I’m pretty routined with my life… fairly scheduled + when I find something that works I see no need in changing it… sort of like the saying “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it….” All that to say, I was feeling an overall sense that I needed to make a few tweaks here and there in my regular wellness routine… I was feeling bored with workouts, overall exhausted midday, and I felt as if my skin was needing a pick me up (it felt “dull”). So about six weeks ago I started to make a few changes… and I’m sharing the ones that have made the biggest overall impact today…..

1. Peloton Running App: One of the biggest changes I’ve made to my workout routine is incorporating the guided outdoor runs in the Peloton App. I was feeling like I was hitting a plateau with my running routine and decided I needed to change things up a bit. TJ had been using the guided runs for a while, so he suggested them to me. I was hooked after the first run. There are a lot of different options to choose from… HIIT runs, interval runs, intermediate, beginner, and advance runs… literally something for everyone. Plus, they have their own playlist so it’s new music every time. The app isn’t cheap ($40ish/month) but since we have the Peloton bike and need it for the rides, it’s a benefit we’ve been able to use. Yet, the app also has strength workouts/yoga routines (I haven’t used these), so if you’re looking for a fitness app that has guided runs, it might be worth it to check out the trial period….

2. Vitamins/Supplements: Within the past month I started taking Ritual multivitamins + Elderberry chewable tablets. I typically use elderberry when I’m sick, to lessen the intensity + duration, but I decided to try it out this cold/flu season to see if it could help boost my immune system. The cold has run through our house twice, and somehow I haven’t come down with it (knock on wood)…. I’m chalking it up to this new addition….

I was also in the market to start taking a multivitamin. Ritual multivitamins fill the nutrient gaps that help to maintain + promote energy, immunity, + skin…. they contain 9 essential nutrients including folate, omega-3, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, Iron, Vitamin K2, Boron, Vitamin E, + Magnesium. They have a no nausea capsule design that has the best minty flavor (as opposed to the chalky, or fishy, after taste of most vitamins). I’ve been taking them for almost 3 weeks and have noticed less of an afternoon energy decrease… and less of a dependence on caffeine. They also have a prenatal vitamin for those who are trying or expecting. You can get 10% off your first 3 months with code SHANNON. If you’re looking for a multivitamin then I highly recommend these.

3. Lemon Water: So, I have an on again off again relationship with this one. I’m much better with it in the cooler months, when I can have some warm water with lemon juice in it… and in the summer months I taper off. I don’t know why… but now that the mornings have cooled down, we’ve rekindled our love. It took me really exploring the benefits of it to decide to flip the on button again…. so I’m sharing the 6 benefits below….

promotes hydration
good source of vitamin c
improves skin quality
aids digestion
freshens breath
helps prevent kidney stones

4. 3 New Skin Products: I’m always skeptical when I try out new skincare products… because sometimes I never want to spend the money on them because who knows if you really see the benefits. Yet I’ve been using three new products and I swear they have made such a huge difference in the appearance, and feel, of my skin. It’s baby soft to the touch (believe me, I compared my skin to Camille’s… and had TJ confirm) and overall looks more “plump” (in a good way). The three products are from Elemis… a London based skincare line that’s clean and formulated with active plant extracts…. (you can get 20% off all products with code SHANNON20)

Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm: A literal game changer in removing make-up from my face and infusing moisture into my skin. I’ve been using this for a month and will never go back to a regular cleanser. I did a test over on instastories a few weeks ago… I took a full face of makeup, used the balm, then dried my face off with a fresh white towel. Literally, the towel was clean. It feels so luxurious on my skin, and has a subtle scent that reminds me of being at a spa.

Peptide Plumping Pillow Facial: I use this overnight mask, which is designed to nourish and plump your skin, three times a week. Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday. When I wash it off in the morning, my skin feels super soft and looks so healthy.

Pro-Collagen Marine Cream: I’ve started using this moisturizer in the mornings, before I apply my makeup and it acts as a great base layer. It’s not too heavy and absorbs into the skin nicely. I feel as if this cream, in conjunction with the other two I mentioned above, have made such a huge impact on the appearance of my skin….

As I mentioned above, my skin feels as if it is so much softer and looks “plumper” but not in a frozen kind of way…

5. Going To Bed Earlier: Before we had Camille TJ + I were regular 9:30pm bed-timers (I always thought that was so early until I actually started working…). After she started sleeping through the night, I still needed to stay up until around 10pm to pump. Since I started the weaning process a couple of weeks ago, we’ve been able to go to bed earlier and it has made such a huge difference in how I feel when my alarm goes off. It’s crazy how easily I underestimate sleep when it comes to overall wellness… but catching just 45 minutes of extra z’s has been glorious!

Annnnd that’s it… hoping these new changes continue to help in my overall wellness journey!