the ward method

Tag: health

  • The trip that saved my mental health.

    The trip that saved my mental health.

    Howdy friends

    So… I recently took a trip that honestly changed everything. Not in a huge, dramatic, life-turning-upside-down kind of way. But in that slow, subtle, soul-shifting kind of way. The kind that reminds you what it actually feels like to be alive, not just functioning.

    I’ve been in hustle mode for a few years now. Wake up, create content, tick off the to-do list, try to keep the algorithm happy, try to keep myself together… and somewhere along the way, I forgot how to pause. I mean really pause. I forgot what it felt like to not be performing productivity 24/7. Like, when was the last time I did something just because I wanted to, not because it needed to be documented, edited, posted, or optimized?

    Let me tell you: a few days on a farm with no real plans, no pressure, and no phone signal will humble and heal you real quick.

    The trip was for my friend’s birthday, just a bunch of us, a car packed with snacks, and a long drive into the middle of nowhere. I had my headphones in, the mountains were rolling by, and for the first time in a while, I didn’t feel the need to check my phone. It was just me and my thoughts… which, if you’re like me and have an extra chatty brain, can feel like a lot at first. But after a while, something softened. I started to settle.

    We stayed in this big old farmhouse surrounded by open fields and animals and that crisp kind of mountain air that feels like therapy. We’d wake up early (like… sunrise early), explore the land, walk until our legs ached, and just be. No notifications. No chaos. Just conversations by the fire, good food, shared laughter, and the kind of silence that feels full instead of empty. The stars at night were unreal. Like movie-scene unreal. And I remember thinking, “This. This is what I want more of.”

    And that’s when it hit me, how much I’ve been craving presence. Like real, grounded, I’m-actually-here presence. Not “here, but thinking about five other things.” Not “here, but worried about who saw my story.” Just… here.

    When I stepped away from the routine, the social media, the constant noise, I finally had space to hear myself again. I could actually feel what I’d been too busy to notice: how tired I was. How overstimulated. How I’ve been using productivity as a distraction from my own feelings. How healing isn’t always about doing more, it’s about feeling safe enough to stop doing.

    Which brings me to this thing I’ve been learning about (and slightly obsessing over): nervous system regulation.

    Here’s the deal: your nervous system is basically your internal thermostat for safety. When you’re overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in go-go-go mode, your sympathetic system (aka fight or flight) takes over. It’s like your body thinks you’re constantly under threat, even when you’re just answering emails. But when you’re grounded, calm, and feeling safe, your parasympathetic system (rest and digest mode) kicks in. That’s where real healing happens. That’s where you can actually feel good.

    On the farm, I was unknowingly regulating my nervous system every single day:
    ☁️ Waking with the sun
    🌲 Walking in nature
    🧘🏽‍♀️ Sitting in stillness without performing it
    🔥 Laughing by the fire
    ⭐️ Staring at the stars with no agenda

    And slowly, I realized: this is the kind of peace I want to build into my everyday life. Not just something I escape to once a year. But something I create in small ways every day. A little pocket of calm here. A moment of joy there. A breath, a pause, a decision to put the phone down and pick presence up instead.

    Here’s the truth: you don’t need to go off-grid or live on a farm to feel this. You just need to remember you’re allowed to stop performing. You’re allowed to rest. To feel. To be soft. To enjoy things that don’t look productive but feel peaceful.

    So now, I’m in this new season, still healing, still figuring things out, still craving slowness. I’m not trying to “fix” myself all the time. I’m just trying to feel more like myself. I want to spend time with people who calm my nervous system, not trigger it. I want to create, but not at the expense of my joy. And I want more memories that feel like that trip: unfiltered, unshared, mine.

    If you’ve been feeling stuck in survival mode or like you’ve forgotten how to just be, maybe this is your sign to step back. Take a day. Or even just an afternoon. Go outside. Sit in silence. Turn your phone off. Make something with your hands. Water your plants like it’s a ritual. Make a smoothie and drink it without scrolling. You don’t have to earn rest. You just have to remember that you deserve it.

    Thanks for reading. I hope this gave you that little breath of fresh air you’ve been needing. You’re not broken. You’re just tired. And I promise, stillness isn’t scary once you let it hold you.

    Until next time, breathe, rest, and romanticize the boring stuff. That’s where the magic really is. 🤍

  • My new mid-morning obsession.

    My new mid-morning obsession.

    I’ve entered my papaya era, and honestly? I’m not looking back.

    I used to be a “grab-whatever’s-nearby” kind of girl when it came to snacks. Half a protein bar, a spoonful of peanut butter, or something random and crunchy just to get through the slump between breakfast and lunch. But recently, I decided to romanticize the mid-morning lull. Enter: papaya.

    Yes, papaya.

    I know, she’s often overshadowed by her trendier cousins, avocado, mango, maybe even pineapple if we’re getting wild. But papaya? She’s the quiet one in the corner with soft skin, golden insides, and main character energy once you give her a chance.

    Here’s why I’m obsessed:

    1. She’s sweet without being chaotic.
    Papaya has this mellow, buttery sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm your taste buds or spike your sugar like a cupcake in disguise. It’s light. It’s gentle. It feels like someone whispering “you’re doing amazing, sweetie” directly into your nervous system.

    2. She supports the gut, and the glow-up.
    Papaya is packed with enzymes (hello, papain) that help with digestion, which means your tummy loves her. And if you’ve ever googled “foods for clear skin,” you’ve probably seen her on every list. Coincidence? I think not.

    3. She’s kind of aesthetic.
    Slice her open, scoop out the seeds, maybe add a lil’ lime juice or a dollop of coconut yogurt or blueberries? Suddenly you’re a wellness influencer in Bali. Or at least vibing like one between meetings.

    4. It’s giving intentional living.
    Something about choosing papaya as a snack feels… elevated. Like you’re not just grabbing food, you’re choosing nourishment. You’re taking a moment. You’re being the version of yourself who hydrates and journals and listens to SZA in the bath.

    Honestly, it’s less about the papaya and more about the energy of choosing it.

    So if you’ve been living off desk snacks or haven’t met your fruit quota this week, this is your sign. Go get yourself a papaya. Scoop her out slowly. Romanticize your Wednesday morning like it’s the start of something.

    Because it kind of is.

  • 4 Wellness myths we need to let go of.

    4 Wellness myths we need to let go of.

    Let’s be honest, wellness can feel like a full-time job these days.

    Between the endless green powders, sunrise yoga, and TikToks telling you that if you don’t meditate, journal, and drink lemon water before 6AM… you’re doing it wrong, it’s a lot.

    But here’s the thing: real wellness isn’t performative. It’s not curated. And it’s definitely not one-size-fits-all.

    So let’s bust a few myths that might be making you feel like you’re “not doing enough” when really, you’re doing just fine.

    1. You have to wake up at 5AM to be healthy

    Sure, early mornings work for some people, but if you’re not wired that way, that’s okay. Productivity doesn’t live exclusively in the AM. What matters more is creating a routine that feels supportive, not one that drains you before the day even starts. Sleep is sacred. Your timeline is your own.

    2. You need a perfect morning routine

    You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy ritual to “win the day.” A routine that works for you might look like drinking water before coffee, stepping outside for a breath of fresh air, or just giving yourself ten minutes of quiet before diving into work. The magic is in the intention, not the aesthetic.

    3. You need 15 supplements to feel good

    Supplements can be helpful, but they’re not a cure-all. Sometimes, what your body really needs is proper sleep, whole foods, hydration, and movement. Don’t get distracted by shiny wellness marketing. The basics are still the most powerful tools we have.

    4. Clean eating = clean living

    Let’s stop moralizing food. “Clean” eating often leads to obsessive patterns, guilt, and a disconnection from your body’s actual needs. Trust me. True wellness is flexible. It’s about nourishment and enjoyment. Your worth isn’t determined by your salad-to-cookie ratio.

    So what does real wellness look like?

    It looks like tuning into your body.
    Choosing rest when you’re tired.
    Moving your body because it feels good, not as punishment.
    Eating foods that energize you, not restrict you.
    And letting go of the pressure to fit into someone else’s version of “healthy.”

    Because the real flex?
    Taking care of yourself without the pressure to perform.

  • My go-to green smoothie (um, yum)

    My go-to green smoothie (um, yum)

    Let’s be honest, sometimes I wake up feeling like my brain is wrapped in a foggy blanket. You know the feeling: scattered thoughts, low energy, and zero motivation before noon. Over the years, I’ve found that starting my day with a green smoothie loaded with berries is the best way to clear that mental clutter and get my brain firing on all cylinders.

    Here’s the thing: green smoothies aren’t just about getting your veggies in (though that’s a win too). When you throw in berries, you’re adding a serious brain boost packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats that actually support how your brain works.

    Why berries are the MVPs for your brain:

    Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are like little antioxidant warriors. They fight off oxidative stress, which sounds fancy but basically means they protect your brain cells from damage caused by daily stress, pollution, and just living life.

    Plus, they help improve communication between brain cells, so your memory and focus get a natural upgrade. Perfect for those mornings when you’ve got a million tabs open in your head.

    And don’t forget the greens:

    Spinach, kale, or whatever leafy green you’ve got on hand bring in folate and vitamin K, which have been linked to better brain function and mood stabilization. The combo of greens and berries gives you a cocktail of nutrients that work together to keep your mind sharp and your energy steady.

    Here’s what I love about my green smoothie ritual:

    • It’s quick and easy, five minutes in the blender and I’m set.
    • The sweet flavour from berries makes it feel like a treat, not a chore.
    • It feels like I’m doing something good for myself without the overwhelm of complicated health routines.
    • Bonus: it keeps me full and focused through those mid-morning slump hours.

    So next time your brain feels fuzzy or you’re spiraling, try blending up a green smoothie with a handful of berries. Your mind will thank you, and honestly? It’s a small act of self-care that feels pretty damn good.

  • Bye bye burnout.

    Bye bye burnout.

    Burnout isn’t always some big dramatic crash. Sometimes it’s just feeling done, your brain’s fuzzy, motivation’s MIA, and you’re scraping the bottom of your energy barrel but still expected to keep going.

    I wrote about this in my latest article for Odyssey Magazine’s 250th edition, a space I’ve loved for years because they get that wellness isn’t about perfection or hype. It’s messy, real, and often slow as hell.

    If you’re feeling stretched, stuck, or just tired-tired, these two simple habits helped me come back to myself when I thought there was nothing left to give.

    1. Set tiny boundaries that feel good

    This isn’t about shutting down your whole life. It’s the little things that add up, like ditching your phone 30 minutes before bed, saying no to one extra thing each week, or giving yourself permission to take a 10-minute breather every couple of hours.

    Boundaries aren’t mean or selfish. They’re the energy filters we all need to stay sane.

    2. Switch up your morning routine

    Routine can turn robotic fast. So I change one small thing every week, maybe I swap my usual coffee for tea, take a new route on my walk, or try a different playlist.

    It’s a simple way to remind yourself your day doesn’t have to feel like Groundhog Day. Small changes make a big difference.

    Burnout is a slow drip, but you’re not powerless. Tiny shifts like these helped me stop running on empty and start showing up for myself again.

    If you want to read the full article and get into more honest, no-BS wellness talk, check out Odyssey Magazine’s milestone issue, I’m so grateful to be part of it.

    So if you’re tired-tired, start here. Because your energy and your peace are the whole point.

  • June gloom got you spiraling?

    June gloom got you spiraling?

    You know that weird, foggy stretch of time where the sky’s grey for no reason, your motivation’s missing, and everything feels a little meh?

    Yep. June Gloom. It’s a thing. And if you’re anything like me, it messes with your vibe just enough to make you feel off, even when everything else seems fine.

    And while it’s not full-on seasonal depression, there’s definitely something about grey skies and that weird middle-of-the-year limbo that makes you question… everything?

    So if you’ve been feeling low-key tired, uninspired, or just kind of over it, here are 3 ways I’ve been dealing with the gloom, without pretending I’m suddenly a productivity machine:

    1. Romanticize your routine, even if it’s boring

    Yes, I said it. The only thing getting me through this grey weather is making my everyday routine feel like a low-budget indie film.
    Warm matcha in a real mug (not a to-go one).
    Reading a chapter of a book instead of doom scrolling.
    Putting on a playlist that sounds like main character energy in the rain.

    It doesn’t have to be aesthetic or perfect. Just intentional. A moody walk in a hoodie. Cooking something warm. Writing a list. Let the weather slow you down, in a good way.

    2. Stop forcing sunshine energy when you’re in a fog

    This one’s for my overachievers. You’re not lazy or broken if you don’t feel like doing it all right now. There’s nothing wrong with needing more rest, silence, or solitude when things feel heavy.

    Your body and brain are responding to lower light, lower serotonin, and the subtle stress of “mid-year pressure.”
    So instead of pushing, pause.

    → Take the pressure off.
    → Do what you can, then give yourself permission to chill.
    → Let yourself feel cozy, even if it’s June.

    3. Get outside, even if it’s just for 10 minutes

    Okay, hear me out, this sounds basic, but it actually helps.
    Even on cloudy days, natural light (especially morning light) can reset your circadian rhythm, boost your mood, and help you feel slightly more alive.

    Grab your hoodie, throw on headphones, and step out for a walk. Go to a yoga flow session. You don’t need to hit 10K steps or see the sun, just move. Let your eyes look far away. Let your brain defog a little. It’s underrated magic.

    June doesn’t always feel like summer mentally. Sometimes it’s grey skies, hot coffee, and being kind to yourself for showing up anyway.

    You’re not behind. You’re not failing. You’re just in a season. And it’s okay to meet it with softness instead of resistance.

    Now go pour yourself something warm, romanticize the fog, and maybe cry to a Slow Pulp song. You’re doing great.

  • The male gaze + sexual wellness.

    The male gaze + sexual wellness.

    Let’s just say it: female pleasure has been misunderstood, dismissed, and distorted for far too long. And the male gaze? She’s been running the show like an overworked director with a fragile ego and no clue how women actually work.

    In my latest podcast episode, I unpacked the connection between the male gaze and female orgasms, and no, not just in a “sex ed” kind of way. I’m talking about the emotional, psychological, and very real impact that cultural conditioning has had on how women experience (or struggle to experience) intimacy and pleasure.

    Spoiler: it’s not you.
    It’s the pressure to perform.
    To look good while feeling good.
    To prioritize someone else’s desire over your own.

    The male gaze is not your mirror

    If you’ve ever been in your head during sex, wondering what you look like instead of how you feel, you’re not alone. That’s the male gaze, embedded like background noise in so many women’s minds.

    It’s not about hating men. It’s about understanding how growing up in a world that tells you your value is how desirable you are can really mess with your sense of self. Even in your most intimate, personal moments.

    And that shame or detachment you might feel around your body? It’s not your fault. It’s conditioning. And the good news? It can be unlearned.

    Orgasms are not a performance

    We grow up learning that pleasure is a bonus, not the point. That it’s something you earn. That it’s supposed to look a certain way. Cue the performative moans, the faking, the fear of “taking too long.”

    But here’s the truth: you don’t exist for someone else’s viewing pleasure.

    Pleasure is a birthright. Self-love isn’t just bubble baths and affirmations, it’s being able to connect to your body, feel safe in it, explore what you like, and not feel guilty about wanting more.

    So what does sexual wellness really mean?

    It means understanding that your body isn’t an object.
    It’s a home.
    A place where you feel, not just look.

    It means learning what feels good, not because Cosmo said so, not because your ex liked it, but because you like it.

    It means removing shame, comparison, and “am I doing this right?” energy from your most sacred moments.

    And yes, it means talking about orgasms on a podcast. With your iced matcha. In your car. Because that’s real life.

    If this resonated, go give the episode a listen.
    It’s not about shock value, it’s about reclaiming something that was never supposed to be shameful in the first place.

    You deserve to take up space, in your pleasure, in your body, in your story.

  • How I’m adding warmth to my life this winter.

    How I’m adding warmth to my life this winter.

    Winter is a weird time.
    The days are shorter, the air is sharper, and everything just feels a little… heavier.
    Your energy dips. Your motivation goes MIA.
    And suddenly you’re wearing the same hoodie for four days and convincing yourself that avocado toast counts as emotional support.

    Same.

    But instead of fighting the season (or trying to pretend I love the cold), I’ve been learning to lean into it.
    To add little pockets of warmth to my day, not just physically, but emotionally too.
    And honestly? It’s been helping.

    Here’s how I’m turning winter into something soft, not suffocating:

    1. Romanticizing my night routine (just a little)

    The sun’s gone by 6PM anyway, so I’ve stopped resisting the early wind-down.
    I light my salt lamp. I take a long shower. Sometimes I read a few pages of a book I’ve already read 3 times (comfort).
    It’s not about doing more. It’s about softening into the evening.

    My new rule?
    Even if my day felt like chaos, I get to end it slowly.

    2. Dressing like i care about myself

    This sounds dramatic, but hear me out:
    Cosy = confidence.

    My go-to right now?
    A hoodie, relaxed jeans, a chunky scarf, loafers, and my oversized coat that makes me feel like the main character of an indie film.
    It’s comfy, effortless, and still makes me feel put together.
    Like I can romanticize the grocery store.

    3. Sweating it out in the sauna (or a hot yoga class)

    I didn’t realize how much I needed warmth from the inside out until I started doing hot yoga again.
    There’s something about stepping into a heated room that instantly shifts your mood.
    You sweat, stretch, breathe, and come out feeling like you just hit “reset” on your nervous system.

    Even 15 minutes in the sauna after a workout? Instant mental clarity.
    It’s like wrapping yourself in heat therapy and walking back into your life a little softer.

    4. Warmth as a mindset (and a bath)

    I used to feel bad about slowing down. Like I had to earn rest.
    Now? I’m making it part of the ritual.
    Slow mornings. Intentional baths. No phone. Just steam, music, maybe a few dramatic thoughts.
    Let your body catch up to your mind. Let your nervous system exhale.

    Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is stop rushing.

    5. Winter comfort, but make it breakfast

    Avocado toast. Matcha in your favourite mug.
    Winter makes me crave slow breakfasts with good music playing in the background.
    Food that feels like care.
    It’s not about being aesthetic, it’s about feeling held in the small moments.

    You don’t need to love winter.
    But you can still soften into it.
    You can still find tiny ways to feel warm, even when the air bites back.
    Salt lamps, hot yoga, long baths, your favourite hoodie, a meal that hits just right.
    That’s what this season is about.
    It’s the season of slowness, softness, and layering up (inside and out).

    And maybe that’s not so bad.

  • Why boredom is a good thing.

    Why boredom is a good thing.

    We live in a world where boredom is treated like a red flag.
    If you’re not busy, stimulated, or doing something, you must be behind. Lazy. Unmotivated.
    But… what if boredom is actually where the magic lives?

    I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, how I used to feel guilty for “wasting time.”
    Like I had to fill every quiet moment with a podcast, a scroll, a to-do list.
    But some of my best creative ideas?
    Came when I was… bored.

    Like really bored.
    Like staring-at-the-wall, lying-on-the-floor, walking-without-headphones kind of bored.

    Boredom makes space for your brain to wander

    Creativity doesn’t show up when you’re multitasking or rushing or consuming 37 pieces of content in an hour.
    It shows up when your brain finally has space to breathe.

    Boredom is where the weird, wonderful, and unexpected ideas start to rise to the surface.
    That sentence you’ve been trying to write.
    That idea for a brand.
    That random thought that turns into your next favourite project.

    When you’re bored, your brain gets playful again.
    It starts to connect dots. Imagine things. Feel curious.

    Boredom gives you access to your actual thoughts

    Not the ones shaped by algorithms.
    Not the ones you’re consuming from other people’s opinions.
    Your thoughts.

    When was the last time you just… sat with them?
    No music. No tabs open. Just space.

    It’s uncomfortable at first, but after a while, it’s freeing.
    Because boredom is a detox.
    It clears the noise so you can actually hear yourself again.

    Boredom reminds you why you started creating in the first place

    Remember when you were younger and you made up stories or doodled or rearranged your room just because you were bored?
    That version of you didn’t need permission.
    She didn’t need a five-year plan or a productivity hack.
    She just followed the spark.

    Let’s bring her back.

    You don’t need to fill every quiet moment.
    In fact, those moments might be the ones that save you.

    Let yourself get bored.
    Let yourself daydream.
    Let your brain stretch out on the couch and get weird again.

    That’s where the real creativity lives.
    Not in the hustle. Not in the noise.
    But in the stillness you’ve been taught to avoid.

    Give your mind a minute.
    It might surprise you.

  • How to slow down before bed?

    How to slow down before bed?

    Let’s be real, we’ve all heard the basics:
    No screens before bed.
    Try chamomile tea.
    Do a calming meditation.
    Cool cool cool… but what if you’ve done all that and your brain is still hosting a late-night thought spiral with a guest list of every awkward thing you’ve ever said?

    Same.

    Lately, I’ve been trying two less obvious but really powerful ways to actually unwind at night, and they’ve been helping me slow down, breathe deeper, and feel like I’m easing into sleep instead of crash-landing into it.

    Let’s get into it:

    1. Narrate your night like a main character

    I know it sounds a little weird. But just try it.
    Instead of rushing through your night on autopilot, narrate it in your head like you’re in a film.

    “She walks to the kitchen barefoot, sipping her almond milk matcha. The window’s open. The world is quiet. She’s winding down.”
    Or:
    “She lets the day fall off her shoulders like an old coat. She’s done enough. She is enough.”

    It sounds silly, but it works. It pulls you into the present. It slows your pace.
    It turns the little things, washing your face, brushing your teeth, lighting a candle, into a ritual. A vibe. A soft reset.

    2. Create a 10-minute “unwind playlist” and listen with your eyes closed

    Not a podcast. Not a guided meditation. Not your usual music app scroll.
    Just a 10-minute playlist of songs that make you feel safe. Slow. Soft.
    Instrumentals, nostalgic tracks, even lo-fi. No lyrics, no screens, no pressure to “do” anything.

    Just press play. Lie on your bed or sit on the floor.
    Close your eyes. Let your nervous system catch up with your body.
    Sometimes slowing down isn’t about doing less, it’s about letting go a little earlier.

    You don’t need a perfect bedtime routine to rest well.
    You just need a moment where your brain and body agree:
    “Okay. We’re safe now. We’re done for today.”

    Try romanticizing your night a little more.
    Try music that soothes instead of stimulates.
    And most importantly, try being gentle with yourself. That’s where the real rest begins.