This morning I got inspired by Claire Elisabeth’s article about women’s hormones that reminded me about the gentle wellness practices that make me feel whole and keep me balanced. Her poignant piece reminded me that wellness doesn’t have to be fancy, it just has to work. It needs to be consistent to help us feel safe and get out of that fight or flight cycle. Challenge accepted, given my super busy schedule as a mom, primary caretaker and business owner.
My Westchester Wellness Guide to Actually Living in Balance
So we all know the drill in Westchester. It’s an expensive spot to reside in, and in my particular socio-economic strata, that translates to having to work a lot, and if you have children, also pay a lot for child care. The demands on my nervous system are high, and constant. I will be the first to admit that I’m not where I was planning on being in terms of my health at this stage of the game. I’ll be honest, I think becoming a parent right as the pandemic hit really did a number on me - physically, psychologically and in my nervous system as a whole. It seems that between the traumatizing amount of stress we went through to make it through those couple of years, and the economic shifts that have drastically changed our economy since then, life has never really been the same… nor has my body.
So with busy schedules, intense doses of stress and constant demands on my attention, I have to get really creative about where to weave in that wellness lifestyle I know will help me feel better. Here are some of my favorites…
Mom-friendly Yoga
This one works better in the summer, but I also jump in anytime our schedule allows for it. Sat Nam Yoga Center offers online yoga classes that are very affordable and designed to fit busy schedules. For example, their online morning Espresso Yoga classes are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7am for 30 minutes ($10). They are named after the caffeinated beverage because they are designed to energize you in the morning just like a cup of joe. They are very mama friendly, suitable for every level and completely don’t care if your kiddo crashes the party. In fact, it’s encouraged. I love that community and it’s been a grace in my life to have this available to me.
Walk. Just walk.
I love walking, especially if I can coordinate with a fellow mom to join me. It’s a good time to share what we’re going through and vent. Plus the gentle exercise is just perfect for bringing my hormones back to balance. I totally love walking in Kensico Dam or some of the more walkable neighborhoods in Hartsdale or Scarsdale. The Bronx River Parkway walking path works too, although it can get a bit loud with the traffic. If you do make it to Kensico, check out their website for regularly scheduled wellness activities, including puppy yoga! (I’m yet to be able to fit these into my schedule, but let me know if you go and how you like it)
Energy Upgrade: My Favorite Green Smoothie
This is my go to breakfast whenever I need a nutritional boost. It’s my favorite green smoothie that gives me all the energy I need in the morning without caffeine.
Ingredients:
1 large leaf of kale (remove stem)
1 banana
1/2 Apple or pear
1 tbsp almond butter
1 pitted date (optional)
Enough almond milk to cover the solid ingredients
Then just blend in your high power blender. Depending on how intense your kale is, you can adjust the almond butter to balance it out. That’s what I love about this recipe… my kiddo doesn’t even know there’s kale in her drink.
Enjoy the energy boost!
Meditation. Like Brushing Teeth - A Must!
Meditation is key. If you know, you know. My favorite lately is a simple “Monk Meditation” we practice at Sat Nam. Here’s a 10 minute version that fits into my schedule.
Farm Fresh Food
I love me some farms markets and farm stands to get my local produce fix. Have you tried Ramsey’s on Ramsey Rd. in Scarsdale, NY? It really makes me realize how our food supply chain alters our food when I taste the freshness of these locally sourced fruits and vegetables. A must visit.
Do you have some favorite, simple, wellness routines in the area? Or online resources we can access anywhere? I’d love to hear about them… feel free to comment. And take good care.