to say the “right” thing or follow the “right” path or make your parents proud with a job title that sounds important but feels soul-sucking.

    You just need to be you. In whatever version that looks like today.

    And no, not everyone will get it.

    But the right people will.

    They’ll be drawn to your spark. Your humanness. Your realness.

    Not the version you curated, but the version you allowed.

    So keep showing up in your way. In your time. With your truth.

    Make things that feel good. Say the weird thing in the meeting. Dance badly. Cry when you need to. Laugh too loud. Take breaks. Post the photo. Leave when it feels wrong. Stay when it feels right.

    And if you ever feel lost, like you’re floating and unsure, just look up.

    There’s nowhere to go but everywhere.

    So take a breath. Roll slow under the stars.
    And come back home to yourself.

  • Salad for dinner? My nervous system says thank you.

    Salad for dinner? My nervous system says thank you.

    Okay, I’ll admit it: I used to think salads were a bit boring. Like something you order at a fancy restaurant and instantly regret. But lately, I’ve been choosing a big, colourful bowl of greens for dinner… and surprisingly? I’ve never felt calmer.

    Turns out, salad isn’t just a side dish for people who “meal prep” in matching sets. It’s a whole nervous system regulation tool, if you build it right.

    If your body’s been feeling a little wired, tired, or like it’s just… not vibing, here are 3 ways eating salad can help you feel more grounded, balanced, and like a slightly more chill version of yourself:

    1. It’s packed with magnesium, aka the calm-down mineral

    A well-built salad (I’m talking dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, arugula) is loaded with magnesium, a mineral that literally helps regulate your nervous system. It’s been shown to ease anxiety, support sleep, and help your muscles relax.

    I didn’t realise how deficient I probably was until I started sleeping better after a week of regular greens. Magnesium helps keep cortisol (your stress hormone) in check, and that alone makes a salad worth the chop.

    Try adding: pumpkin seeds, avocado, or even a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings (yes, really), they’re all magnesium-rich.

    2. It supports gut health, and your gut is your “second brain”

    Here’s the thing: your gut and your brain are in constant conversation. So if your digestion is off, your mood probably will be too.

    Salads are an easy way to pack in fiber, which helps feed the good bacteria in your gut. And when your gut feels good? You’re more likely to feel mentally clear, emotionally stable, and less like you want to cry at a random TikTok.

    Add-ins to try: fermented foods like kimchi, a little sauerkraut, or even a dollop of plain Greek yogurt-based dressing. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.

    3. It’s a low-stress, high-satiety meal (aka your blood sugar will love it)

    A big salad with the right balance of protein, healthy fats, and slow carbs keeps your blood sugar stable, which is key to feeling emotionally and physically grounded. No 4 p.m. crash, no snapping at people for no reason.

    You’re essentially giving your body what it needs without overwhelming it. It’s light, but filling. Nourishing, not numbing. Which makes a huge difference when you’re trying to be productive and stay sane.

    My formula:
    Greens + protein (grilled chicken, tofu, eggs) + healthy fat (avocado, olive oil, nuts) + a little crunch (cucumber, radish, seeds). Bonus: it looks pretty and tastes amazing.

    And honestly? That’s enough for me right now.

    If you’ve been craving a reset, not a full lifestyle overhaul, just something simple that makes you feel better in your own body, this might be the habit to try.
    (Plus, it makes you feel a bit smug in the best way possible. Like, “yes I did eat something green today. Go me.”)

    Small wins are still wins.

  • How ‘Think and Grow Rich’ changed my life.

    How ‘Think and Grow Rich’ changed my life.

    If someone told me a book could literally shift my entire mindset, and keep doing it every single time I pick it up, I probably wouldn’t have believed them. But Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is exactly that kind of book.

    First things first: it’s not the easiest read. The language is old-school, and some chapters feel like a mental workout. Honestly, it’s the kind of book you might finish, close, and think, “Wait… what did I just read?” But here’s the thing, that’s actually part of the magic.

    This is a book you don’t just read once and toss aside. It’s a book you re-read again and again because the value doesn’t come all at once. Every time I revisit it, I pick up something new, a fresh perspective, a reminder, or a spark of motivation that I desperately needed but didn’t realize.

    As someone who’s always battling my inner critic and trying to reframe my mindset, Think and Grow Rich has become my go-to reset. It teaches you that success, growth, and really living start from within, how you think, how you believe, and how you push past those mental blocks.

    What stuck with me the most is the idea that your mindset isn’t fixed. It’s a muscle. And like any muscle, it needs regular training. When life throws those “What if I fail?” moments at me, I go back to this book. It reminds me to flip the script, to think bigger, and to grow richer, not just in money, but in confidence, resilience, and purpose.

    So yes, it’s a tough read, but it’s worth it. If you’re the kind of person who needs a little nudge to keep your mindset in check, this might just become your favourite tough-love coach on paper.

    And honestly? I’m already planning my next re-read.

  • Realistic ways to grocery shop without crying at checkout.

    Realistic ways to grocery shop without crying at checkout.

    (Especially when you have Erewhon taste on a budget)

    Let’s be honest, grocery shopping can feel like a spiritual crisis. You go in for eggs and almond milk and somehow end up $126 deep in mushroom adaptogens and organic cacao nibs. If you’ve ever walked through a bougie grocery store convincing yourself that a $17 smoothie is basically medicine… same.

    The truth is, we all want to eat well, feel good, and not break down at checkout. But healthy grocery shopping isn’t just about the kale. It’s about your mindset, your money, and learning how to choose foods that actually work for your body and your lifestyle. Here are four ways to make it make sense:

    Romanticize being smart with your spending

    Eating healthy doesn’t mean buying the trendiest health food item on TikTok. It means learning what actually makes you feel good, and that might just be frozen blueberries and oats, over $14 almond flour crackers. You’re not “missing out” when you skip the wellness hype. You’re creating your own version of wellness that’s sustainable. Big win.

    Ask yourself: would I still buy this if I wasn’t influenced by a YouTuber in L.A.?

    Go in with a game plan (and a snack)

    Never walk into a grocery store hungry or emotionally unstable. You’ll end up buying four kinds of cheese, a box of dates, and something pickled that you’ll never eat. Have a plan, write a list, even loosely. Think about what meals you actually cook and eat, not the ones you wish you did. Build your shop around those.

    Realistic > aspirational. your kitchen isn’t a Pinterest board, and that’s okay.

    Choose staples that do the most

    Healthy grocery shopping on a budget is about picking versatile ingredients that can stretch across multiple meals. Think: quinoa, eggs, canned beans, frozen veg, greens, and your go-to protein. These items work hard. You can remix them into different meals without feeling like you’re eating the same sad salad every day.

    Let it be flexible (and fun)

    Some weeks you’ll feel like a wellness goddess, other weeks it’s frozen pizza and a prayer. Balance, right? The goal isn’t to be perfect, it’s to build habits that support you long term. Pick a few nutritious go-to’s, try one new thing each week, and let go of the pressure to do it all.

    Wellness isn’t found in your cart total, it’s in how you treat yourself day to day.

    The bottom line?
    Healthy grocery shopping isn’t about spending more. It’s about knowing what works for you, honoring your budget, and not letting the wellness-industrial complex guilt trip you into thinking you need spirulina powder to be a functioning human.

    You deserve to eat well and feel good, without crying at checkout.

  • Why I’m still doing cold plunges after workouts… even in winter.

    Why I’m still doing cold plunges after workouts… even in winter.

    Let’s talk about doing crazy things for your health.

    Like willingly jumping into freezing water after a sweaty gym session. In winter. When your body is begging for a hot shower and a fluffy towel.

    Yep. Cold plunges. I started doing them post-workout, and despite the initial why am I like this? moment, I can’t lie, I’m hooked. It’s giving pain… but make it wellness.

    So why would anyone do this to themselves? Here’s what I’ve learned (and why it’s actually kind of magical):

    1. Reduces inflammation and speeds up recovery

    After a tough workout, your muscles are like tiny drama queens, sore, inflamed, and in need of some TLC. A cold plunge acts like a natural anti-inflammatory. It helps reduce swelling, eases muscle soreness, and speeds up recovery so you can get back to the gym (or the couch) feeling like your best self.

    (Basically, it’s an ice pack for your entire body, minus the awkward Velcro straps.)

    2. Boosts mood and mental clarity

    There’s something oddly empowering about doing something your brain screams NOPE to. Cold plunging triggers a release of dopamine and endorphins, aka your brain’s happy chemicals. So after that 2-3 minute freeze fest? You walk out feeling clear, calm, and a little bit unstoppable.

    (It’s like espresso for your nervous system. Just colder. And slightly more dramatic.)

    3. Strengthens discipline and builds mental grit

    Cold plunges are uncomfortable. That’s kind of the point. But doing hard things on purpose has a ripple effect. It trains your brain to push through discomfort, which, spoiler alert, comes in handy for more than just workouts. Work stress, anxiety, life stuff? You’ve built that resilience.

    (Nothing builds character like screaming internally while submerged in 8°C water. Character = built.)

    Yes, it’s freezing. Yes, you’ll question your life choices at first.
    But trust me, cold plunges after workouts (even in winter) are a mind-body game changer. Just throw on a hoodie after and remind yourself: you’re doing this for future you. The one with less muscle soreness and more inner peace.

    And hey, if you can survive a cold plunge, you can survive pretty much anything.