9 Daily Rituals You Need to Be Doing Right Now

The health and wellness secrets that The Juicy Movement guru Carla Thomas can’t live without.

Over 8 years ago, Carla Thomas - founder of The Juicy Movement, health coach, author and wholefood cheerleader - discovered that her constant state of low energy, anxiety and general ill health stemmed from the fact she was neglecting to properly assess and look after her whole self. To get herself back on track, Carla realised it was about respecting both her external and internal self, through proper nutrition, exercise and holistic practices of mindfulness and self-care.

Over the years, Carla has developed and built on a little list of rituals that started her journey towards being the most energised, positive and “juicy” version of herself. We got her to jot down nine of the easiest-to-introduce wellness habits she can’t live without.

1. Kick your day off right

It’s important to get your metabolism going in the morning, as it can be sluggish post-slumber. For me, I do my hydrating and wholefood-loading in the morning. I chug down half a litre of water with freshly squeezed lemon and my supplements. Wholefood loading is one of the major focuses of my health and wellness program, The Juicy Life. It aims to fuel the mind, body and soul with a robust focus on mind-body medicine. The Juicy Life Program is the ultimate first step in adopting a holistic approach to clean living. We teach easy everyday principles and routines and offer great recipes and activity ideas, which build on a base of whole food nutrition to suit your lifestyle and goals. For those looking to embark on a healthier, happier, more energised journey to wellness, there is no better place to kick off.

2. Stretch it out

Now you’ve prompted your metabolism, it’s time to get your blood flowing. I pull out the yoga mat and foam roller and take 10-20 minutes to stretch, which really gives me a boost. My brain becomes alert, my circulation gets going, my breath and lungs expand and it aids movement in other areas as well… if you get what I mean! There are heaps of yoga, Pilates and stretch sequences available for free online - just choose one and give it a go.

3. Get the good oil

I worked with Sarah Wilson and the I Quit Sugar team and I picked up this tip from her. Sarah got me onto oil pulling, an ancient Ayurveda practice involving swishing one tablespoon of unrefined oil (I prefer organic coconut oil) in your mouth for 5-15 minutes. It draws out bacteria and toxins and brightens the teeth. I do it in the morning while I’m stretching. Happy days! Just remember not to spit it out in the sink, as it will block the pipes!

4. Prime your psyche

Getting in the right mental space to begin your day is important to work on before really getting stuck into your schedule. I personally use visualisation, where I focus on gratitude, goals and love - if you see yourself embodying these things, I believe you will embody them. This mental priming was inspired by Tony Robbins, I saw him with Oprah doing a guided session and it resonated with me. It may sound wishy-washy but believe me, it’s not. It gets you so pumped full of positivity and focus, you can’t have a good day afterwards! Your visualisation should be tailored to your own key goals.

5. Liquid gold

Hydrating is so important throughout the day, I drink between 2-3 litres per day because I carry a large bottle of water with me EVERYWHERE! In my office, my handbag, my car, my bedroom… And, while it can be a controversial topic, I also start my day with a coffee. I used to believe the hype, that it was the root of all evil to our health. But then I got into Fully Charged Coffee, which is my own spiced up recipe with an espresso shot (you’ll find the recipe on my website). It changed my mornings forever. I enjoy this aromatic and invigorating cuppa straight after my stretch, it sets me up for my day and a good workout, without experiencing the lull a regular coffee will give you.

6. Don’t skip breakfast

My favourite meal of the day by far, I usually take a small break and enjoy mine 2-3 hours after waking. Breakfast sets you up for the day and I like to fit in a workout between my coffee and eating. If my breakfast isn’t balanced and loaded with nutrition, I feel generally off and peckish the entire day. Smoothie (balanced though - remember, 2-3 parts veggie, 1 part fruit, protein and good fats), breakfast bowl, hot brekky… Whatever floats your boat. Just don’t skip it!

7. Move yo’ self

Movement is just as important for a healthy mind as it is for a healthy body. Those who exercise are found to be more focused, happier, less stressed and cope better with life. But this doesn’t mean it has to be labelled “exercise” to count. Finding time to be active every day - be it running, yoga, dancing, strength training or just going for a stroll - is a non-negotiable for me.

8. Maximise your “me time”

This plays a huge part in both physical and mental health - it’s like a little holiday for your mind and body. What “me time” looks like is entirely up to you - it simply entails doing something for yourself. Pick something you enjoy, feel passionate about, something that fills your cup (and yes, ladies, getting your nails done counts!) and relish in it. Tune out from the day-to-day noise of others, work, phone, internet etc., so you can re-energise and be the best version of you. Self-care is not selfish, it is not a dirty or guilty word. The first person you need to value above all others is you!

9. Make a connection

Our relationships are often the first thing we sacrifice when we are busy, and yet what are we without them? Humans were born to feel connected; we thrive from company and community. Connections with my family, friends, colleagues, clients, new relationships, and of course, first and foremost, my husband Byron, are all important to me. I make sure to make time for them all. In addition, the support of like-minded people is important for sticking to your health goals. Through The Juicy Life Program, you’ll have access to a community of people walking alongside you on your health journey - from your own coach who can offer personalised guidance, access to private online groups and a members area with tips, special offers, recipes, support and a library with e-books on health, beauty, fitness, recipe ideas, a weekly menu template and more. On top of that, we can hook you up in a circle of people on The Juicy Life program so you embark on your lifestyle journey as a team. The Juicy Circle is an intimate group of up to five women working together and with me over four months (we do this online, so there’s no need to meet in person unless you want to!) Life is just so much sweeter when you feel connected.

Dedicate yourself a little time to nourish from the inside-out, I promise you will feel the difference.

Stay juicy!
C xx

Want more?

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Carla Thomas
Holistic Health Coach, Wholefood Cheerleader, Author, Nutrition Educator, and Founder of The Juicy Movement.

Website: www.carlathomas.com.au

Instagram: @carlathomas_juicymovement

Facebook: Carla Thomas The Juicy Movement

Email: [email protected]