• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Wellness
  • Yoga
  • Beauty
  • GirlBossing
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Shop

Headstands and Heels

  • Wellness
  • Yoga
  • Beauty
  • GirlBossing
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Shop
IN: GirlBossing, Lifestyle, Yoga

How Yoga Changed My Life

April 9, 2022 By Melanie 4 Comments

How Yoga Changed My life

(*This post was originally written in May 2017 and has been updated in April 2022)

Every story has a beginning… and this is mine. It’s something I’ve been hesitant to share because let’s be honest, it’s very personal. But as I reflect on this past decade of my life, I felt that it was important to share how yoga has shaped who I am today and how it was the catalyst to so much personal growth.

Whether you’ve been following “Headstands and Heels” since it’s inception or if you’re brand new to my page, I’m so happy you’re here. I’m truly honored to share my story with you.

Without further adieu, let’s begin.

Chapter 1: Heartbreak and Healing

How It All Started

It was July 2013. I had just turned 24 years old and my life had simultaneously turned upside down with it. My dog, a feisty and loving Dachshund of thirteen years, had passed away from heart complications just five days after my birthday. Only two weeks after that, I came to find out my fiance had cheated on me. After calling off the wedding and breaking off my relationship, I was left completely broken.

I’m honestly not sure why I decided to go to my first yoga class. Regardless of the reason, I found myself at a local studio and after an intense flow, cried so hard during savasana that I’m sure the other classmates thought I was a complete weirdo. Despite the outpour of emotion (or maybe because of it) something inside of me lit up that day.

Why I Started Posting on Instagram

After that day in the studio I started following a few inspiring yogis on Instagram including Rachel Brathen (@yoga_girl), Laura Kasperzak (@laurasykora) and Kerri Verna (@beachyogagirl). I was in awe of the physical strength and flexibility that these yogis possessed but more importantly loved their positive messages of self-love and empowerment. They just seemed so incredibly happy and I wanted that for myself.

After about 8 or 9 months of following from a distance, I decided to create my own yoga centric Instagram account where I could participate in daily challenges and document my progress. @MelYoga1 was never meant to turn into a blog. And I think that’s the incredible thing… this one small step was the beginning of something bigger that I couldn’t even fathom at the time.

How It Helped Heal My Heart

I used my yoga practice as a physical outlet for stress and to channel my emotions in a positive way — but more importantly the time spent on my mat was also one spent in prayer. I attribute the healing of my heart to God, not yoga, but yoga was the vehicle that He used to help me through a tough time in my life. And for that I’ll be forever grateful.

Practicing yoga daily helped me become more self-aware. The positive affirmations and mantras pushed me to focus on the many blessings I had in my life instead of lingering on negative thoughts. Self-love and mindfulness were the themes of my first few months of practice and they have carried through in a different capacity ever since.

Chapter 2: Moving to New York City

How Yoga Changed My Life

How My Practice Changed

December 2013, I met a man at a random bar in Brooklyn during an even more random visit with one of my girlfriends. Needless to say, we hit it off really well and it wasn’t long until we were in love. Bay (no, not b-a-e) and I dated long-distance, alternating visits to NY and FL respectively each month for a little over a year. Then in May 2015 I decided to make the move from a small beach town to the Big Apple for my career and for love.

Transitioning from the laid back lifestyle of Florida to the hustle of the big city was not an easy task. My first post-college job at a social media boutique agency allowed me to work from home every day and suddenly I found myself working at a global PR firm on the 19th floor of a skyscraper in Manhattan. My yoga practice came to a screeching halt for a good 5 months and I was considering deleting my Instagram account altogether.

Why I Started My Blog

Thankfully, that didn’t happen. Instead a few colleagues of mine who happened to be bloggers convinced me to turn @MelYoga1 into a yoga and lifestyle blog the summer of 2016. After some serious thought, Headstands and Heels was born, and with it a reignited passion for yoga.

I started making a point to get on my mat and practice after work a few times a week at home. Eventually I joined ClassPass and started attending various yoga studios in the city. I was incredibly excited for the small physical changes I started seeing as a result of a routine practice and other fitness classes worked in. It wasn’t long before I started to work with brands and more importantly, started to connect with various fitness enthusiasts. I honestly have to say that’s my favorite part about this entire yoga journey. The relationships I’ve made along the way have been invaluable and have kept me sane when life is the most chaotic.

Chapter 3: Yoga Teacher Training

What Inspired Me To Pursue My Certification

After nearly 4 years of practicing yoga on my own, I realized that I was craving the opportunity to go beyond sharing it on a screen. As much as I love solo practice, I get the most joy when I practice with other people. I love the feeling of walking people through a flow, demonstrating how to correctly do a pose, and watching their faces light up when they do something they’ve never thought they’d ever be able to do before.

The feeling that I needed to take my practice to the next level had been lingering inside me for over a year. That’s why on New Year’s Eve 2016, I made it my resolution to make it happen.

Yoga Vida 2017

I debated doing my training in some place tropical but in the end decided that staying in NYC was the right decision for me. After some extensive research, I opted to do my 200 hr YTT program at Yoga Vida. It was one of the first yoga studios I practiced at after moving here. I really love the style of teaching, the airy studio space in Dumbo, and the fact that it lacks the pretentiousness that some other studios tend to get.

When I saw that they were offering a Summer Intensive, I went straight to my boss to see if my job would be willing to let me take the month off. I’m so incredibly grateful that they did and was sure I’d return to work with a new sense of invigoration in July.

After speaking with the kind folks at Yoga Vida, I officially enrolled and immersed myself through the 200 hours of training. If you’re curious about my time in YTT, I shared 5 of the most important things I learned from my experience in this blog post.

Chapter 4: Taking Headstands & Heels Full Time  

Yoga Practice at Home
Yoga Class at MindBody HQ in San Luis Opisbo

After taking that month off work to get my teacher certification, I kept my promise and returned to my job as a digital strategist at the same PR firm. Outwardly everything seemed the same. Internally, a new spark had been ignited and with it a desire to pour more time and energy into Headstands & Heels whenever I wasn’t at work.

This meant waking up at 6am to create content before heading into the office and staying up late to knock out blog posts, answer H&H emails and do brand work. But I was determined to hustle as much as I could to see what would happen.

In May 2018, after much thought and a few emotional breakdowns, I decided to take the leap of faith to leave my traditional career and pursue entrepreneurship full time. Now, 4 years later, I can officially say that was the best decision I could have ever made for myself.

Being a full time “influencer” has come with it’s fair share of ups and downs. However I can say with full confidence that the highs have absolutely outweighed all of the lows. This job has brought me so much fulfillment, opened doors to opportunities I could never have imagined possible, and has connected me to so many incredible, inspiring people.

How my practice changed

After going full time with Headstands and Heels in 2018, my yoga practice shifted. I still kept a home practice and it will always be the foundation of my love for movement and mindfulness. However, between 2018-2019 I fell in love with the boutique fitness scene in NYC. This was inclusive of yoga studios but I also loved mixing things up with cardio dance, sculpt, barre and more. Physically, I was in the best shape of my life and emotionally I was gaining more confidence with both my online career and how I could still share my love for teaching in person during various events.

It was the best of both worlds and I enjoyed the flexibility of teaching when it was on my own terms rather than within a studio.

What’s To Come

Yoga class at OXB Denver

As I wrap this post up I’m overwhelmed with emotion. This journey that started with so much pain nearly a decade ago has truly changed me — in every possible way. Here I am, editing this post from my home in Denver. I’m married and have two rescue pups who I love dearly. I recently signed on with a new management agency and my Marketing Assistant, KellyAnne, just passed her two year mark of working with me. I’ve taught yoga classes during some incredible events for brands like Adidas and MindBody and just taught yoga at my first co-hosted wellness retreat last month.

And it’s humbling to know that this all started because I decided to step into that yoga class all those summers ago.

I don’t know exactly what’s to come but I do know that I’m so incredibly grateful for the messages, comments and conversations I’ve had with so many of you through these years. You are the reason why I’m able to do what I love and knowing that I have been able to help inspire, motivate and encourage a few of you to make positive changes in your own lives is 100% the biggest motivation I have to continue this career.

So thank you. Thank you for supporting me, many of you from the very beginning of this journey. I’m forever grateful and excited to continue sharing pieces of my story with you as it continues to unfold.

With lots of love,


Filed Under: GirlBossing, Lifestyle, Yoga

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Francine says

    May 25, 2017 at 7:41 pm

    Loved this post and so excited for you, Mel!! Can’t wait to follow your journey!! Much love!!
    Xo Fran ❤️❤️

    Reply
  2. Kayla says

    May 25, 2017 at 10:03 pm

    I’m SO excited for you — the June intensive last year was amazing and I loved being fully immersed into YTT. Can’t wait to read / hear all about it ❤️

    Reply
  3. Christelle says

    July 1, 2017 at 4:09 pm

    Lovely to read your story Mel. Hope to see you soon in Paris XO

    Reply
  4. stephanie says

    April 11, 2022 at 11:15 pm

    I’m just wrapping up my 200 hr ytt and stumbled across your blog! very inspiring! so happy for you! I’m going to follow Your journey now. maybe yours will inspire and influence mine. we have many similarities. xoxo

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

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

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Find Me on Instagram


Another day, another healthy habit 💦🍋 . I ca
Another day, another healthy habit 💦🍋 . I can’t believe we only have a few more to go! In case you’re new here, I’m sharing 15 simple, realistic habits and mindful practices that you can incorporate your routine to help you feel your best. 

DAY 12: Focus on Hydration 💧

I’m not going to laundry list all of the benefits of drinking more water because this is one habit we all KNOW we need to do — however if you find yourself struggling with this one, here are some tips that may help: 

✨ Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning 
✨ Jazz up your water with lemon 🍋 
✨ Add electrolytes to your water post-workout 
✨ Make homemade juices from hydrating veggies and fruit (this one is celery, cucumber + apple) 
✨ Fill an extra large water bottle to keep track of how much you’re drinking through the day 
✨ Serve water with every meal
✨ Drink unsweetened iced or hot tea
✨ Set reminders on your phone or use a tracker (like the one in my Mindful Morning Planner) 

I used to struggle with this habit but ever since moving to Denver a couple years ago, the dry climate has forced me to focus on hydration daily and now I feel like I’m constantly drinking water and using all the hydrating skincare products 😅

Stay tuned for the final 3 healthy habits of the series coming soon! 

#wellness #mindfulroutines #morningroutine #healthyandhappy #morningvibes #wellnesslifestyle #colorfulaesthetic #mindfulroutine #happyandhealthy #morninghabits #healthylifestyle #iamwellandgood

“Look to the sunlight above and smile. You are n
“Look to the sunlight above and smile. You are never alone.” 🌻 Swipe for more healing words. Save, share and take what you need 🤎

#selfcompassion #selflove #dailyreminders #positivemindset #littlereminders #wellbeing #mindfulness #findthelight #selfgrowth #wellnesswednesday


Can you count how many plants are in this video? 🪴🤪 Welcome back to my Healthy Habit series, where I’m sharing 15 simple, realistic habits and mindful practices to incorporate into your daily routine to help you feel your best. 

DAY 11: Bring Nature Indoors 

There are numerous studies that have demonstrated the power of keeping houseplants in your home. Emotionally, the presence of plants help to decrease anxiety and stress. The act of caring for them requires patience and watching them grow provides a feeling of accomplishment. 🪴🫶🏼

Some houseplants help to purify the air and if you plant a small herb garden in your kitchen, you’ll reap the benefits of fresh herbs all year round.

Other simple ways to invite nature indoors are:

🪟 open your windows on a cool day
🤎 choose earth tones for your decor
🌊 play soothing sounds like ocean waves or rain 🕯️ light candles or a fireplace
☀️ set up a reading nook in a very sunny corner of your home

Is this a habit you’re already putting into practice? And if so, what is your favorite way to invite nature indoors? 

{well-being, wellness, self care, biophilia, healthy lifestyle, positive mindset, healthy tips, self growth} 

#wellbeing #healthyhabits #plantcare #houseplantlove #romanticizeyourlife #healthyathome #wellnesstips #wellnessblogger #healthyandhappy #mindfulhabits #morningroutine #mindfulroutine #selfcaretips

Embracing all the little moments of peace, beauty
Embracing all the little moments of peace, beauty and playfulness 🌲💗

Dressed in head to toe @fpmovement including all the cozy layers for when hot, golden afternoons transition to crisp, chilly evenings. I for one am so ready to see these leaves start to change colors, are you? 

PS: linked this whole fit in my stories for ya 💌

#FPmovementPartner #healthylifestyle #outdoorsygals #denverblogger #hikingclub #hikingoutfit #summertofall #outdoorfitness #happyandhealthy #wellnesslifestyle

“Try not to think about what could have or shoul
“Try not to think about what could have or should have been. What’s done is done.” ✨❤️

It’s day ten of my Healthy Habit series where I’m sharing 15 simple, realistic habits that you can incorporate daily to help you feel your best and I recommend turning the audio up for this one 🥹

DAY 10: Live In The Present 

The beauty of practicing daily mindfulness is that it helps us shift our mindset to the only thing that is guaranteed — this very moment. Each day we are alive is such a blessing and by channeling that gratitude, we can learn to cultivate more joy in the present moment instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. 

Mindfulness allows us to regulate our emotions and is a reminder that everything in life is temporary. We will all face challenges and difficult seasons throughout our lifetime — but cultivating this mindful habit of living in the present is a helpful tool as you wait for the hard times to pass. 🤍

 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

PS: if you want to make this pumpkin spice oatmeal here is the recipe: 

✨ 1/2 cup rolled oats 
✨ 1 cup almond milk 
✨ 1/4 cup water 
✨ 1/2 cup pumpkin purée 
✨ 1 tbsp maple syrup 
✨ 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice 
✨ 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 
✨ pinch of salt 

Bring almond milk and water to a boil and then add in all additional ingredients. Simmer for 8-10 min and top with bananas, chopped nuts, almond butter and a little drizzle of maple syrup 

{wellness, mindful living, intentional living, healthy mindset, positive thinking, self growth} 

#wellnesstips #mindfulhabit #mindfulroutine #morningroutine #cookwithme #romanticizeyourlife #liveinthepresent #selflove #selfgrowth #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #positivemindset #mindsetmatters #makebreakfastwithme #healthyroutines


✨ 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐠: 𝟓 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐓𝐨 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐈𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 (link in bio) ✨
 #ad I’ve been struggling with motivation lately and wanted to share some of my tried and true tips that help me find joy in my fitness routine. 

One thing I know makes a difference for me is dressing the part and wearing activewear that is cute, fits like a dream and makes me feel confident. That’s why I’m excited to share my newest activewear obsession – @neiwaiofficial 🤍

This Asian female-founded brand has some of the dreamiest, matching sets and these two from their Mousse Active Collection (swipe for a peep) are perfect for low-impact workouts like pilates, yoga and barre. I love the soft micro-suede material and know I’ll be wearing them all through Fall and Winter with some cozy layers. 

𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐋𝐓𝐊 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝟐𝟎% 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐝𝐞: 𝐦𝐞𝐢
{only valid through 9/15 so get yours quick!} 

Which is your fav: the emerald green or neutral mushroom? 👇

#NEIWAI  #Active  #InhaleExhale  #MadeToLiveIn  #NEIWAIfriends #liketkit #LTKfitness #LTKSeasonal
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/4iwFl

Clean the house with me for Day 9/15 of my Healthy
Clean the house with me for Day 9/15 of my Healthy Habit Series 🤍

DAY 9: Clean your space 🧹🫧🧺🧽

I wish I was one of those people that found cleaning to be enjoyable buuuut unfortunately that’s not usually the case. 😅 I do however get very stressed out when there’s too much clutter or things start to feel like they’re piling up. So in reality, keeping my space organized and tidy is probably the most helpful mental health habit that I turn to over and over again 🫧 

We’ve all heard the phrase “clear space, clear mind” and I 💯% believe that to be true. Eliminating clutter and keeping things tidy do wonders for mental clarity, creativity, and in my case — a greater sense of ease. 

I find that even 10-15 min of cleaning/decluttering a day can really make a big difference but for when life happens and things build up a bit more, having a dedicated “reset day” honestly is so worth it. 💕

Stay tuned for six more simple, realistic habits into your routine to help you feel your best

{wellness, healthy lifestyle, healthy mindset, self discipline, self growth, wellbeing, reset routine} 

#healthyhabits #wellnesstips #mindfulroutine #cleanwithme #resetroutine #iamwellandgood #morningroutine #wellnessblogger #cleaningroutine #healthymotivation

Stepping into the weekend 👟 and this shift of
Stepping into the weekend 👟 and  this shift of seasons is making me more excited to spend time outside. Which brings us to day 8/15 of my Healthy Habits series where I’m sharing 15 simple, realistic habits to incorporate into your daily routine to help you feel your best 🤍

DAY 8: GO ON A WALK 

Something about getting outside for even 15 min of fresh air and movement is so healing and lately I’ve been doing a lot of “walk and talks” where I put on headphones and chat with friends as I get my steps in. 

Sometimes I listen to music or a podcast but many times I just walk without any distractions. There are so many mental and physical benefits of taking time to go on a walk, and right now, it’s been an important tool for me to get out of the house and help reduce stress. 

And now with sweater weather approaching I’m so excited to get out for more morning walks with a hot cup of coffee in hand. ☕️ 

{wellness, healthy lifestyle, healthy mindset, self growth, self discipline, daily movement} 

#wellnessblogger #healthyhabits #morningroutine #morninghabits #dailyroutine #healthymotivation #iamwellandgood #morningwalk #hotgirlwalk #movementismedicine #mindfulroutine

#AD September is officially here and with it bring
#AD September is officially here and with it brings the promise of pumpkin spice and Fall vibes (which tbh I’m SO excited for!). 🍁🎃🧡 I figure there’s no better way to kick off the season than with a Pumpkin Cold Brew Smoothie featuring @silk Almondmilk! I picked up all these ingredients at my local @Target and think you all are going to LOVE this recipe.

Be sure to SAVE this to try later:

✨ 1 frozen banana
✨ ½ cup organic pumpkin puree
✨ ¼ cup greek yogurt 
✨ 1 medjool date
✨ 1 tbsp almond butter
✨ 1 tbsp flax seeds
✨ ½ cup cold brew 
✨ 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
✨ ½ cup SILK Unsweetened Almondmilk 
✨ ice

Blend all ingredients and pour into your fav glass! I love how smooth and creamy SILK Almondmilk is and it’s such an easy, plant-based swap for any of your smoothies. Get 10% off Silk Almondmilk with the Target Circle app from 9/3-9/9! 🎯 

Be sure to tag us if you recreate this pumpkin smoothie at home! 

#silkalmondmilk #silktarget #pumpkincoldbrew #pumpkinsmoothie #smoothierecipe #smoothietime #fallsmoothie #pumpkinrecipe

My Healthy Habits series has been on a hiatus but
My Healthy Habits series has been on a hiatus but I’m ready to finish what I started 🫶🏼. In many ways, these little habits are exactly what I need right now and have become “healing habits” that I always turn to when I need a mental or physical boost. 

My hope is that by the end of this 15 part series you’ll be inspired to incorporate more of these simple, realistic habits into your own daily routines 

DAY 7: WRITE IN A JOURNAL ✏️

I’ve been keeping some form of diary or journal on and off since 2nd grade, which is kind of wild when I think about all the notebooks filled with memories stacked in my closet. Writing is such a therapeutic exercise and a great introspective tool to help work through different feelings and emotions. 

There are plenty of guided journals if free writing is intimidating and I share plenty of prompts on my blog and @mindfulmorningclub page 📖

I always suggest starting with just 5-10 min of writing time in the morning or evening and expanding if/when your schedule allows. ✨

Do you keep a journal? 

#healthyhabits #morningroutine #wellnesstips #journaling #iamwellandgood #healthylifestyle #healthymindset #morningrituals #selfcaretips #morningvibes #autumnmorning #wellnesslifestyle #mindfulroutine #smallmoments #fallvibes

Little things that nourished my soul lately 💫

Little things that nourished my soul lately 💫 

🐶 mountain views with my lil family 
🌸 writing everything out in my journal 
🦋 starting to ease back into workouts I enjoy 
💐 beautiful flowers & plants from friends 
🍦 sushi followed by ube ice cream 
💇🏻‍♀️ much needed hair color refresh 
☕️ matcha & a new book 
💅🏻 treating myself to a pedicure 

Healing is not a linear process and I’m giving myself grace to feel all the feelings as they come. Through every challenge, there’s beauty in knowing the heart has a capacity for holding space for it all — for moments of small joys, pain and sorrow, and perhaps most importantly, so much space for hope. 

✨Hope that by sharing my story, other women will feel less alone 

✨Hope that it helps shines a light on how painful, emotionally and physically, pregnancy loss can be 

✨Hope that God will give us our rainbow baby soon 

To the hundreds of you who had the kindness and courage to share your own miscarriage stories with me and others who shared words of love, thank you. We have felt so supported this past week and it has given us a lot of strength. 

I am craving normalcy again, and that means I’m ready to dive back into work with branded content going live this week and continuing my Healthy Habits series. Life moves forward and even though this experience will stay with me forever, 
I am ready to leave the pain behind 🤍

#lifelately #miscarriageawareness #newbeginnings #cameraroll

This isnt the announcement I hoped to share. We we
This isnt the announcement I hoped to share. We were so excited to welcome our little baby into this world. Instead we gained an angel. 👼 

Last Friday, at 11 weeks and 2 days pregnant, we checked into the OB for an emergency ultrasound. We were just a week shy of our official 12 week appt— the one where we would find out the gender and prepare to share the news with family and friends. Instead, they couldn’t find a heartbeat. 💔 

The first trimester hadn’t been easy. At 6 weeks I ended up in the ER but heard the baby’s heartbeat and left feeling hopeful. We saw the baby officially at our 8 week ultrasound and felt more assured that things would progress as we hoped. 

Time continued to move forward and by the 11 week mark, we were picking potential names, reading parenting books, and starting to take bump photos. 

They say the odds of a miscarriage at 11 weeks is so small… yet here we are. I know we are not alone in this but it doesn’t make the pain and heartbreak any easier.

We’ve been taking time to work through our grief and process this loss together. We are grateful to have such an incredible support system and I thank you all for providing a safe space to share my story. I kindly ask that you do not share any unsolicited medical advice or ask questions. 

I know there will be brighter days ahead and this experience has made me very aware of just how much we look forward to having a family. It’s not our time, but I know it will happen someday.

For now, this is goodbye, little one. You are forever in our hearts 👼❤️ ~ M & B


Popular Posts

  • 10 Self-Care Journal Prompts for Tough Times

    September 7, 2023

  • 5 Ways to Fall Back in Love with Your Workout Routine

    September 12, 2023

Currently Pinning

  • Just like any other routine, our workouts need a shake up every now and then. Whether you're feeling bored with your routine or you're coming back from a long break, here are my top tips for falling back in love with your workout routine and finding ways to move that feel good for your body.
  • - Poster with a text in orange on a beige backgroundText print with the quote "Health begins with self care" written in orange on a light beige background. Inspiring poster with modern colours.
  • Starting the morning with self care is what keeps me feeling my best throughout the day. What does your mindful morning routine look like?
  • Cuadro con texto de inspiración Esta moderna lámina decorativa muestra el siguiente texto: "The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new". En la categoría "cuadros con textos y frases" encontrarás otras obras del mismo estilo.

Currently Pinning

  • Just like any other routine, our workouts need a shake up every now and then. Whether you're feeling bored with your routine or you're coming back from a long break, here are my top tips for falling back in love with your workout routine and finding ways to move that feel good for your body.
  • - Poster with a text in orange on a beige backgroundText print with the quote "Health begins with self care" written in orange on a light beige background. Inspiring poster with modern colours.
  • Starting the morning with self care is what keeps me feeling my best throughout the day. What does your mindful morning routine look like?

Sign up for my Newsletter 💌

Footer Widget Header

Subscribe

Join Me!

Another day, another healthy habit 💦🍋 . I ca Another day, another healthy habit 💦🍋 . I can’t believe we only have a few more to go! In case you’re new here, I’m sharing 15 simple, realistic habits and mindful practices that you can incorporate your routine to help you feel your best. 

DAY 12: Focus on Hydration 💧

I’m not going to laundry list all of the benefits of drinking more water because this is one habit we all KNOW we need to do — however if you find yourself struggling with this one, here are some tips that may help: 

✨ Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning 
✨ Jazz up your water with lemon 🍋 
✨ Add electrolytes to your water post-workout 
✨ Make homemade juices from hydrating veggies and fruit (this one is celery, cucumber + apple) 
✨ Fill an extra large water bottle to keep track of how much you’re drinking through the day 
✨ Serve water with every meal
✨ Drink unsweetened iced or hot tea
✨ Set reminders on your phone or use a tracker (like the one in my Mindful Morning Planner) 

I used to struggle with this habit but ever since moving to Denver a couple years ago, the dry climate has forced me to focus on hydration daily and now I feel like I’m constantly drinking water and using all the hydrating skincare products 😅

Stay tuned for the final 3 healthy habits of the series coming soon! 

#wellness #mindfulroutines #morningroutine #healthyandhappy #morningvibes #wellnesslifestyle #colorfulaesthetic #mindfulroutine #happyandhealthy #morninghabits #healthylifestyle #iamwellandgood
“Look to the sunlight above and smile. You are n “Look to the sunlight above and smile. You are never alone.” 🌻 Swipe for more healing words. Save, share and take what you need 🤎

#selfcompassion #selflove #dailyreminders #positivemindset #littlereminders #wellbeing #mindfulness #findthelight #selfgrowth #wellnesswednesday
Can you count how many plants are in this video? 🪴🤪 Welcome back to my Healthy Habit series, where I’m sharing 15 simple, realistic habits and mindful practices to incorporate into your daily routine to help you feel your best. 

DAY 11: Bring Nature Indoors 

There are numerous studies that have demonstrated the power of keeping houseplants in your home. Emotionally, the presence of plants help to decrease anxiety and stress. The act of caring for them requires patience and watching them grow provides a feeling of accomplishment. 🪴🫶🏼

Some houseplants help to purify the air and if you plant a small herb garden in your kitchen, you’ll reap the benefits of fresh herbs all year round.

Other simple ways to invite nature indoors are:

🪟 open your windows on a cool day
🤎 choose earth tones for your decor
🌊 play soothing sounds like ocean waves or rain 🕯️ light candles or a fireplace
☀️ set up a reading nook in a very sunny corner of your home

Is this a habit you’re already putting into practice? And if so, what is your favorite way to invite nature indoors? 

{well-being, wellness, self care, biophilia, healthy lifestyle, positive mindset, healthy tips, self growth} 

#wellbeing #healthyhabits #plantcare #houseplantlove #romanticizeyourlife #healthyathome #wellnesstips #wellnessblogger #healthyandhappy #mindfulhabits #morningroutine #mindfulroutine #selfcaretips
Embracing all the little moments of peace, beauty Embracing all the little moments of peace, beauty and playfulness 🌲💗

Dressed in head to toe @fpmovement including all the cozy layers for when hot, golden afternoons transition to crisp, chilly evenings. I for one am so ready to see these leaves start to change colors, are you? 

PS: linked this whole fit in my stories for ya 💌

#FPmovementPartner #healthylifestyle #outdoorsygals #denverblogger #hikingclub #hikingoutfit #summertofall #outdoorfitness #happyandhealthy #wellnesslifestyle
“Try not to think about what could have or shoul “Try not to think about what could have or should have been. What’s done is done.” ✨❤️

It’s day ten of my Healthy Habit series where I’m sharing 15 simple, realistic habits that you can incorporate daily to help you feel your best and I recommend turning the audio up for this one 🥹

DAY 10: Live In The Present 

The beauty of practicing daily mindfulness is that it helps us shift our mindset to the only thing that is guaranteed — this very moment. Each day we are alive is such a blessing and by channeling that gratitude, we can learn to cultivate more joy in the present moment instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. 

Mindfulness allows us to regulate our emotions and is a reminder that everything in life is temporary. We will all face challenges and difficult seasons throughout our lifetime — but cultivating this mindful habit of living in the present is a helpful tool as you wait for the hard times to pass. 🤍

 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

PS: if you want to make this pumpkin spice oatmeal here is the recipe: 

✨ 1/2 cup rolled oats 
✨ 1 cup almond milk 
✨ 1/4 cup water 
✨ 1/2 cup pumpkin purée 
✨ 1 tbsp maple syrup 
✨ 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice 
✨ 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 
✨ pinch of salt 

Bring almond milk and water to a boil and then add in all additional ingredients. Simmer for 8-10 min and top with bananas, chopped nuts, almond butter and a little drizzle of maple syrup 

{wellness, mindful living, intentional living, healthy mindset, positive thinking, self growth} 

#wellnesstips #mindfulhabit #mindfulroutine #morningroutine #cookwithme #romanticizeyourlife #liveinthepresent #selflove #selfgrowth #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #positivemindset #mindsetmatters #makebreakfastwithme #healthyroutines
✨ 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐠: 𝟓 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐓𝐨 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐈𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 (link in bio) ✨
 #ad I’ve been struggling with motivation lately and wanted to share some of my tried and true tips that help me find joy in my fitness routine. 

One thing I know makes a difference for me is dressing the part and wearing activewear that is cute, fits like a dream and makes me feel confident. That’s why I’m excited to share my newest activewear obsession – @neiwaiofficial 🤍

This Asian female-founded brand has some of the dreamiest, matching sets and these two from their Mousse Active Collection (swipe for a peep) are perfect for low-impact workouts like pilates, yoga and barre. I love the soft micro-suede material and know I’ll be wearing them all through Fall and Winter with some cozy layers. 

𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐋𝐓𝐊 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝟐𝟎% 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐝𝐞: 𝐦𝐞𝐢
{only valid through 9/15 so get yours quick!} 

Which is your fav: the emerald green or neutral mushroom? 👇

#NEIWAI  #Active  #InhaleExhale  #MadeToLiveIn  #NEIWAIfriends #liketkit #LTKfitness #LTKSeasonal
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/4iwFl
Clean the house with me for Day 9/15 of my Healthy Clean the house with me for Day 9/15 of my Healthy Habit Series 🤍

DAY 9: Clean your space 🧹🫧🧺🧽

I wish I was one of those people that found cleaning to be enjoyable buuuut unfortunately that’s not usually the case. 😅 I do however get very stressed out when there’s too much clutter or things start to feel like they’re piling up. So in reality, keeping my space organized and tidy is probably the most helpful mental health habit that I turn to over and over again 🫧 

We’ve all heard the phrase “clear space, clear mind” and I 💯% believe that to be true. Eliminating clutter and keeping things tidy do wonders for mental clarity, creativity, and in my case — a greater sense of ease. 

I find that even 10-15 min of cleaning/decluttering a day can really make a big difference but for when life happens and things build up a bit more, having a dedicated “reset day” honestly is so worth it. 💕

Stay tuned for six more simple, realistic habits into your routine to help you feel your best

{wellness, healthy lifestyle, healthy mindset, self discipline, self growth, wellbeing, reset routine} 

#healthyhabits #wellnesstips #mindfulroutine #cleanwithme #resetroutine #iamwellandgood #morningroutine #wellnessblogger #cleaningroutine #healthymotivation
Stepping into the weekend 👟 and this shift of Stepping into the weekend 👟 and  this shift of seasons is making me more excited to spend time outside. Which brings us to day 8/15 of my Healthy Habits series where I’m sharing 15 simple, realistic habits to incorporate into your daily routine to help you feel your best 🤍

DAY 8: GO ON A WALK 

Something about getting outside for even 15 min of fresh air and movement is so healing and lately I’ve been doing a lot of “walk and talks” where I put on headphones and chat with friends as I get my steps in. 

Sometimes I listen to music or a podcast but many times I just walk without any distractions. There are so many mental and physical benefits of taking time to go on a walk, and right now, it’s been an important tool for me to get out of the house and help reduce stress. 

And now with sweater weather approaching I’m so excited to get out for more morning walks with a hot cup of coffee in hand. ☕️ 

{wellness, healthy lifestyle, healthy mindset, self growth, self discipline, daily movement} 

#wellnessblogger #healthyhabits #morningroutine #morninghabits #dailyroutine #healthymotivation #iamwellandgood #morningwalk #hotgirlwalk #movementismedicine #mindfulroutine
#AD September is officially here and with it bring #AD September is officially here and with it brings the promise of pumpkin spice and Fall vibes (which tbh I’m SO excited for!). 🍁🎃🧡 I figure there’s no better way to kick off the season than with a Pumpkin Cold Brew Smoothie featuring @silk Almondmilk! I picked up all these ingredients at my local @Target and think you all are going to LOVE this recipe.

Be sure to SAVE this to try later:

✨ 1 frozen banana
✨ ½ cup organic pumpkin puree
✨ ¼ cup greek yogurt 
✨ 1 medjool date
✨ 1 tbsp almond butter
✨ 1 tbsp flax seeds
✨ ½ cup cold brew 
✨ 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
✨ ½ cup SILK Unsweetened Almondmilk 
✨ ice

Blend all ingredients and pour into your fav glass! I love how smooth and creamy SILK Almondmilk is and it’s such an easy, plant-based swap for any of your smoothies. Get 10% off Silk Almondmilk with the Target Circle app from 9/3-9/9! 🎯 

Be sure to tag us if you recreate this pumpkin smoothie at home! 

#silkalmondmilk #silktarget #pumpkincoldbrew #pumpkinsmoothie #smoothierecipe #smoothietime #fallsmoothie #pumpkinrecipe
My Healthy Habits series has been on a hiatus but My Healthy Habits series has been on a hiatus but I’m ready to finish what I started 🫶🏼. In many ways, these little habits are exactly what I need right now and have become “healing habits” that I always turn to when I need a mental or physical boost. 

My hope is that by the end of this 15 part series you’ll be inspired to incorporate more of these simple, realistic habits into your own daily routines 

DAY 7: WRITE IN A JOURNAL ✏️

I’ve been keeping some form of diary or journal on and off since 2nd grade, which is kind of wild when I think about all the notebooks filled with memories stacked in my closet. Writing is such a therapeutic exercise and a great introspective tool to help work through different feelings and emotions. 

There are plenty of guided journals if free writing is intimidating and I share plenty of prompts on my blog and @mindfulmorningclub page 📖

I always suggest starting with just 5-10 min of writing time in the morning or evening and expanding if/when your schedule allows. ✨

Do you keep a journal? 

#healthyhabits #morningroutine #wellnesstips #journaling #iamwellandgood #healthylifestyle #healthymindset #morningrituals #selfcaretips #morningvibes #autumnmorning #wellnesslifestyle #mindfulroutine #smallmoments #fallvibes
Little things that nourished my soul lately 💫 Little things that nourished my soul lately 💫 

🐶 mountain views with my lil family 
🌸 writing everything out in my journal 
🦋 starting to ease back into workouts I enjoy 
💐 beautiful flowers & plants from friends 
🍦 sushi followed by ube ice cream 
💇🏻‍♀️ much needed hair color refresh 
☕️ matcha & a new book 
💅🏻 treating myself to a pedicure 

Healing is not a linear process and I’m giving myself grace to feel all the feelings as they come. Through every challenge, there’s beauty in knowing the heart has a capacity for holding space for it all — for moments of small joys, pain and sorrow, and perhaps most importantly, so much space for hope. 

✨Hope that by sharing my story, other women will feel less alone 

✨Hope that it helps shines a light on how painful, emotionally and physically, pregnancy loss can be 

✨Hope that God will give us our rainbow baby soon 

To the hundreds of you who had the kindness and courage to share your own miscarriage stories with me and others who shared words of love, thank you. We have felt so supported this past week and it has given us a lot of strength. 

I am craving normalcy again, and that means I’m ready to dive back into work with branded content going live this week and continuing my Healthy Habits series. Life moves forward and even though this experience will stay with me forever, 
I am ready to leave the pain behind 🤍

#lifelately #miscarriageawareness #newbeginnings #cameraroll
This isnt the announcement I hoped to share. We we This isnt the announcement I hoped to share. We were so excited to welcome our little baby into this world. Instead we gained an angel. 👼 

Last Friday, at 11 weeks and 2 days pregnant, we checked into the OB for an emergency ultrasound. We were just a week shy of our official 12 week appt— the one where we would find out the gender and prepare to share the news with family and friends. Instead, they couldn’t find a heartbeat. 💔 

The first trimester hadn’t been easy. At 6 weeks I ended up in the ER but heard the baby’s heartbeat and left feeling hopeful. We saw the baby officially at our 8 week ultrasound and felt more assured that things would progress as we hoped. 

Time continued to move forward and by the 11 week mark, we were picking potential names, reading parenting books, and starting to take bump photos. 

They say the odds of a miscarriage at 11 weeks is so small… yet here we are. I know we are not alone in this but it doesn’t make the pain and heartbreak any easier.

We’ve been taking time to work through our grief and process this loss together. We are grateful to have such an incredible support system and I thank you all for providing a safe space to share my story. I kindly ask that you do not share any unsolicited medical advice or ask questions. 

I know there will be brighter days ahead and this experience has made me very aware of just how much we look forward to having a family. It’s not our time, but I know it will happen someday.

For now, this is goodbye, little one. You are forever in our hearts 👼❤️ ~ M & B
Follow me on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Headstands & Heels · Blog Design by Little Blue Deer
Privacy Policy