the ward method

Tag: wellness

  • Why green juice actually helps with bloat (and doesn’t suck).

    Why green juice actually helps with bloat (and doesn’t suck).

    I know many people roll their eyes at anyone who swore by green juice. Like okay, babe, you blend spinach and suddenly your gut issues are gone? Sure.

    But then… I actually got into it a few years ago.

    And listen — I get it now.

    Because here’s the thing: Lately, I’ve been having green juice in the morning or mid-afternoon, and it’s honestly been a game-changer, especially for bloating. I actually do like the taste in a weird way, I’m not even kidding right now. Don’t judge me.

    That uncomfortable kind of bloat? Gone. Or at least, way less frequent.

    Green juice is basically like hitting reset on your digestive system. It’s full of ingredients that help reduce inflammation, flush out excess water, and support your gut, all without feeling like you’re on some weird cleanse.

    Here’s why it helps so much:

    🥬 Hydration = less water retention. Most green juices are packed with cucumber, celery, and leafy greens, all loaded with water. When you’re properly hydrated, your body doesn’t cling to excess water (aka, less bloat).

    🍋 Lemon + ginger = natural digestion support. Lemon juice helps your body produce digestive enzymes, while ginger calms your stomach and reduces inflammation.

    🌿 Chlorophyll = gut glow-up. Found in all those leafy greens, chlorophyll helps your body detox gently and keeps things… moving (you know what I mean).

    The best part? You don’t have to be hardcore about it. You don’t need an expensive juicer or some 5-day juice cleanse that makes you hate life. I literally just make mine with cucumber, lemon, spinach, apple, and ginger, or grab a bottled one that’s low in sugar.

    It’s not about being “that girl”, it’s about feeling good in your body. The less bloat, the lighter you feel. And honestly, there’s something so satisfying about starting the day with something green. It feels like you’re setting the tone, fresh, balanced, kind to yourself.

    So yep. I guess I’m in my green juice era again.
    And I’m not mad about it. I highly recommend.

  • how to mentally prepare for summer (eeek).

    how to mentally prepare for summer (eeek).

    Summer’s coming, and honestly, that’s kind of exciting.
    The energy shifts. The days stretch longer. Everything feels lighter, freer, a little bit golden. But with that comes this quiet pressure to do more, to fill every weekend, to make memories, to be “on” all the time.

    And while it’s fun to crave a main-character summer moment, it’s also okay to want something slower. Maybe this year isn’t about changing everything. Maybe it’s about actually being present for the good stuff you already have.

    Here’s how to mentally prepare for the season, without the pressure to glow up, fix yourself, or turn into a beachy Pinterest board version of you.

    1. Romanticize the real summer.

    Let’s be honest: the perfect summer doesn’t exist, but the real one? That’s where the magic is. Think: long walks at sunset, cold drinks on a warm night, hair that smells like sunscreen, music playing from someone’s car. That’s the good stuff.
    Try this: instead of planning the perfect summer, make a “feel list”, how do you want this season to feel? Calm? Playful? Free? Once you know that, build small moments that match it.

    2. Protect your peace (and your social battery)

    Summer can be social overload, plans, parties, beach days, last-minute everything. It’s easy to burn out trying to keep up with everyone else’s version of “fun.”
    Try this: be intentional with your yes’s. For every social plan, plan a recharge moment too, a solo coffee, a quiet beach walk, a day with no expectations. Summer is supposed to fill your cup, not empty it.

    3. Let “good enough” be the vibe.

    You don’t have to transform just because the season changed. You don’t have to become “that girl” or have your life together by June.
    Try this: do one thing every day that helps you feel like you. Read outside. Go for a drive. Make your favourite playlist. It’s not about being ready for summer, it’s about feeling alive in it.

    This summer isn’t about pressure. It’s about peace.
    It’s soft mornings, salty skin, laughter you didn’t plan for. It’s giving yourself permission to exist, as you are, where you are, right now.

    Same you, just a little sunnier.

  • Green juice in the morning is my secret mood boost.

    Green juice in the morning is my secret mood boost.

    Let’s set the record straight: I don’t drink green juice to “be good.”
    I drink green juice because it makes me feel good.

    You know those little rituals that feel like a hug from your higher self? That’s what green juice in the morning is for me. It’s not about being perfect, clean, or aesthetic, it’s about giving my mind and body something kind before the day starts demanding everything from me.

    Here are two underrated, mood-boosting benefits of starting your morning with a green juice:

    1. It helps clear the mental fog (a.k.a. the brain cobwebs)
    You know that weird groggy feeling where your brain feels like it’s still booting up? That used to be my morning norm, until I swapped my first cup of coffee for a cold, zesty green juice.

    Most green juices are packed with nutrients that actually wake up your body, like chlorophyll, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. These all help support circulation and give your cells a nudge to do their thing. Translation? More oxygen to your brain = clearer thoughts, more energy, and fewer mid-morning crashes.

    And no, you don’t have to be a full-on celery juice cult member. A mix of cucumber, lemon, apple, spinach, and ginger works just fine. It’s like mental clarity in liquid form.

    2. It sets the tone for the day (in a low-pressure way)
    There’s something psychological that happens when you do one kind thing for your body first thing in the morning. It sends a little message to your brain: I’m taking care of us today.

    That one decision, before emails, noise, and life stuff kicks in, has a ripple effect. You feel a little more grounded. A little more in control. A little less like you’re scrambling to keep up with the day, and a little more like you’re in the driver’s seat.

    Even if everything else goes off the rails (which, let’s be real, sometimes it will), you already gave yourself a win. And that matters.

    Green juice won’t fix everything. But it’s a vibe.
    It’s not about being the “that girl” version of wellness. It’s about finding small ways to support your mental state, without overthinking it. So next time you’re feeling a little bleh, try reaching for something green. Not because you should, but because it might just make you feel more you.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Why berries in the morning are my new serotonin hack.

    Why berries in the morning are my new serotonin hack.

    You know that feeling when your brain is foggy, your mood is meh, and your to-do list is giving “absolutely not”?
    Yeah, same.
    Lately, though, I’ve been doing one simple thing that’s weirdly helped: eating berries in the morning.

    Not because it’s trendy. Not because I’m trying to become a food influencer.
    But because… it works. And also because they’re cute.

    Here’s why this tiny habit is a big deal for your mood:

    1. Berries = serotonin boosters (naturally)

    Berries, especially blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and compounds that help support brain health and serotonin production.
    That’s the stuff that helps you feel calm, focused, and not like you’re spiraling by 10AM.

    They’re basically emotional support snacks. But make it science.

    2. They help with brain fog & focus

    Berries have been shown to improve cognitive function, aka helping you think clearly and stop forgetting why you walked into a room.
    They’re gentle on your system, light, and full of natural sugars that won’t crash you by 11AM.

    3. Starting your day with colour = instant mood shift

    There’s something so wholesome about a bright little bowl of berries in the morning.
    It feels like telling your body, “Hey, I care about you.”
    It’s soft. It’s nourishing. It’s that girl energy, without the pressure.

    How I do it:

    – handful of frozen blueberries in museli or yogurt
    – fresh strawberries with almond butter toast
    – or just a bowl on its own with a matcha, vibing in silence

    It’s not about being perfect.
    It’s about finding small ways to feel better, consistently.
    And if a handful of berries can help my mood, focus, and hormones?
    You bet I’m romanticizing the hell out of them.

    So yes, this is your sign to buy berries.
    Your brain will thank you.

  • 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.