Glowing – nourishment, movement and transformation. The 2021 edition. Part 3

Part 3 – Movement. 

Movement. How are you moving in 2021? How does your body feel? Pause. Listen. She’s always talking to you. As we enter the renewal of spring let’s move together for part 3 of my series. Rather then share my workout regime, (see my fitness diary for a detailed behind the scenes), I am going to look at micro movements and how those choices impact our daily life. First remember that we are all on different timelines, so always start where you are and do not judge yourself. My beauty diary is a judgment free zone and a community of high vibrations and support so that we leave this page feeling energized, heart expanded, mind open and inspired to take action.

 

There are multiple opportunities throughout the day to move. I am calling them micro movements. I would like to start with the simple joy of stretching. How we start our day sets the tone. Stretching in gratitude (yes the first words out of my mouth are thank you God for this brand new day, as I live in a gratitude mindset), is how I greet the day. To connect to your body when stretching and feel that connection is another way of building self awareness. Stretching calms the mind, is great for stress relief, increases the blood flow to your muscles, enhances flexibility, improves your posture and is great for your back. 

Dry Brushing. For those who are familiar with my Beauty Diary, you know that I started dry brushing on a regular basis in 2018. I’ve not looked back. It is part of my morning routine. The benefits of this micro movement are vast. It helps detoxify by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph flow/drainage and unclogs pores during the exfoliation process. Stimulates your nervous system, which makes you feel invigorated (I absolutely feel this). The morning is the most beneficial time to dry brush due to how it invigorates and stimulates your system. Find what works for you and start slowly. Maybe once a week. Visually my skin looks smoother (even before my body moisturizer). I brought my dry brush at Wholefoods, WholeBody department. 

I use organic unrefined coconut oil to hydrate my skin daily and sometimes before bed also. This is a micro movement within itself, as we moisturize our bodies we are massaging them. I start from my feet and work up. My skin drinks this up and glows in gratitude. I use spectrum coconut oil, available at Wholefoods. 

Take the stairs. I became aware of this micro benefit recently. I live on the 22nd floor and the elevators take longer as we continue to social distance (in and out of the elevator). Even this simple choice is a positive micro movement. The choice to take the stairs or elevator is sometimes presented to us multiple times throughout the day and depending on time, it is a quick energizer and an added benefit for our derrière, said in my French accent as I wink to the camera. 

The simple joy of walking. Our bodies were made to walk. As a New Yorker it is part of my daily life, I walk (or bike) everywhere. It is how I commute and it is one of the many benefits of city life. When I am home visiting my parents in the countryside it is such a lifestyle shift because they drive everywhere. So even if you drive everywhere, reevaluate where you can walk instead of drive. There are opportunities, even if they are micro. I love walking, it is how I clear my head. When my mind is full I walk and one of my greatest joys is walking by the water. The simplicity of putting one foot in front of the other. A metaphor for what we’ve grown through together this past year. 

Our life is a result of the choices we make. Creating new habits is a choice and one that takes commitment until it become a lifestyle. May you all make choices that allow you to shine and live your best life. Until next time, stay loved up. 

Emma is a (campaign) model and actress based in NYC. Currently in the Wellness issue of Naples Illustrated Magazine on sale now. The face of Sibu Beauty and in the Adobe Gen Create Campaign as she works on new projects.