Health Update + Current Wellness Favorites

I’m in a transition period of life where things seem like they’re changing overnight. I recently had some health issues that I learned were due to an autoimmune disease called Multiple Sclerosis (MS for short). I never thought that I would be diagnosed with something so serious and life-changing. I’m still processing this news a month later because sometimes it just doesn’t feel real.

I’ve been trying to come to terms with this and figure out what my life is supposed to look like now that I know that I have this disease. To be honest, after the first few weeks after the diagnosis and getting treated for that flare-up, I felt and still feel normal. Which is a blessing because I know things could be so much worse. I’ve had good days and bad days but the good outweighs the bad. I also have an incredible support system that is there for me when I need them and not when I don’t (which is exactly how I like it).

This has been an eye-opening experience in so many ways. It’s taught me some tough lessons but I’m thankful for all of it because it’s showing me what I’m made of and who is meant to be in my life during this difficult season.

I’ve always been on and off with my wellness journey but since receiving this diagnosis, I’ve really been working on creating healthier habits that can help minimize stress and the symptoms of MS.

I always want to leave off on a positive note, so I wanted to share a few new habits that have been making me feel good.

MS-Friendly Habits to Minimize & Relieve Stress

Health Beverages

Getting healthy means adding more nutrients to my routine. As a picky eater, I find that adding supplements & vegetables to my daily beverages is a sneaky way to trick myself into making sure I get the nutrients I need. I’m obsessed with my Beast Blender and have been using it to make green smoothies & wellness shots at home. I’ve also been really into ginger teas and collagen lattes. Each drink has its benefits and making them at home saves me money and ensures I’m getting all of the good ingredients to reduce inflammation and aid in digestion to help me feel my best, while also increasing collagen production to keep me looking my best.

Supplements

In addition to the Vitamin D prescribed by the doctor and my usual multivitamin, I’ve also been trying new supplements to help with gut health, digestion, and skin. I’ve been taking SEED Probiotics for a couple of months and have noticed a decrease in the bloating I usually feel after eating. As mentioned above, I’ve also started adding collagen powder to my morning lattes and I’m taking a fiber supplement to help with digestion but it’s too soon to say if they’re working. Stay tuned there.

Workouts

I’ve been taking it easy with the workouts because I’m trying to be careful to not put too much stress on my body. However, I have been enjoying activities like stretching, yoga, and low-impact rides on the Peloton bike. I’ve also read that pilates is good for MS, so I’ve slowly started working my way through the mat pilates classes on the Peloton app. I’m also looking forward to getting back to my walks as it cools down as heat can also trigger an MS flare-up in some people.

Spa Days

As a big fan of spa days, whether at home or at a professional spa, of course, my self-care & wellness journey would include pampering myself with manicures, massages, and facials. I recently went to the Ritz-Carlton Spa in LA and it was a very luxurious experience. After my massage, I was able to use the facilities like the relaxation room and sauna to decompress and it felt amazing.

I’ve also been treating myself to at-home treatments using my favorite skin & body products during my AM & PM skin & body care routines. Taking extra time in the morning and before bed help signal the start and end of my days and puts me in a very relaxed mindset. Shop my skincare faves.

Creative Outlets

I’ve been using social media as a creative outlet to share my story and what I love. It’s been so nice to focus on using social media and blogging as a way to connect with others, spread awareness, and just creating vs creating with an end goal in mind, i.e. growing my following. Slowly but surely I’m making my way back to blogging & creating videos on YouTube but I’m taking my time and creating when it feels right because the last thing I need is stress & pressure to post on social media.

Routines

Technically, this entire post is about my routines but just to reiterate, setting aside time to slowly do my daily routines and rituals puts me in such a good mental space. This is why I need to make sure I do them even when I don’t feel like it because I always feel better afterward. A lot of times, creating habits isn’t easy but definitely worth it for the long-term benefits.

I hope this post helps inspire some new habits or reminds you to do what feels good and is good for you. I’m taking life one day at a time and I’m excited to see the outcome of putting these habits in place now.