You’ve heard me say it before and I’ll say it again: self-care is essential for living a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle. When we put ourself on the back burner, suddenly little pieces of our life begin to fall apart: our relationship, our job stress, our social life, our bank account. Sound familiar? Everything and I mean everything is related and you know what they say: How we do one thing is how we do everything.

Fortunately, making time for yourself is one thing that’s actually under our control. Here are 10 little ways to make more time for YOU starting now:

1. Develop a morning wellness ritual and actually stick to it. This is your sacred time to be alone with yourself and your thoughts.

2. Buy a giant calendar and start scheduling time in the day for “me time” or down time. Suddenly that jam-packed schedule full of appointments, errands and chaos doesn’t seem so daunting anymore, now does it?

3. Repeat this affirmation: “I have all the time in the world to do the things I love. I am in control.”

4. Make yourself a priority  by saying “No” to people when you truly don’t want to do something. … Read More!

As you know by now, I spent years bashing and hating on my body. I’m talking total mean girl. Ironically enough, it was during the times I was most strict on myself, counting calories, exercising twice a day to burn off indulgences, and eating food that tasted like cardboard that I hated my body most.

I would tell myself horrible things when I looked in the mirror like:

I am not good enough.

I will never be thin enough.

My friends are more beautiful than I am.

I need to cut back more in order to lose the weight.

My thighs are fat.

I am a failure for “over-indulging” last night.

If I lose more weight, maybe then I can finally get a boyfriend.

In due time, I began to believe these horrible thoughts. They became a part of who I was. That’s the funny thing about our mind; it’s a powerful, powerful tool and we must be careful what we tell ourselves (especially when it’s hurtful).

Practicing positive affirmations can be an amazing way to turn negative thoughts into loving thoughts as you make the transition over to self-love! And no, they don’t need to be reserved … Read More!

Good morning, ladies! Hope you are all having a fabulous week. If you missed my updates yesterday, I encourage you to check it out so you can see what’s been going on over at Healthy Chicks!

Anyway, it’s Thursday and that means it’s time for another week of Healthy Chicks in the Community, where I spotlight a different woman each week who embodies what it means to be truly healthy (on the inside & out). I have to admit, I have been slacking lately and haven’t been keeping up with my weekly features. That being said, I couldn’t be more excited to bring it back with one of the most inspirational bloggers and woman I know.

I discovered this lovely lady, the one and only Heather Waxman, around Christmastime and have been hooked ever since. She has a way about her writing that makes you feel comforted, stretched and as if you’re not alone in this sometimes crazy world. As I read through Heather’s posts (which generally focus on spirituality, life lessons and meditation), I’m constantly nodding in approval, thinking “I could totally be this girl’s best friend.” She just gets you. I can honestly say that she … Read More!

I know people say this all the time, but holy cow summer really is flying by! In the past month, I’ve turned 26, helped launch sweetgreen’s opening in Boston, celebrated my dad’s retirement (and my sister’s graduation), hiked up Welch & Dickey Mountains, ventured to Cape Cod for my college roomie’s Bachelorette, launched some fabulous new health coaching programs, took a impromptu trip to Fisher’s Island to visit my grandparents (and ate lots of tasty seafood), all while growing my business  and writing my butt off each & every day.

Work hard, play hard baby! Whew, it’s time to catch my breath.

Here are some upcoming happenings going on over at Healthy Chicks:

Swimwear Tips & Body Image Talk at Cerulean Blu: I was asked to speak at Blog & Tweet Boston’s next event, hosted by the lovely co-founders Jen and Kerrie. The event is to be held at Cerulean Blu Swim & Resort Wear Boutique located right off Newbury St. in the Back Bay. I’ll be there talking body image & confidence tips to rock your swimsuit fearlessly, and you’ll also get to learn which bathing suits are best for you (all while munching on healthy … Read More!