This month for me has been one of reflection and self-development. More than anything, I've been forced to pay more attention to my lifestyle choices and realized that there was a lot of room for improvement. Even on my best days, I find myself practicing habits that are less than favorable (the more than occasional all-nighter, skipping meals, sleeping with my makeup on, bottling up my feelings, spending too much time on my phone, the list literally could go on for a week), so I made the executive decision to take this time at home to work on taking care of myself. Here are a few adjustments that I made in the past month to better my mental health and physical health. They aren't the most unheard-of rituals, but I promise they instantly make a difference in your overall physical and mental wellbeing.

@linmick

1. Apple Cider Vinegar in the morning Four words: Tastes. Like. Television. Static. Not the best-tasting elixir, but ACV has so many proven benefits for the mind and body. I take a capful of the Bragg Organic Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar and mix it with hot water. To take away from the awful taste, I squeeze in half a lemon and a teaspoon of raw honey and sip on it throughout my morning. Drinking this on an empty stomach aids digestion assists with hormone formation and function (helloooo serotonin), and boosts your overall immunity. ACV also contains pH-balancing properties that can help with skin blemishes and hair health. 2. Slowly switching to clean products This one is a more gradual change to implement in your life. With all this time at home, I've had extra time to indulge in my skincare and haircare routines, which is nice. With this, I've also spent extra time reading the labels on the back of my products. I realized that I was literally putting the wackiest chemicals on my face, and I went nuts. So over time, I've been switching out my daily products for formulas that are safer for my health, and our planet. 3. Morning meditation Even if it's just three deep breaths in the morning to start my day, I've learned to be more mindful of my mind and body. Meditation has proven to ease anxiety, preserve the aging brain, and improve concentration throughout the day. Devoting time to check in with myself has become super important to me during this time, and has helped me with all the anxiety I've been feeling lately. 4. Crying Another beautiful natural form of meditation that doesn't get enough attention. I've never been one to express any vulnerability, which honestly I don't blame myself for. I remember as a kid, I would always get told that I was so strong and brave all the time, so I always thought even the slightest sign of vulnerability meant I was weak. Turns out, crying is a natural human reaction (who would've thought?) that we should embrace. I now allow myself to release my emotions (like one should), and it's been very liberating. Sometimes even just shedding like three tears is good closure for me and helps me realize like "oh, that thing was upsetting me, but now I'm good." 5. Bedtime reading. I've been reading more lately and trying to expand my literary taste. I'm currently reading "Everything is F*cked" by Mark Manson. It's not the happiest book, but it offers a raw perspective on all the things in life that are literally f*cked and challenges the reader to get real with themselves. It's very well written, and I'm enjoying it so far. There are so many other book recommendations I have for you, which I share every Sunday on our Instagram.