the ward method

Tag: wellness

  • 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.

  • Midweek mayhem? 3 ways to calm your mind when you’re stressed out.

    Midweek mayhem? 3 ways to calm your mind when you’re stressed out.

    Let’s be honest, Tuesdays can feel like a weird emotional limbo. You’re too far from the weekend to relax, but deep in the thick of to-do lists, deadlines, and random life chaos (why does the fridge only break midweek?). And suddenly, you’re overstimulated, overtired, and over everything.

    Here are 3 realistic ways to calm your mind when the midweek stress hits hard, no 10-day retreats or perfect morning routines required.

    1. Take a “nothing break” (yes, literally do nothing)

    When your brain feels fried, stop trying to fix it by doing more.

    Set a timer for 10 minutes and let yourself just be. No phone. No multitasking. No productivity hacks. Just sit, lay down, look out the window, whatever feels like stillness. This helps regulate your nervous system and gives your mind space to decompress.

    Doing nothing might feel weird at first, but your brain? It’ll thank you for the reset.

    2. Do a 3-item brain dump

    Overthinking? Overwhelmed? Welcome to the club.

    Grab a piece of paper (or your Notes app) and list three things that are bothering you. Just three. Get them out of your head and into the real world where they feel less chaotic.

    Then, ask yourself: Is there something I can do about any of these today? If yes, do it. If no, let it go, for now. The act of naming your stress helps diffuse its power over you.

    3. Move your body (but keep it simple)

    You don’t need a full workout to shift your energy.

    Whether it’s a 15-minute walk, a few stretches in your living room, or dancing to your favorite throwback song, move. It reconnects you to your body, grounds your thoughts, and helps release stress physically.

    Pro tip: movement + music = double dose of midweek magic. Throw on some Charli XCX or Blink-182 and get out of your head.

    Midweek stress is real, but so is your power to calm it.
    You don’t need a perfect plan. Just a moment. A breath. A pause. And the reminder that it’s okay to slow down so you can keep going.

    You’ve got this. The weekend will wait.

  • Eat your greens babe.

    Eat your greens babe.

    Let’s be real, no one’s ever craved a bowl of spinach the same way they do fries.
    But when your skin is looking dull, puffy, or just tired, it might be time to look at what’s on your plate.

    Here’s the thing: greens aren’t just “good for you” in a vague wellness-y way. They’re a secret weapon for healthy, glowy, bounce-back skin. Yep, the kind that actually looks like you’re drinking enough water, sleeping well, and managing your stress (even when you’re not).

    If you’re all about that natural glow, anti-aging without the 12-step routine, and feeling good from the inside out, greens are your girls. Here’s why:

    1. They’re packed with skin-loving antioxidants

    Think of antioxidants as your skin’s bodyguards.
    Dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are loaded with vitamins A, C, and E, all of which fight free radical damage, reduce inflammation, and help protect your skin from environmental stressors (like pollution and sun exposure).

    Vitamin C in particular boosts collagen production, which keeps your skin firm and plump. So if you’re after that youthful, dewy look, greens are basically edible skincare.

    Glow Tip: Blend a handful of spinach or kale into your smoothie with pineapple and lemon for a vitamin C boost that hits different.

    2. They help detoxify your skin (from the inside out)

    Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and when your liver or gut is overloaded, it shows on your face. Breakouts, dullness, or uneven tone? That could be a sign your body’s struggling to detox efficiently.

    Enter: chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants.
    It’s known to support liver function and help your body get rid of toxins. When your insides are happy, your skin reflects that.

    Glow Tip: Add parsley, cilantro, or arugula to your meals for a natural detox kick that supports clearer skin.

    3. They’re anti-inflammatory (goodbye, puffy skin)

    Greens are full of magnesium and phytonutrients that help reduce inflammation, and if you’ve ever woken up with a puffy face, you know how important that is.

    Less inflammation = less redness, fewer breakouts, and skin that just looks healthier.
    Over time, consistent intake of anti-inflammatory foods can slow signs of aging like sagging skin or fine lines caused by chronic stress in the body.

    Glow Tip: Make a warm kale + broccoli stir fry with garlic, olive oil, and lemon. It tastes amazing and your skin will thank you.

    You don’t have to go full green juice girl overnight. But adding more leafy greens to your meals, smoothies, and snacks? That’s a small shift with big impact.

    Skin health isn’t just about what you put on your face.
    It’s about how you nourish yourself, every meal, every day.

    So if you needed a sign to start eating your greens… this is it.
    For your glow, your confidence, your future self.

  • Hot girl breakfast club.

    Hot girl breakfast club.

    There’s something so powerful about a slow, intentional morning, especially when it starts with a good breakfast (we’re not talking dry cereal and vibes). I’ve been in my romanticize-your-life era lately, and honestly? Turning your morning into a whole experience isn’t just cute, it’s game-changing.

    Whether it’s a smoothie in a mason jar, avo toast with chili flakes, or just sitting with your coffee without doom-scrolling… a good morning routine can actually set the tone for your whole day. And yes, breakfast plays a major role.

    Here are 3 solid reasons to start romanticizing your mornings (and feeding your body like you love her):

    1. It literally boosts your mood

    Eating a real breakfast in the morning gives your brain the fuel it needs to function. You’re less likely to feel foggy, anxious, or irritable by 11am if you’ve had something nourishing first thing. Think of breakfast like an emotional support snack, it’s there to keep you grounded and focused.

    2. It helps you feel more in control

    When you take the time to sit down and eat (even if it’s just for 10 minutes), you’re showing yourself that you’re worth the effort. That you matter. That your needs are valid. Suddenly your day doesn’t feel like it’s controlling you, you feel like you’re steering the ship.

    3. It turns the ordinary into something special

    Romanticizing your routine isn’t about being unrealistic, it’s about finding joy in the small stuff. Lighting a scented candle while you cook eggs. Playing your favorite playlist while making oats. Drinking your smoothie on the balcony like you’re in a movie. These moments add up, and they remind you that life doesn’t have to be chaotic to be meaningful.

    So yes, breakfast matters. And so does taking your time in the morning. You don’t have to wake up at 5am or have a Pinterest-perfect routine, just give yourself a little time, a little love, and a little food. Because you deserve to feel nourished, calm, and like the main character… even on a Tuesday.

  • If avocado toast were a personality.

    If avocado toast were a personality.

    So, here’s a fun fact you might not know: 70% of serotonin is made in your gut. Yup, that’s right. Your gut is basically the mood factory for your brain. Which means… what’s going on in there? It’s going to affect your mood, anxiety, focus, and even your mental health. Kind of a big deal, right?

    I’ve had my fair share of low-energy days when I feel like I’m running on fumes. My brain’s foggy, I’m irritated at everything, and if someone even mentions doing something I just want to throw a blanket over my head and call it a day. And it’s not that I don’t want to feel good, it’s just that sometimes, I forget how much the food I’m putting in my body actually plays a role. And when I’m eating like junk (the occasional pizza or mcflurry), my energy crashes. It’s a spiral, and it sucks.

    I feel like eating well is a form of self-care. It’s not just about looking good in a bikini or fitting into your favourite jeans. It’s about feeling good, inside and out. Because when you feed your body with good things, it responds. Better mood, better energy, clearer head (no crying to Gracie Abrams for an hour). It’s all connected. Sounds lame, but our body’s like a plant, give it the right nutrients, and it’ll thrive. Skip the water, and it’s going to start wilting.

    2 realistic ways to start bringing good eating habits into your routine.

    1. Start your day with protein.
      I know, I know, everyone says breakfast is important, but protein? What’s that even supposed to look like? It’s easy to roll out of bed, grab a coffee, and maybe a granola bar (if you’re feeling fancy). But listen, that’s not giving your body the fuel it needs. Starting your day with a solid dose of protein helps stabilize your blood sugar, boosts your energy, and keeps you full longer. Try scrambled eggs, a protein smoothie, or even a handful of nuts. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but your body will thank you.
    2. Swap one snack for something green.
      Okay, I’m not going to ask you to give up chips (unless you’re really feeling fancy), but just try swapping one snack for something green. Like, I don’t know… a handful of spinach (kidding), maybe some avocado on toast. Start small. You’d be surprised at how good you feel when you’ve got something fresh and green in your system. Plus, your gut? It’s going to love it, and your serotonin will thank you. Small swap, big difference. It’s basically like feeding your brain its daily dose of happiness.

    Eating well isn’t about being perfect or sticking to some crazy diet. Trust me, growing up, I’ve literally tried every diet or fad eating trend on the market and nothing works, but choosing to nourish your body properly.

    It’s about being kind to your body and feeding it the nutrients it needs to keep you feeling like the best version of yourself. Your gut and brain are connected, so when you start taking care of your body, your mood, focus, and energy will follow. Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and face masks. Sometimes, it’s the little things like fueling your body with the right foods that make all the difference.

    So next time you’re feeling low, remember this: What you eat matters. And maybe, just maybe, it’s time to swap that bag of chips for something that’ll make you feel real good.

  • Burnout? Not hot. Protect your peace.

    Burnout? Not hot. Protect your peace.

    Let’s talk about hustle culture for a sec. Look, I am an ambitious girlie too. However, grinding 24/7, glorifying burnout, answering emails at 11PM like it’s cute. We’ve all been there. But let’s be real: constantly being “on” isn’t the flex it used to be.

    Being exhausted isn’t a personality trait. And honestly? Hustle culture is just corporate gaslighting in a hoodie.

    So if you needed someone to tell you it’s okay to slow down, hi, it’s me. Here are 5 little self-care hacks for when you’re ready to unsubscribe from the productivity cult and actually enjoy your life.

    Give yourself permission to be unproductive

    Yes, really. No checklists. No “just one more task.” Just you… chilling. Your worth is not measured by your output, babe. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is absolutely nothing.

    Make it a vibe: wear your fluffiest socks, stare at the ceiling, or nap like you’re getting paid for it.

    Turn on DND and disappear into a good book or show

    You do not need to respond to that email right now. Or that group chat. Or that random DM from your ex.

    Put your phone on Do Not Disturb, grab a cosy blanket, get on the couch and binge that show you’ve already watched five times. Rewatching Vampire Diaries again? Iconic behaviour.

    Text someone you miss

    Connection is underrated. And sometimes, a simple “Hey, I was thinking of you” is enough to make someone’s day (and yours).

    No need for a deep convo or perfectly crafted message. Just hit send. Emotional support doesn’t have to be complicated.

    Have a solo moment (yes, that kind)

    Let’s stop pretending that self-care is only skincare and smoothies. Sometimes, some self-pleasure can work wonders for your mood.

    Pleasure isn’t just allowed, it’s essential. Your body deserves to feel good without guilt. Explore, connect, repeat.

    Romanticize something stupidly simple

    Light a scented candle before answering emails. Make your morning coffee like you’re starring in a French indie film. Put on a cute outfit just to go to the grocery store. Life isn’t always aesthetic, but you can make the tiniest moments feel special anyway.

    How can you achieve your goals, if you’re constantly exhausted? Take care of yourself first, everything else can wait.