• ALEX NICOLLE

    wellness

    Hate Gratitude Lists? Do This Instead

    Of all the well-being practices, I struggle with gratitude lists the most. Not out of lack of trying — I’ve sat at my table every morning for months listing 10 things I’m grateful for…

    I am grateful for my home

    I am grateful for my family

    I am grateful for my friends

    I am grateful for my boyfriend

    I am grateful to have healthy food

    I am grateful for the ability to move my body

    You get it. It goes on and on, and yet, no matter what I put on the list, it just doesn’t do it for me. I don’t get the feeling of being grateful — which is the whole point. These lists feel so detached to me. So, I created my own versions instead. 

    Everyday I recall, in detail, one unique encounter that I’m thankful for — instead of making a broad list. 

    What I value the most in my life are my relationships with other people, so I figured this is where I should be focusing my practice. I recall a time someone did something kind for me, or made my life better in any way. Big or small, anything that made me feel special/thankful/lucky to have them in my life. Like a friend going out of their way to bring me medicine when I’m sick, or a boss expressing his faith in me. Maybe it’s just knowing that I have the kind of people I can count on in a time of need. Whatever it is, I focus on the moment, and let the gratitude flood in.

    Take a breath and feel grateful in the moment.

    There are so many things I’m grateful for everyday that I take for granted. Instead of writing them on a list, which feels removed, I try to be present and have a moment of appreciation for them while they’re in use. These moments happen every day, it’s more a matter of taking the time to notice them.

    Ex: When I have to run across the street to make the light, I say in my head “I’m thankful I’m able to move my body.” When I wake up and hear the rain, I take a moment to feel thankful for my shelter from it. 

    Regardless of whether you use mine, or make your own, I hope to serve as a reminder that you can always adapt practices to work for you. Personalizing them doesn’t mean we’re “doing it wrong.” The only incorrect wellness practices are the ones that leave you feeling bad. So take what serves you, and leave what doesn’t!

    Wellness Supplements — Worth It?

    Listening to wellness podcasts, I repeatedly get ads for the same products over and over again. Considering I love anything that will help me feel my best, I always end up trying them. Below are my honest reviews in case you’ve been curious about these products too! 

    Pique Matcha:

    Oh my god the amount of instagram ads I got for this matcha. In addition to the usual benefits of matcha, this one in particular boasted a quadruple toxin screen, and radiant skin. Unfortunately, this product really fell flat for me. After drinking it daily for one month, I didn’t see any benefits to my skin and honestly I didn’t love the taste. I found it to be much grassier than my usual matchas. For now, I’ll be sticking to Cha Cha Matcha or matcha.com. Final Verdict: Not worth it

    Seed DS-01:

    I LOVE Seed. I didn’t start taking a probiotic until I got eczema and learned about how much our gut affects our skin (as well as our immune system, and mood). After doing a lot of research to find the best probiotic, I’m convinced Seed is it. (Technically their product DS-01 is a symbiotic (pre + pro biotic)). While everyone is different and it can be hard to tell if a probiotic is ‘working,’ the reason I love Seed is because they are serious about the science backing their products. Not only have they done extensive clinical trials on DS-01, but they also specify the exact strain of each probiotic included, so you can research the clinical trials done on each of those, and validate the benefits they claim. In a mostly unregulated market, I think Seed sets the gold standard for quality and transparency. Final Verdict: Worth it

    If you want to try Seed, use my link for 50% off your first order! https://refer.seed.com/x/Iq4O91

    Athletic Greens — AG1:

    Starting the day with a greens juice just feels healthy, right? Coming in at 75 ingredients, AG1 has a lot more in it than your typical greens juice; including adaptogens, vitamins, and probiotics. It tastes sweet, which was kind of weird to me at first, but I ended up getting used to it and actually enjoying it. In terms of health benefits, the founder’s goal was to create a single supplement that can replace all others in your routine. Unfortunately, after trying this for a few months, I can’t say I noticed any changes in how I felt. That doesn’t mean AG1 wasn’t working, internal improvements are hard to detect, but at $79/month it does mean it wasn’t worth continuing. Instead, I’ve opted for individual supplements that I know are targeting my unique needs. Moving forward, I’ll just get the AG1 travel packs for vacations. Final verdict: Depends on your health goals/preferences

    Arrae Bloat:

    While I’m specifically talking about the bloat capsules here, in general I love how clean and minimal the ingredients in Arrae’s supplements are. Not only are they super simple (bloat has only 6 plant ingredients), but they actually work! I take two bloat pills on occasion if I’ve had a particularly heavy meal and the discomfort usually goes away within an hour. While I don’t need them daily, it’s a good product to have on hand when traveling, or any time you’re straying from your normal diet. Final Verdict: Worth it

    LMNT:

    I feel like out of nowhere electrolyte powders/drops have flooded the wellness scene, or maybe I just caught up. Initially I started taking them at a holistic practitioner’s recommendation, but the ones she gave me tasted like the ocean 🤢 After trying a few different brands, I’ve decided to stick with LMNT. All of the flavors I’ve tried are good, and each only have 10 calories per serving. I specifically love the citrus and watermenlon flavors (watermelon tastes like a jolly rancher). Whenever I’m feeling dehydrated or run down I pour a pack in my water and find they give me a little boost. Like most wellness supplements, these are great for travel too. I know I keep saying that, but that’s when our bodies need extra love! Final verdict: Worth it

    Have you tried any of these supplements? Let me know what you think!

    This site is for informational purposes only and is not intended diagnose, prescribe, or replace professional medical advice. The testimonials published represent real life experiences. However, these experiences are unique to the individual and may not represent all users of all products. We do not claim, and you should not assume, that all users will have the same experiences.

    Workouts I Love

    Over the years I have tried A LOT of workout classes, and now often get asked for recommendations. Whether your new to working out, or just looking for a change, below are some of my favorite workouts!

    High Intensity:

    Solidcore – I’m convinced no workout will give you abs faster than reformer pilates. Something about it just gets in there. This class is equally as challenging as Barry’s but in a slower, more elongating way. My only con for the class is the weight load can be too much for someone that builds muscle easily. For that reason, I like to stick with the lightest spring load and focus on moving slowly. 

    Barry’s — Most people know Barry’s but I had to include it. I have never been as exhausted after a workout as I am after Barry’s. Thanks to the combination of running and floor exercises, this is a great class for someone looking to burn a lot of calories.

    Body by Leslie — Kind of a combination of Barry’s and Solidcore; this is my favorite at home (or vacation) workout. It’s so fun and hits in all the right ways. Her sequencing includes weights + traditional pilates moves, and she brings big Barbie energy. Leslie is sweet, empowering, and consistently pushing her clients to be the best versions of themselves. I dare you not to love her after just one class.

    Slowing it Down:

    Melissa Wood Health — The workout I’ve been doing the most of lately. Classes can be super short, usually using your own body weight. Similar to solidcore, the moves are elongating but without the excess weight. One of my favorite benefits of MWH is how grounded I feel mentally after a class. Great for women with adrenal fatigue, high cortisol, or beginners looking to ease into exercise. 

    Yogazan — By far the greatest hidden gem I have found in Los Angeles. The studio itself is simple but the instructors are out of this world! Taking class here is what made me actually enjoy yoga. Not only are all of the instructors great at teaching, but in my experience they all truly embody the yoga practice both on and off the mat. My favorite classes are with Jay, the owner, but every class I have taken here has been excellent. 

    Beach Yoga w/ Brent Laffoon — I actually found Brent through Yogazan and completed my yoga teacher training with him in 2020. Brent is incredibly knowledgeable about yoga, and in wicked shape. His class is more challenging than most yoga classes I’ve been to, but well worth it. A bonus benefit: Brent’s classes cultivate the feeling of community more than any other workout I’ve been to. 

    Walking — The easiest and cheapest workout! My daily 3 mile walks have become a staple in my routine, both for the physical and mental gains. I prefer walking to running because I don’t get the increased appetite that comes with running, my face doesn’t get red, and I simply find it more enjoyable.

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