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IN: Wellness, Yoga

10 Things Every Beginner Yogi Should Know

November 5, 2019 By Melanie No Comments

It’s been awhile since I’ve written a #YogaTipTuesday post and if you’re a beginner yogi, this topic is for you! There’s no denying yoga has continued to grow in popularity here in the US. It seems like everyone is doing it and there are so many studios popping up every day. Yet as popular as yoga has become, it can still be very polarizing for people. Some people view it as nothing more than a recovery method. Others think it’s too spiritual or even religious. I’m here to debunk a few of these common myths and also offer up some important things I wish I knew when I first started my yoga practice 6 years ago. 

If you’ve been following me for awhile you know yoga was the very reason I started this blog. As cliche as it may sound, yoga was the catalyst that started my entire wellness journey and therefore I’m a huge advocate. With so many different styles and classes to choose from, I guarantee there’s something that will appeal to everyone. 

I remember when I was new to the practice there were so many things that intimidated me. Everyone I followed on Instagram was ridiculously bendy and flexible — two things I 100% was not. I was so careful not to go to a class that chanted “OM” in fear that I was suddenly praying to a mystical Hindu deity. Inversions also scared the crap out of me. Handstands, forearmstands, and even arm stands like crow pose felt so out of reach. I was 24 years old when I started practicing and I felt like I was “way too old” to actually make any progress. 

The good thing is, I didn’t let any of those limiting thoughts stop me from getting on my mat. Now, 6 years later, I’m super comfortable with what my body allows me to do. There are many limitations to my practice and some poses that may always be out of reach. But somewhere along the line I stopped striving for the crazy, cool asana poses and searched for deeper clarity and introspection instead. I love my practice because it has allowed me to be more in tune with my body than ever before. 

My hope is that this is the start of a life long yoga practice for you. And to help you on your journey, I’ve rounded up a few important bits of info below. Let’s get started… 

Props Are Your Best Friend

Picture this. You walk into a yoga class and set up your mat. The teacher begins to walk you through the asana practice and before you know it you find yourself struggling in Triangle Pose. Your breath is shortened, your hamstrings are on fire, and you’re not even sure if you’re doing the pose right. The teacher suddenly comes up and places a yoga block under your hand. And even though the pose suddenly felt so much better, you’re a little frustrated. You didn’t grab a yoga block… why did they bring you one? Are they saying you’re not good at yoga? 

Okay, I’ve literally just narrated all the thoughts that went through my head when I first started going to yoga classes. I never grabbed blocks or straps because I was convinced I didn’t need them and that it would make my practice too “simple.” I’m sure you’re not surprised to hear that all that is a bunch of bologna right? 

Props are there for a reason. And that’s to help you get the absolute most benefits out of each individual pose. Once you know how to use them, they can be such a wonderful way to strengthen your practice and help you into more advanced postures. Let your ego go and use the props to your advantage. I promise it doesn’t make you “bad” at yoga. In fact, they make you even more of a yogi because you’re learning to honor and listen to your body. 

I have an IGTV video sharing multiple ways to use a yoga block during your next flow. You can watch it HERE. 

What If You Can’t Do a Pose? 

This is normal. You’re going to run into poses that are simply not accessible for you at this time and that is okay. When you choose to attend open level classes you’ll be in the room with people who are beginners like you and some who have been practicing yoga their entire life. Remember that you do not need to feel obligated to do or look like anyone else in the class. 

It’s important to challenge yourself, however when that challenge puts your body at risk of injury then you’ve gone too far. Listen for the modifications the teacher is most likely cuing to the class and do your best to follow them. So if this means doing half splits instead of full Hanumanasana, or chaturanga on your knees instead of the full expression, that is WONDERFUL. If you’re completely unsure of a pose and don’t feel up for the challenge of trying a modified version, you can always come back to child’s pose or downward dog instead. The teacher won’t judge you and you shouldn’t judge yourself for that either. 

Yoga is Not Religious

I talked about this briefly in THIS blog post after completing yoga teacher training. It is such a common misconception that practicing yoga means you’re participating in some Hindu or Buddhist activity. This is simply not the case. Yoga was created as a pathway to still the mind. Within that path, there are multiple routes you can take… a spiritual practice or an agnostic/atheistic view. The asana itself does not conjure up any sort of deity. Chanting “OM” does not mean you’re worshiping any God. To put it bluntly, yoga in the western world is a secular multi-billion dollar industry with many studios that won’t have a single “spiritual” element involved. 

Just because yoga isn’t religious doesn’t mean it can’t be a nice complement to whatever religion you practice. In fact, I’ll be teaching classes on a Christian Yoga streaming service called Grace x Strength soon and that, as you can imagine, combines Christian faith with yoga asana.

There are many studios that weave in plenty of spiritual elements as well. It’s up to you to find a class that really speaks to you and that you ultimately feel comfortable with. 

You Probably Shouldn’t Eat Right Before Practicing

I’m not telling you how to live your life so if you’re the type that needs food before a workout, by all means eat! I would just recommend keeping the meal relatively light (my go-to’s are oatmeal, smoothies, or an apple with peanut butter) and try to consume it at least an hour before class. During yoga teacher training, our mentors really stressed that yoga is meant to be practiced on an empty stomach. This is mostly because of the insane amount of twists and inversions there are that will really effect the state of your stomach. When your stomach is full, you feel heavier, and things like headstands and even forward folds feel a bit more difficult. You also risk feeling nauseous and having to excuse yourself halfway through the class… which is everyone’s worst nightmare. 

THIS article goes a bit more in-depth on what you should and shouldn’t eat before and after yoga practice. At the end of the day, you know your body best and what you need to power through a workout. But personally, I feel best when I practice on an empty stomach with my last meal having been at least 4 hours earlier. 

No One Is Looking At You

I know how intimidating it can be to walk into a crowded yoga class. It’s okay to find a spot in the back of the room if that’s where you’re comfortable. However, I would encourage you to find a spot closer to the instructor. I promise that no one else in the class is looking or cares what you’re doing. They aren’t judging you if you’re in bridge pose while they’re in wheel or if you fall out of tree pose. If there are mirrors in the room they are 100% looking at themselves. If there aren’t mirrors, they’re stuck in their own heads and trying to breathe through the tough poses just like you are. Yoga is such a space of non-judgement and you should never compare yourself to the person next to you. Focus on yourself, your breath, your body. Leave the competition to spin classes like Flywheel. 

Get Comfortable with the Basics

Okay, let’s get really real here. There are some really cool looking advanced yoga poses out there. Peacock pose, chin stand, sugar cane… all of these look gorgeous but are hard AF. I know it can be fun to try them out but the reality is they are labeled “intermediate or advanced” for a reason. Just like in any other fitness modality, you simply can’t run before you can walk. An arm balance like crow won’t feel good if you don’t already feel strong in poses like chaturanga, plank and even malasana. Splits will be out of the question if your hamstrings seize up in forward fold. Getting comfortable with the basics are the very foundation of a good yoga practice! 

If you’re wondering what basics I’m talking about THIS is a great roundup of 12 poses. Additionally, Sun Salutation A and B both offer up a foundational mix of flexion and extension poses. It can take years to finally feel comfortable in the basic postures so don’t be hard on yourself if you’re struggling in any of the poses listed. Take your time and go at your own pace. 

If You’re Focusing on Your Breath, You’re Doing Yoga

At the core of any yoga practice is a connection to the breath. That’s because our breath is our very life force. This life force, or prana, is moving through us naturally at all times of the day. When we’re on our mat, we have an opportunity to control and observe it. By focusing on our breath, we establish a deep mind body connection that doesn’t happen in most other forms of fitness. Regulation of our breath, also known as Pranayama, not only increases self-awareness but can also reduce anxiety, alter our mood, and improve our focus. 

You don’t have to be doing a specific pose in order to be doing yoga. Simply by sitting still and observing your breath moving in and out of your body is a form of yoga practice all on it’s own. 

It Shouldn’t Hurt

There is a major difference between a pose being uncomfortable and a pose hurting. Unfortunately, there are times when you’re just starting out that it’s difficult to tell the difference because everything feels super uncomfortable. Only you know what’s happening with your body and if at any point feel sharp pain or your muscles seizing up, it’s best to stop. Yoga is such a wonderful tool for recovery but it can also cause so many unnecessary injuries if you let your ego get in the way. Pay attention to your form and listen carefully to what the teacher is saying.

A few good rules of thumb are: 

  1. Keep your joints stacked. ex: Shoulders above wrists in plank and front knee above ankle in lunge
  2. Never put pressure on a delicate joint. ex: Place your foot below or above your knee in tree pose, never on the knee itself
  3.  Always warm up 
  4. Don’t hyperextend. If you’re super flexible, it’s better to pull back and focus on strengthening within a pose rather than pushing your body to it’s full limits

Self Study Is Everything

There’s only so much you can get out of a yoga class. The teacher won’t be able to give you individual attention and you’re kind of at the mercy of whatever the class offers. That’s why nothing will every replace a home yoga practice and self study. When I first started practicing yoga I did it entirely at home through watching Youtube tutorials. It forced me to really pay attention to my body and explore my own limitations. I read up on the names of all the yoga poses and the correct form for each. When I started sharing my practice on social media I knew I needed to eventually take it to the next level and explore a teacher training. 

Even if you don’t ever want to become a yoga teacher, arming yourself with knowledge will only deepen your practice. Start with reading up on what the different asanas are, why we practice them and most importantly, what the proper alignment is for each. The more you can study and explore on your own, the better you’ll feel in a class setting and the faster your practice will progress. 

Try Multiple Studios and Teachers

Every studio and every instructor has their own spin on yoga. With so many modalities out there it’s a complete disservice to you if you only try one and decide you don’t like it. That would be similar to going to one restaurant and ordering a chocolate cake that comes out super dry, and then deciding you hate chocolate cake. When you’re first starting out it’s important to explore multiple types of yoga classes: restorative, aerial, acro yoga, hatha, hot yoga, yoga sculpt, vinyasa, yoga nidra, etc. Find one that speaks to you and then find a teacher that vibes with what you’re all about!

You may be surprised at what kind of class you like most. 

I know this was quite a lengthy post so if you’re still with me, thank you for being here! I hope you found this helpful as you begin your yoga journey. I’m always here for you if you have any questions or thoughts. 

With love and light,

Filed Under: Wellness, Yoga

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New Meet Melanie

New Meet Melanie

Hi and welcome to Headstands & Heels! I’m Melanie — a Digital Strategist turned Wellness Entrepreneur, certified yoga instructor (RYT 200), dog mama, and content creator based in Denver. I hope to encourage others to follow their dreams and cultivate a healthy, balanced lifestyle filled with mindfulness and positivity. 💕 Send me a note at: mel@headstandsandheels.com or Read More

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“The way you love yourself sets the example for
“The way you love yourself sets the example for how everyone else will love you. Set the bar by showing yourself respect, loyalty, compassion, kindness, care and vulnerability.” ~ @cleowade 
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Here is what #selflove means to me and I’d love to hear which ones resonate most with you today: 
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✨ Caring for your body 
✨ Treating yourself with kindness 
✨ Setting healthy boundaries
✨ Living with intention
✨ Nurturing your relationship with God
✨ Seeking joy in the day to day 
✨ Moving away from comparison 
✨ Recognizing that your past does not define you 
✨ Honoring the promises you make for yourself 
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{wellness, positive mindset, healthy lifestyle, morning routine, yoga flow, self growth, healthy habits} 
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I know the idea of #romanticizingyourlife can soun
I know the idea of #romanticizingyourlife can sound super cliche and cheesy AF, but hear me out…
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Romanticizing your life isn’t about viewing everything through rose-colored glasses and it definitely doesn’t mean that life is perfect or that there aren’t challenges that you face.
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What started as a silly Gen Z trend is actually a useful little mindfulness mindset that serves as a reminder to  embrace and amplify the good that already exists in your life. It can be as simple as being where your feet are and finding gratitude for the ordinary moments. 
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Sometimes it’s just about taking your time to appreciate the small joys in your journey and finding happiness on your own terms. 
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We all deserve to find little moments of positivity and dreaminess in our life. And I hope these little tips inspire you to not let life simply pass you by without taking time to soak in as much of it as possible 🥰
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#positivemindset #wellnesstips #mentalhealth #selfgrowth #bepresent #healthylifestyle #findjoyinthesmallthings #selflove #selfcare

Winter weekends in the mountains are becoming my n
Winter weekends in the mountains are becoming my new favorite thing and just one of the many reasons why we love being in Colorado. 🏔️❄️🎿 
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It’s made me think a lot about different chapters of life and how “leaving” something you love behind can actually just be a means of transferring that love to something else. I think this is the case for most major life decisions — and I know for B and I, leaving NYC to put down roots in Denver has resulted in such an amazing growth experience and plenty of new adventures, friendships and learning opportunities. 💕
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I guess I’m sharing this in case you’re currently on the fence about taking that leap into the unknown. Whether it’s a cross country move, accepting a new job, going back to school, starting a family, or wherever your journey is taking you…
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Trust the process of releasing the old to clear a path for  what’s ahead and embrace the ✨magic✨ of new beginnings. 

{swipe for pics of our wonderful stay at @southernpinescabin! 10/10 recommend if you’re looking for a beautiful retreat just 5 min from downtown Breckenridge 🏔️💕} 

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#denverblogger #mountainadventures #skiseason #balancedlifestyle #mythoughts #positivemindset

#AD ✨Healthy Habits That Have Changed My Life (p
#AD ✨Healthy Habits That Have Changed My Life (pt 4)✨ 
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Bringing back this series and sharing seven more #healthyhabits that have made a big difference in my life: 
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🤍𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐭: I’ve been a @vitalproteins fan for years and love adding their Marine Collagen into my smoothies and lattes. It dissolves super easily and I love that it provides hair, nails and joint support. You can shop the entire Vital Proteins line at @target. ⠀
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🤍𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Being able to slow down and ground myself in the present moment helps keep my stress levels under control
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🤍𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤: I love my standing desk and that it helps with my posture, circulation and focus 
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🤍𝐄𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲: Eating snacks like the Vital Proteins Protein and Collagen bar helps keep me satiated in between meals
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🤍𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: These little upbeat reminders in my office help promote a positive mindset when things get hard
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🤍𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐬: not all workouts have to be inside! I love trying new ways to get active outdoors, especially here in Colorado
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🤍𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬: because having a quality social life does wonders for my mental health and adds so much more fun into my days
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Which of these healthy habits is something you love to do? #ForEverybodyWithABody #VitalPartner  #Target #TargetPartner @shop.ltk https://liketk.it/40UIQ #ltkfit

It’s #selfcare szn and if you’re looking for a
It’s #selfcare szn and if you’re looking for a sign to TREAT YOURSELF to a boujee at home spa day, this is it 🧖🏻‍♀️ ✨☁️🌱
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I made the switch to clean & cruelty free skincare years ago and figuring out which products are best for my skin has been a fun, ongoing process. If you’re curious as to what I’m using now — I’ve linked all of my favs that you see in this video in my Amazon storefront (link in bio) 
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This being said, you don’t NEED all the fancy skincare and accessories to treat yourself to some quality self care. 👸 Sometimes you can just throw on an old robe, light your favorite candle, spend a little extra time in a bath or shower 🛁, and give yourself a facial massage. And don’t forget the basics: drink plenty of water 💦🍋 and apply sunscreen! 
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No matter how ✨extra✨ you decide to be, I personally think skincare routines can be such a calming and therapeutic form of #selflove and self-care. Don’t you agree? 

#cleanskincare #wellness #healthyliving #selfcaretips #mindfulness #romanticizeyourlife #happyandhealthy #wellnessblogger #thatgirl #skincareroutine #morningroutine #wellbeing #selfcareseason #nontoxicliving #spadayathome

Kicking off the week with more simple ways to boos
Kicking off the week with more simple ways to boost your mental health ❤️. Which one of these is your favorite? 
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{wellness, self care, positive mindset, healthy mindset, well-being, healthy lifestyle, healthy living, self growth, morning routine, motivation, mindfulness} 
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#selfcare #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthtips #mondaymindset #mondaymotivation #positivemindset #wellnesstips #motivationalreels #healthylifestyle #selfgrowth #selflove #selflovetips

The first DenFit event of 2023 with our friends at
The first DenFit event of 2023 with our friends at @rescuepuppyyoga was pawsitively a blast! ❤️🐾 
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Thank you so much to everyone who donated and showered these two cutie adoptable pups with so much love today! I loved cohosting this event with @sheflowsandgrows and I have a feeling it won’t be our last dog yoga class. 🐶 
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If you’re in the Denver area be sure to follow @denverfitfriends for more fitness meetup opps including an upcoming Galentine’s Day cardio dance party next month! 💃🏻 🎶  #yogawithdogs

Introducing… a delicious, refreshing DREAMSICLE
Introducing… a delicious, refreshing DREAMSICLE smoothie inspired by the Bella Hadid x Erewhon Kinsicle smoothie that I’ve been seeing all over the internet. 🧡🍊 
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The real deal has Kin Euphorics and Lion’s Mane Mushroom powder… but I made a few adjustments based on ingredients that I already had on hand (and that I think you might too)
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In classic Erewhon fashion, this smoothie would cost $19 in store buuut making it at home means spending way less money + an ability to customize it to your liking. 
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SAVE this recipe to try later: 
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✨ 1 banana
✨ 1 cup frozen mango
✨ 3 tbsp vanilla coconut yogurt 
✨ 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
✨ 1 serving marine collagen peptides 
✨ 1/4 cup orange juice 
✨ 1/2 cup almond milk 
✨ Ice 
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Blend up, add organic coconut cream to your glass, pour and serve! 🧡 
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#healthyrecipe #smoothierecipe #healthysmoothie #healthyeating #bellahadidsmoothie #wellandgoodeats #healthylifestyle #wellnesstips

✨SIMPLE SELF-CARE IDEA: have a solo paint (or ar
✨SIMPLE SELF-CARE IDEA: have a solo paint (or arts & crafts) night ✨
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One of my favorite things about painting is that it is such a #mindful activity. It’s an hour or more off my phone, listening to mellow music, and totally locked in to what I’m creating. It’s so soothing and feels like a true mental #reset. Not to mention the end result always makes me feel a little accomplished, even if it’s not perfect 😊🎨
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This time, I just painted little hearts on plain candlesticks. It turned out so cute and they’re perfect for Valentine’s Day!  I hope this inspires you to have your own little artsy #selfcare evening filled with your favorite hobbies and maybe even try painting some candles too 🕯️
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PS: One of my lil dreams was to have a dedicated space to focus on my art and I’m sooo happy to finally have this little desk set up in my office 👩‍🎨 . Cheers to more #painting nights ahead!

When it comes to reaching your goals, ✨#discipli
When it comes to reaching your goals, ✨#discipline✨ is THE secret sauce that will get you there every. single. time. 
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Motivation is the spark that can get us started but discipline is the flame that will keep burning, even when motivation is no where to be found.
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A few things that can help with creating discipline around #healthyhabits and #goalsetting:
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✨ Habit stack so that you’re adding a new goal into a pre-existing part of your daily routine 
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✨ Focus on your “why” and that magical, accomplished feeling you’ll have AFTER you do that new habit 
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✨ Write it down, be specific, and refer to it often! (Hello vision board 👏🏻) 
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✨ Find an accountability partner that you can check in with and maybe even work towards the same goal together! 
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This month I’ve been focused on my “3 for 30” challenge { nourish • move • self care } with my FB community and I’m excited to keep that consistency going through the rest of the year! 
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What is something you’re currently working towards? 
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#healthylifestyle #morningroutine #wellnessjourney #motivationalreels #wellnesstips #selfcare #positivemindset #fitnessmotivation #selfdiscipline

me 🤝 mountains
me 🤝 mountains

⚡️3 Simple Ways to Stay Energized While Workin
⚡️3 Simple Ways to Stay Energized While Working From Home ⚡️
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I can hardly believe it but this February will mark 5 years of work from home life for me (yep, I transitioned to full time entrepreneurial life in 2018). In that time I’ve gone through my fair share of ups and downs – especially when it comes to finding ways to stay #motivated and #energized while not leaving the house. 
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What I found is that whenever I prioritize the following 3 super simple (kind of no brainer) steps into my day… I’m able to maintain my energy levels and feel GOOD in my #WFH setting. 
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⚡️Get dressed! Preferably in something comfortable, cute and that you can move in! 
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⚡️Stay hydrated! Not only will it keep your brain sharp but it’s one of the best ways to maintain your energy levels without having to resort to endless caffeine
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⚡️Get your heart rate up! Choose movement that you love, whether it’s dance, spin or a walk/jog on the treadmill. (I love my new Nordic Track Treadmill!)
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A huge shout out to @dickssportinggoods for helping make prioritizing my #wellbeing while working from home so much easier. I’ve linked a few of my absolute favorite DICK’S finds that you see in this video on my stories so be sure to check that out! 
#DKSPartner


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“The way you love yourself sets the example for “The way you love yourself sets the example for how everyone else will love you. Set the bar by showing yourself respect, loyalty, compassion, kindness, care and vulnerability.” ~ @cleowade 
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Here is what #selflove means to me and I’d love to hear which ones resonate most with you today: 
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✨ Caring for your body 
✨ Treating yourself with kindness 
✨ Setting healthy boundaries
✨ Living with intention
✨ Nurturing your relationship with God
✨ Seeking joy in the day to day 
✨ Moving away from comparison 
✨ Recognizing that your past does not define you 
✨ Honoring the promises you make for yourself 
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{wellness, positive mindset, healthy lifestyle, morning routine, yoga flow, self growth, healthy habits} 
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#myyogalife #positivemindset #yogapractice #wellness #dailywellness #selfgrowth #healthyandhappy #selfcare #wellnessblogger #discoverunder100k #selfcompassion
I know the idea of #romanticizingyourlife can soun I know the idea of #romanticizingyourlife can sound super cliche and cheesy AF, but hear me out…
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Romanticizing your life isn’t about viewing everything through rose-colored glasses and it definitely doesn’t mean that life is perfect or that there aren’t challenges that you face.
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What started as a silly Gen Z trend is actually a useful little mindfulness mindset that serves as a reminder to  embrace and amplify the good that already exists in your life. It can be as simple as being where your feet are and finding gratitude for the ordinary moments. 
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Sometimes it’s just about taking your time to appreciate the small joys in your journey and finding happiness on your own terms. 
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We all deserve to find little moments of positivity and dreaminess in our life. And I hope these little tips inspire you to not let life simply pass you by without taking time to soak in as much of it as possible 🥰
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#positivemindset #wellnesstips #mentalhealth #selfgrowth #bepresent #healthylifestyle #findjoyinthesmallthings #selflove #selfcare
Winter weekends in the mountains are becoming my n Winter weekends in the mountains are becoming my new favorite thing and just one of the many reasons why we love being in Colorado. 🏔️❄️🎿 
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It’s made me think a lot about different chapters of life and how “leaving” something you love behind can actually just be a means of transferring that love to something else. I think this is the case for most major life decisions — and I know for B and I, leaving NYC to put down roots in Denver has resulted in such an amazing growth experience and plenty of new adventures, friendships and learning opportunities. 💕
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I guess I’m sharing this in case you’re currently on the fence about taking that leap into the unknown. Whether it’s a cross country move, accepting a new job, going back to school, starting a family, or wherever your journey is taking you…
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Trust the process of releasing the old to clear a path for  what’s ahead and embrace the ✨magic✨ of new beginnings. 

{swipe for pics of our wonderful stay at @southernpinescabin! 10/10 recommend if you’re looking for a beautiful retreat just 5 min from downtown Breckenridge 🏔️💕} 

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#denverblogger #mountainadventures #skiseason #balancedlifestyle #mythoughts #positivemindset
#AD ✨Healthy Habits That Have Changed My Life (p #AD ✨Healthy Habits That Have Changed My Life (pt 4)✨ 
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Bringing back this series and sharing seven more #healthyhabits that have made a big difference in my life: 
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🤍𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐭: I’ve been a @vitalproteins fan for years and love adding their Marine Collagen into my smoothies and lattes. It dissolves super easily and I love that it provides hair, nails and joint support. You can shop the entire Vital Proteins line at @target. ⠀
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🤍𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Being able to slow down and ground myself in the present moment helps keep my stress levels under control
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🤍𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤: I love my standing desk and that it helps with my posture, circulation and focus 
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🤍𝐄𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲: Eating snacks like the Vital Proteins Protein and Collagen bar helps keep me satiated in between meals
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🤍𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: These little upbeat reminders in my office help promote a positive mindset when things get hard
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🤍𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐬: not all workouts have to be inside! I love trying new ways to get active outdoors, especially here in Colorado
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🤍𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬: because having a quality social life does wonders for my mental health and adds so much more fun into my days
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Which of these healthy habits is something you love to do? #ForEverybodyWithABody #VitalPartner  #Target #TargetPartner @shop.ltk https://liketk.it/40UIQ #ltkfit
It’s #selfcare szn and if you’re looking for a It’s #selfcare szn and if you’re looking for a sign to TREAT YOURSELF to a boujee at home spa day, this is it 🧖🏻‍♀️ ✨☁️🌱
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I made the switch to clean & cruelty free skincare years ago and figuring out which products are best for my skin has been a fun, ongoing process. If you’re curious as to what I’m using now — I’ve linked all of my favs that you see in this video in my Amazon storefront (link in bio) 
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This being said, you don’t NEED all the fancy skincare and accessories to treat yourself to some quality self care. 👸 Sometimes you can just throw on an old robe, light your favorite candle, spend a little extra time in a bath or shower 🛁, and give yourself a facial massage. And don’t forget the basics: drink plenty of water 💦🍋 and apply sunscreen! 
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No matter how ✨extra✨ you decide to be, I personally think skincare routines can be such a calming and therapeutic form of #selflove and self-care. Don’t you agree? 

#cleanskincare #wellness #healthyliving #selfcaretips #mindfulness #romanticizeyourlife #happyandhealthy #wellnessblogger #thatgirl #skincareroutine #morningroutine #wellbeing #selfcareseason #nontoxicliving #spadayathome
Kicking off the week with more simple ways to boos Kicking off the week with more simple ways to boost your mental health ❤️. Which one of these is your favorite? 
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{wellness, self care, positive mindset, healthy mindset, well-being, healthy lifestyle, healthy living, self growth, morning routine, motivation, mindfulness} 
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#selfcare #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthtips #mondaymindset #mondaymotivation #positivemindset #wellnesstips #motivationalreels #healthylifestyle #selfgrowth #selflove #selflovetips
The first DenFit event of 2023 with our friends at The first DenFit event of 2023 with our friends at @rescuepuppyyoga was pawsitively a blast! ❤️🐾 
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Thank you so much to everyone who donated and showered these two cutie adoptable pups with so much love today! I loved cohosting this event with @sheflowsandgrows and I have a feeling it won’t be our last dog yoga class. 🐶 
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If you’re in the Denver area be sure to follow @denverfitfriends for more fitness meetup opps including an upcoming Galentine’s Day cardio dance party next month! 💃🏻 🎶  #yogawithdogs
Introducing… a delicious, refreshing DREAMSICLE Introducing… a delicious, refreshing DREAMSICLE smoothie inspired by the Bella Hadid x Erewhon Kinsicle smoothie that I’ve been seeing all over the internet. 🧡🍊 
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The real deal has Kin Euphorics and Lion’s Mane Mushroom powder… but I made a few adjustments based on ingredients that I already had on hand (and that I think you might too)
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In classic Erewhon fashion, this smoothie would cost $19 in store buuut making it at home means spending way less money + an ability to customize it to your liking. 
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SAVE this recipe to try later: 
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✨ 1 banana
✨ 1 cup frozen mango
✨ 3 tbsp vanilla coconut yogurt 
✨ 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
✨ 1 serving marine collagen peptides 
✨ 1/4 cup orange juice 
✨ 1/2 cup almond milk 
✨ Ice 
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Blend up, add organic coconut cream to your glass, pour and serve! 🧡 
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#healthyrecipe #smoothierecipe #healthysmoothie #healthyeating #bellahadidsmoothie #wellandgoodeats #healthylifestyle #wellnesstips
✨SIMPLE SELF-CARE IDEA: have a solo paint (or ar ✨SIMPLE SELF-CARE IDEA: have a solo paint (or arts & crafts) night ✨
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One of my favorite things about painting is that it is such a #mindful activity. It’s an hour or more off my phone, listening to mellow music, and totally locked in to what I’m creating. It’s so soothing and feels like a true mental #reset. Not to mention the end result always makes me feel a little accomplished, even if it’s not perfect 😊🎨
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This time, I just painted little hearts on plain candlesticks. It turned out so cute and they’re perfect for Valentine’s Day!  I hope this inspires you to have your own little artsy #selfcare evening filled with your favorite hobbies and maybe even try painting some candles too 🕯️
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PS: One of my lil dreams was to have a dedicated space to focus on my art and I’m sooo happy to finally have this little desk set up in my office 👩‍🎨 . Cheers to more #painting nights ahead!
When it comes to reaching your goals, ✨#discipli When it comes to reaching your goals, ✨#discipline✨ is THE secret sauce that will get you there every. single. time. 
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Motivation is the spark that can get us started but discipline is the flame that will keep burning, even when motivation is no where to be found.
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A few things that can help with creating discipline around #healthyhabits and #goalsetting:
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✨ Habit stack so that you’re adding a new goal into a pre-existing part of your daily routine 
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✨ Focus on your “why” and that magical, accomplished feeling you’ll have AFTER you do that new habit 
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✨ Write it down, be specific, and refer to it often! (Hello vision board 👏🏻) 
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✨ Find an accountability partner that you can check in with and maybe even work towards the same goal together! 
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This month I’ve been focused on my “3 for 30” challenge { nourish • move • self care } with my FB community and I’m excited to keep that consistency going through the rest of the year! 
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What is something you’re currently working towards? 
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#healthylifestyle #morningroutine #wellnessjourney #motivationalreels #wellnesstips #selfcare #positivemindset #fitnessmotivation #selfdiscipline
me 🤝 mountains me 🤝 mountains
⚡️3 Simple Ways to Stay Energized While Workin ⚡️3 Simple Ways to Stay Energized While Working From Home ⚡️
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I can hardly believe it but this February will mark 5 years of work from home life for me (yep, I transitioned to full time entrepreneurial life in 2018). In that time I’ve gone through my fair share of ups and downs – especially when it comes to finding ways to stay #motivated and #energized while not leaving the house. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What I found is that whenever I prioritize the following 3 super simple (kind of no brainer) steps into my day… I’m able to maintain my energy levels and feel GOOD in my #WFH setting. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⚡️Get dressed! Preferably in something comfortable, cute and that you can move in! 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⚡️Stay hydrated! Not only will it keep your brain sharp but it’s one of the best ways to maintain your energy levels without having to resort to endless caffeine
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⚡️Get your heart rate up! Choose movement that you love, whether it’s dance, spin or a walk/jog on the treadmill. (I love my new Nordic Track Treadmill!)
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
A huge shout out to @dickssportinggoods for helping make prioritizing my #wellbeing while working from home so much easier. I’ve linked a few of my absolute favorite DICK’S finds that you see in this video on my stories so be sure to check that out! 
#DKSPartner
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