I recently turned 30, and had a bit of an epiphany. It had been 5 years since I started my label, but also 5 years since I had really given myself a break, working nonstop. It really took a toll on me, and every year you get older time seems to slip by faster and faster so time has really just seemed to zoom by. I realized there was never going to be a right time, and it was time to start taking care of myself and stop making excuses.
Check out the video below where I share my experiences from my first week, and scroll down to read on...
I have a sleep disorder along with very bad anxiety. Luckily over the past few years I’ve really gotten my anxiety under control but I was neglecting myself in every other way. Never, ever sleeping properly (shout out to waking up 17 times a minute) means that I am always exhausted, with my brain barely functioning at times and relying on truckloads of coffee to get through my day. I barely had enough energy to function let alone go above and beyond in my health and fitness.
I came up with a plan recently and broke it down into three sections for myself to make it more achievable, but also so I could really focus on my goals.
Step 1: Being Active
LUCKILY! This year I started on a journey for self care and health starting with my run club with Nike Toronto with the help of amazing people like my friend Ali, my brother Connor, and Coach Inge. Growing up, I was active and very physical, so to suddenly have a body that moved and felt differently after all these years was a major shock to my system. Not to mention always being exhausted was holding me back from not only physically reaching my full potential, but also mentally. I did have an amazing support system and felt so happy to see the small progress I did make. At the beginning of the summer I actually ran my first race, a 5k made me feel like I had actually conquered something within myself. I know I couldn't have done it on my own and I'm so grateful for the support I had.
Feeling like I had a lot more work to do, earlier in the summer I started training with the truly amazing Jennifer Lau. I have already made progress and my body feels honestly so different. I feel stronger and more capable which is an amazing feeling. If you are looking for a trainer in Toronto check her out, seriously life changing. She is super tough but understanding and warm.
Check out Jenn:
Step 2: Sleeping!
Step 2, a super important step for me is sleep. I’ve been a walking zombie for years and it’s taken a huge toll on me. My mom recently suggested Smartnora to me and Oprah rec’s it so you know it’s gotta be good. I snore on top of my type of insomnia so it’s just a deadly, very sleepy, combo. It’s basically a device that detects when you’re snoring which inflates or deflates a pillow insert so you stop snoring but don’t wake up. It has been a miracle. This is no joke. I have been using it for about a week and I can already see a huge difference. It’s like a fog has lifted from my mind and I actually wake up without an alarm feeling rested. I can’t wait to see how much better I feel in a months time.
ps, we're doing a giveaway for one on our Instagram now! And if you simply can't wait, use code "HAYLEY30" to get $30 off your purchase.
Step 3: Eating Healthy
And finally, last but definitely not least, step 3, food. Food is fuel bottom line, and I was giving my body bottom of the barrel, dried up, no good fuel. OK, it wasn’t that bad, but I wasn’t consistent at all. My biggest problem is I’m always busy and it’s always easier to just skip lunch or grab something on the go which is rarely healthy. Thank goodness for Jules Fitorganix. I reached out to her as I had heard really good things. She is super knowledgeable and everything they do is so supremely healthy it feels like I’m eating magic. It also tastes really good! I have been doing it since Monday, and every morning I open my door to my 3 meals for the day. It’s been so amazing to know I’m nourishing myself and also it literally just arrives at my door so I don’t have to think about it.
This combo I know, and I can already tell is going to make a huge difference for me. I wanted to share this in hopes of being more open with all of you, and in case someone out there is in a similar position. It’s so easy to put everything else first and put ourselves last. But we only get one body, and we should treat it right. I know I’ve put mine through the ringer but it seems to have forgiven me and it’s feeling REALLY good! I will be posting a vlog about this later in the week and stories along the way, but I’d love to hear from you if you have anything to share or just want to vent or ask advice. Take it from me, it can be hard to open up and ask for help if you need it, but the people in your life want you to be happy and healthy.
xo Hayley