Step 1: Clearing 

Clearing space is one of the best ways to transition from season to season and doesn’t have to include a full house or garage cleaning in one weekend. Intention is everything, so by putting the intention to clear one area of your life, the other areas will naturally reap the benefits too. For inspiration check out the following ideas and choose one to play around with as you step into September. 

• A couple suggestions to clear this next week: (pick one!)

 

• Clean your desk space or a folder on your computer. 
• Clear out old photos or text messages off your phone. 
• Remove a couple people you follow or are friends with on social media who aren’t serving the vibe you wish to keep on a daily basis.
• Reorganize your finances or clean out a wallet and/or purse. 
• Clean up your plants, charge them up with fresh soil, and remove any weeds that have crept up in your garden while you’ve been spending time enjoying these long summer days. 
• Clear out your fridge, wipe down your countertops, or organize your pantry.
• Open up your windows, grab a sage bundle, and clear out any stagnant energy from your home or a particular room that needs clearing.
• Pick one drawer or shelf to reorganize. 
• Create space in your closet by selecting 3-5 items to donate for someone else’s use.
• Take care of your physical body and give yourself a detox or reset to clear out any inflammation or imbalances you may have acquired over the summer months. Sign up for my 6-Day Gut Health Reset here. ​

Step 2: Celebrating
 
One of the best ways to show gratitude for where you’ve been and where you are going is by celebrating yourself, your life, or the last few months. Whether you are recognizing any accomplishments, moments of growth, new experiences, time with friends and family, time outdoors, longer days, etc. you can always find something in your life that is worth giving praise to. And if that sounds difficult, how about brushing your teeth each night? Or feeding your body on a daily basis? The small wins are big wins in my book. 

To me, the summer season always has such a playful energy, and with that playfulness, the fall and getting back to “everyday life” can often feel a tad overwhelming at first. I feel as though the entrance of falls comes with both a sense of relief for some needed stability, paired with an equal shock to the system. While I believe life should always be a continuous celebration, check out the below ideas and choose one way you can celebrate while stepping into September. 

• A couple ways to celebrate this next week: (pick one!)
  

• Book a 2-hour spa day from your own home. Carve out 2 hours for yourself and spend them relaxing with soft music, candles, a bubble bath, a face mask, in meditation, with a yoni steam, a warm cup of tea, etc. There are no rules here aside from taking time to yourself. 
  
• Book a massage. As fun as the summer is, it can also be hard on the body. Give your muscles and lymphatic flow a little TLC. 
  
• Enjoy a slow, home cooked dinner with yourself, a partner, or the entire family. Food is meant to be enjoyed and shared, and nothing is better than long dinners followed by soulful conversations and thoughts. 
  
• Grab some bubbly and cheers to you! 
  
• Hang out (distraction free) with your partner and friends or plan a night to all hang over Zoom if that’s more approachable.  Either way, take time to celebrate those in your life. 
  
• Dance! Seriously. When was the last time you moved your body to some music? This is your permission to dance, laugh, sing, and be silly. 
  
• Journal out all your good vibes to harness the energy of summer through your own reflections. What did you learn?  What did you enjoy the most? What are you most looking forward to this fall? What are 10 things you love most about yourself? 
  

I hope you find inspiration from the above clearing + celebrating ritual and that you find this concept supportive to where you are right now. At this current phase of time we also find ourselves transitioning from summer to fall over Virgo season, the earth element. Virgo resembles the healer, practical productivity, wellness-focused drive, and detail + empathy. Natalie Holbrook (meet her on Loving Your Own Soul) reflects on this season as “a time to refine, to cut out what no longer serves and enjoy the bounty of your harvest.” 

As always, I wish you the happiest of new seasons ahead!  If you need support in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out! 

If you feel called, I’d love for you to share your clearing + celebrating ritual with me on Insta @thebrittolson or in our private Facebook group: A Modern Wellness Community. Cheers! ​

​Wahooo – feels nice to be on the other side of this thing. However, I want to start off by saying this virus is no joke. No joke whatsoever and completely unpredictable. 
 
For those of you who are new around here or not familiar, both myself and Dan (my husband), tested positive for COVID-19 a couple weeks ago. While I continue to be without full taste and smell, we can both say we have officially turned the corner.
 
I felt called to talk a little about journey and the ways we found treatment without going into too much detail because everyone’s journey looks so different with this thing.  I don’t want to give anyone any preconceived notions as to what their experience may be like, and instead provide some possibly useful tips to prep your body ahead of time and move through the symptoms as best as possible. 
 
As always this is not intended to come off as medical advice, simply some tips and tricks that worked for us. It is up to you to incorporate them as you see fit, only if they feel in alignment to you and your health.  
 
To start off, let’s answer a few questions: 
 
Did you guys have COVID-19 or the Delta variant? 

• No clue. To my knowledge, discovery of the Delta variant is conducted through genomic sequencing and is done at random. If either of us had Delta, that would be news to us at this point! So, who knows what we had! 
• Our positive test results gave zero indication.

 
Have you guys been vaccinated?

• I believe vaccination is a personal health choice that should be made by you, for you. I don’t believe in sharing this information publicly as we can be easily swayed by what others are doing. I fully believe these decisions must be made for you and your greatest good, outside of any consensus to what others may be doing or thinking. Do yourself a favor and listen to your intuition, and you will never be led astray.  And remember, no one is capable of knowing your body as well as you do. 
  • This is something I have to constantly remind myself of. 

 
Is it really that bad? 

• Yes 100%.  This is no joke and should be taken seriously. 

 
Did you guys end up in the hospital? 

• No. Dan did go in by choice and from the advice from one of his specialty doctors to receive the Regeneron monoclonal antibody cocktail as Dan’s body doesn’t produce enough antibodies and likely doesn’t have enough T cell or B cells to fight this thing (regardless of vaccination or not).  He received this antibody cocktail at a local hospital as a treatment option but was only there for 2 hours.  
  • Per the instruction from Dan’s specialty doctor, I too attempted to receive the antibody cocktail, however the Universe directed me down a different path. 

 
Did you ever feel like you needed to go to the hospital? 

• No, but Dan said he could understand how some people think that they should go. Did he ever need to, no. But if he didn’t know his body as well as he does, he sees why people go. 

 
Did you ever have pneumonia after your COVID symptoms wore off? 

• Nope.  We both had the right combination of a variety of efforts paired with the intelligence of our bodies that the virus was neutralized early enough that it didn’t end up spreading to our lungs. 
  • Typically, this virus first attaches to the throat before moving to upper respiratory tract before then moving down to the lungs. Ideally you want to take preventative measures to ensure your body is in top condition before the virus hits you and then take immediate action to try to neutralize it as quickly as possible. We’ve also spent the last 2 – 3 years attempting to strip as much inflammation from our bodies as possible, and feel strongly the health of our bodies contributed greatly to our success.

 
What were your symptoms like? 

• Completely different from one another. Without going into too much detail:
  • Dan (34yrs): high fever, body aches, severe headache, chills, sinus pressure, congestion, light cough, exhaustion, fatigue, brain fog
  • Britt (31yrs): minor body aches, light headache and pressure, congestion, slight cough, exhaustion, minor fatigue, brain fog, loss of taste and smell.  Hard to describe but basically felt like my body was completely dried out on the inside for a few days.
    • Note I’m on day 7 (day 11 since COVID symptoms started) of no taste and smell and it’s at about 50/50 at this point.  I’m currently sniffing peppermint oil every day to bring it back and repeating “my taste and smell is coming back” at every opportunity.  Call me crazy but it’s working. 

 
 
Now for a little glimpse into what our COVID-19 protocol ended up looking like: 
 
First of all, to understand what our preventative measures looked like, I could honestly write a book.  If you want to chat with me 1:1 feel free to setup a 45min call where I can answer any questions you might have or check out my Life in Balance 9-week program to get started on your health journey today.  Use code:  FRIENDLOVE to take 44% off the price when paying in full. 
 
SUPPLEMENT REGIME: 
 
Zinc Plus (contains Quercetin) by Organic Olivia - 2 - 4 a day 
Microbiome by Organic Olivia - 2 - 4 dropperfuls a day
Shop: www.organicolivia.com 
*These 2 products developed after both her parents got COVID and almost died in April 2020
 
Immune Shroom by Organic Olivia - 2 daily 
 
Vitamin D3 - 20,000 mg a day 
 
Vitamin C - 500 - 1000 mg a day 
 
Calcium - 1500 mg a day 
 
Systemic Formulas VIVI Virox – 2 a day 
*These were only taken by Britt as Dan received the antibody cocktail around day three or four of showing symptoms and didn’t need an additional immune system stimulant. These supplements support the body during increased times of viral activity.  
 
Mullein Leaf - 600 mg a day 
 
Zen by Cured Nutrition – 1-2 taken before bed 
Assistance sleeping plus packed with magnesium, adaptogen mushrooms, and cbd 
Shop: www.curednutrition.com - code: OLSON for 10% off
 
Probiotic - Garden of Life - 1 daily
 
 
FOOD/NUTRITION: 
 
ENERGYbits - 30 a day (pure Spirulina)
RECOVERYbits - 30 a day (pure Chlorella)
Shop: www.energybits.com - code: LYOS for 20% off 
 
Oranges, Pineapple, Garlic, Onions, Celery, Carrots, Spinach, Wild Blueberries, Dragon Fruit (Pitaya), Bananas, Kiwi, GF toast, Mango, Tomatoes, Miso, Bell Peppers, Broccoli, Green Peas, Rice Noodles, Seaweed, Lemons, Limes, Ginger, Turmeric, Raw Honey, assorted herbal teas
 
WATER
 
Lemon Water – every morning no matter. Some nights we consumed this at night too. 
 
*Mainly ate homemade soups and fruit and lots of water. Energybits helped to provide optimal nutrients and vitamins and filled in any nutrient gaps we may have been missing. Biggest thing was immediately removing any and all inflammatory foods such as: gluten, dairy, sugar, oils, animal meats / products, corn, gums, additives, chemicals, etc. 
 
 
ADDITIONAL TRICKS: 

• Infrared sauna (daily)
• Epsom salt baths 
• Apple cider vinegar steam 
• 20min walk outside (daily)
• 10 – 20 min of natural sunshine (daily) 
• Lots of rest and laying horizontal 
• Breathing exercises 
• Visualization and mantras 
• Stress reduction and positive thinking 
• Boundary setting toward any fear-based conversations
• Reduction in screen time 
• Reiki and energy healing 
• Regeneron Antibody Cocktail – Dan only
• Laughter 

 
 
I think that about sums it up! I’m probably forgetting something but that’s okay because honestly you have to do what makes sense for you and your healing journey during these times. Again, none of the above is intended to serve as medical advice and is simply a preview into how we treated the virus.  If anything, start your treatment upon the smallest of symptoms so that you can stay ahead of it as this virus is no joke.  It completely wiped us out and we both know it could have been so much worse if we didn’t have the appropriate procedures in place. 
 
If you have any questions or would like to chat further feel free to book at 45min call with me or send me an email at britt.ambu@gmail.com.

This “coleslaw” is so light and equally beneficial for your gut (and overall health) at the same time! Plus did you know that cabbage is a great source of Vitamin C?  
I created this recipe because I’ve never been a fan of coleslaw due to the nasty white dressing that is commonly mixed with it. However, crunchy light salads or side dishes are my jam! This recipe is far from your traditional coleslaw but one that you can still serve with all of your favorite backyard BBQ items. After all, a life in balance is a life well lived, you just have to find your own secret sauce that works for you! 
One thing to keep in mind with this recipe is to remember that I don’t encourage measuring and instead intuitive insight. However, to get you started, I’ve included what feel like approximate measurements of each ingredient. If something doesn’t taste right to you, play around with it until it suits your needs.  Remember time in the kitchen is supposed to be fun! 
Feel free to make it your own and don’t forget to tag @ambuwellness on Instagram or Facebook!

Ingredients 

• 1 10oz bag of shredded green cabbage or coleslaw mix 
• 1 cucumber, diced or sliced into matchsticks
• 2 plum tomatoes, diced 
• 1/3 cup kraut – rec. Cleveland Kitchen Beet Red Kraut  
• 3 tbsp flaxseed oil or olive oil 
• 1 ½ tbsp red wine vinegar  
• Black pepper to taste  
• Sea salt to taste 

Instructions 

• In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, kraut, and diced cucumber and tomato. 
• Top with recommended measurements of oil, vinegar and salt and pepper to taste.
• Stir to combine. Taste to see if you prefer more of any ingredient*. 
• Refrigerate to serve** cold and enjoy! 

*Add more red wine vinegar for a tangier taste. 
**Serve as a side item, consume over a bed of leafy greens, or throw it on top of your (veggie) burger and add some sliced avocado for a twisted burger! 

This salad started out as an intuitive creation made for Easter lunch and it turned out so delicious I felt guilty not sharing. Plus it is jam packed with crunchy, fresh Spring veggies and the right amount of plant-based proteins you really can’t go wrong. I made this salad to go as a side dish, split amongst four people, however, you could easily add some avocado or chickpeas on top to have as a meal too. This salad will probably become a staple item through the summer for our family. And this dressing will probably get tripled to keep on hand for more salads as the weather continues to warm up.
One thing to keep in mind with this recipe is to remember that I don’t encourage measuring and instead intuitive insight. However, to get you started, I’ve included what feel like approximate measurements of each ingredient. If something doesn’t taste right to you, play around with it until it suits your needs.  Remember time in the kitchen is supposed to be fun! 
Feel free to make it your own and don’t forget to tag @ambuwellness on Instagram or Facebook!

Ingredients 

• A few large handfuls of butter lettuce or 1 carton of Organic Girl Butter Lettuce
• ½ bunch asparagus, chopped 
• ½ cup frozen peas, thawed
• 2 radishes, thinly sliced or chopped 
• ½ cucumber, chopped 
• ½ cup shredded carrots 
• 1 tbsp hemp hearts 
• 1/8 cup fresh mint, chopped

Dressing

• ¼ fresh basil
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil or flaxseed oil
• Juice from 1/2 lemon 
• 2 small garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp water 
• Freshly ground pepper to taste 

Instructions 

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and set a bowl of ice water nearby. Blanch asparagus in pot of boiling water for 1 minute, until tender but still a bright green. Transfer to ice water for 1 minute, then drain. Set aside. 
• To make dressing:  Blend all dressing ingredients together in a high-speed blender or food processor until desired consistency has formed. Set aside. 
• Assemble salad in a large bowl started with butter lettuce.  Add remaining ingredients, spreading evenly in bowl: asparagus, green peas, radishes, cucumber, carrots, fresh mint, hemp hearts. 
• Drizzle with dressing and toss salad to coat evenly.  Enjoy! 

Nothing makes me happier or feel better than following a plant-based lifestyle. I think the freedom and flexibility that comes with it has got to be one of the most rewarding elements for sure. However, I LOVE sushi, raw fish, fish of all kinds. And while yes, I do intuitively gauge what my body needs / wants, I’ve been looking for other ways to feed my “sushi fix” because to be honest as much as I love raw fish, I really don’t feel completely in alignment eating it anymore.
You know I always will tell you to follow the cues from your body, and a recent one has been as little animal products as possible. So I’m leaning in and trusting.
And in the process I created this incredible veggie sushi bowl the other night which is high in micronutrients, fiber, plant proteins, and healthy fats. It’s honestly heaven in a bowl for both your body and mind.
One thing to keep in mind with this recipe is to remember that I don’t encourage measuring and instead intuitive insight. However, to get you started, I’ve included what feel like approximate measurements of each ingredient. If something doesn’t taste right to you, play around with it until it suits your needs.  Remember time in the kitchen is supposed to be fun! 
Feel free to make it your own and don’t forget to tag @ambuwellness on Instagram or Facebook!

Veggie Sushi Bowl  
Ingredients 

• Brown rice, cooked
• Green peas, steamed
• Edamame, steamed
• Asparagus, steamed
• 1/2 avocado, sliced or cubed
• Cucumber, diced
• Carrots, shredded or peeled
• Pickled cabbage – rec: Cleveland Kitchen Kraut (Beet)
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro
• Liquid aminos

Instructions 

• Add desired amount of all ingredients, minus liquids and cilantro, to a big bowl
• Top with a dash of liquid aminos and fresh cilantro
• Stir and Enjoy! 

Since it’s my birthday month and I’m in my last several days of closing out my first year in the 30s … I figured it was time to share some of my recent reflections and observations of this past year. This has been a huge year for all of us, collectively and on individual levels as well. So many of us have shifted, grown, faced the darkness, you name it. I strongly feel that now is the time to really go within and reflect on all that’s occurred and transpired for you. And as always, remember that you are the only one in control of your own happiness.
If you haven’t yet, now is the time to start living your life for YOU.
Alright so, a few fun updates:
• My Flagler College Sports Management Bachelors degree is still somehow relevant as my entrepreneurial journey is now full-time in the health & wellness industry
• This time last year I was deeply questioning my decision to live in FL and now I couldn’t be more grateful for it. Also still sending prayers to everyone else around the U.S. and globe. 
• Our Australian Labradoodle, Moka, is officially a pup mom!
• I still live for my moments spent in the sun, watching the sunrise or sunset, and being by the water. Preferably salt water if I had to be picky 🙂
• Dan’s health is still going strong (stronger than ever) and so is our marriage ❤️
In the last year I …
• Became an Institute for Integrative Nutrition Certified Health Coach
• Started my own podcast: Loving Your Own Soul 💫
• Adopted a fully plant-based lifestyle
• Folded 1 company and started another
• Removed all substances from my life in order to now intuitively gauge if/when something serves me
• Learned more about trademark law than I ever would have liked
• Regained my faith in humanity and learned a lot about us as a collective, but even more so about the individual perspectives and beliefs
• Spent more time with Dan in our 5 years of being together
• Survived my first pandemic 😷
• Guided dozens to bettering their lives through healing their internal in order to change their external realities
• Learned that I have everything I need and my happiness is my choice
• Chose love over fear
• Exercised “saying no” & my world didn’t end 😅
• Became more in tune with my intuition, the Universe, my higher powers and guides ✨
• Slowed way way way down and it’s been magical and highly transformational
• Spent the least amount of time on an airplane or in a car than ever before
• Made so many connections
• Reconnected to my voice 💙
• Healed myself from the inside out 🌿
In what ways have you shifted over the last 12 months? Let me know in the comments below! Love you!

I know by now we are all familiar with the green smoothies and juices right?  Don’t get me wrong I love each of these dearly, but what if I told you your green smoothie could instead be a bowl of pasta … that would be pretty sweet right? 
Well, lucky for you it can! And you’ve heard me say it once and I will continue to say it again:  it’s okay to eat carbs. 
Your body thrives off of carbs. Carbs are not the enemy as long as you are eating the right carbs! Especially all you females out there, carbs are essential for hormone health. 
One thing to keep in mind with this recipe is to remember that I don’t encourage measuring and instead intuitive insight. However, to get you started, I’ve included what feel like approximate measurements of each ingredient. If something doesn’t taste right to you, play around with it until it suits your needs.  Remember time in the kitchen is supposed to be fun! 
Feel free to make it your own and don’t forget to tag @ambuwellness on Instagram or Facebook!

Superfood Green Pasta Recipe 
Ingredients 

• 1 package brown rice pasta 
  • I recommend shells 
• 1 small head of kale, washed and chopped
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 avocado
• 1/4 cup flaxseed oil or olive oil
• 1/4 cup almonds
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 2 large garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup basil
• ¼ cup hemp hearts 

Instructions 

• Cook pasta according to packaging 
• Blend all ingredients for pesto sauce in high-speed blender and set aside

• Heat a large saute pan with 4 tbsps of filtered water and add chopped kale to lightly steam / saute for about 6 minutes. 
• In a large pot add cooked pasta and combine with pesto sauce 
• Place desired amount of pesto pasta in a bowl and top with desired amount of kale 
• Top with a spoonful of hemp hearts and an extra drizzle of lemon 
• Enjoy! 

Several of you are very familiar with my Morning Coffee Replacement cacao beverage and trust me, that is still a favorite!  However, I found that I was really missing coffee. When had with intention I actually find the ritual of morning coffee to be very nourishing on a mind body soul level, when not done in excess or out of need. It should be done out of desire for a comforting mug rather than a liquid to help you survive your day.  
I started drinking coffee again, shopping for ethically sourced beans, and was loving it! Until the caffeine started negatively affecting me in so many areas.   So I switched to decaf and came up with this new superfood coffee recipe that is not only delicious, but carries so many health benefits, I will do my best to name them all below. 
One thing to keep in mind with this recipe is to remember that I don’t encourage measuring and instead intuitive insight. However, to get you started, I’ve included what feel like approximate measurements of each ingredient. If something doesn’t taste right to you, play around with it until it suits your needs.  Remember time in the kitchen is supposed to be fun! 
Feel free to make it your own and don’t forget to tag @ambuwellness on Instagram or Facebook!
Britt’s Superfood Coffee: 

• Fill half your mug with decaf coffee 
  • I recommend Ethos Roasters Maya Decaf 
• Froth cashew milk with milk frother and set aside 
• Add ½ tsp of the following ingredients to coffee: 
  • Maca Root Powder 
  • Cacao Powder 
  • Lion’s Mane Mushroom 
• Add in bit of raw unfiltered honey and stir ingredients together 
  • I recommend stirring with a handheld frother for better consistency 
• Top with milk, sprinkle of cinnamon and enjoy! 

Maca Root Benefits: 

• Great source of several important vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C, copper, and iron
• Good source of carbs and contains a fair amount of fiber 
• Boosts libiod and assist in increasing fertility 
• Improves your mood 
• Provides natural energy and may aid in sports performance 
• Helps protect skin from the sun 

Cacao Benefits: 

• Great for a healthy digestion and can reduce symptoms of IBS
• Packed with flavonoids which helps lower blood pressure and improves blood flow
• Reduces risk of diabetes and heart disease 
• Reduces inflammation
• Sources of iron, protein, magnesium, potassium, fiber 
• Boosts mood and balances root and heart chakra

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Benefits: 

• Great for the brain, heart, and gut 
• Stimulates the growth of brain cells and boosts mental functioning
• Assists in relieving mild depression and anxiety 
• Stimulates and repairs the growth of nerve cells

This coming Saturday, March 20th we get to celebrate the Spring Equinox!  This is a time for rebirth, renewal, and an added sense of energy in our lives. This particular entrance into Spring feels very hopeful and magical, as if there is an added glow to our current sceneries. The colors of the flowers look brighter, the air feels fresher, and the sun seems to be offering a rejuvenating hug with his rays. 

​It’s as if the natural world and our human world are slowly rising together after what has been one of the longest winters, and periods of grief and despair that we’ve experienced in recent times.  At last we all have the chance to bloom anew and grab hold of this beautiful life that is out in front of us. 

As we celebrate Spring one of my favorite things to do is partake in a cleansing and balancing ritual. Whether you perform this ritual on the Spring Equinox or take a day dedicated to your own rebalancing of your physical, mental, emotional, and energetic body, I hope you find some inspiration to carry with you for your own wellbeing. The ritual is here to assist you, providing that added reset, last chance to scrub off anything you’re still holding on to, and open yourself up to receiving all of the good that is bound to come your way these next couple of months. 
​
Please keep in mind the below are simply ritual suggestions. Feel free to make it your own and don’t forget to tag @ambuwellness on Instagram or Facebook so that we can all share in these blissful moments together! Happy Spring Equinox!

1. Start your morning off with slow and cozy vibes 

As our bodies are still coming out of winter hibernation mode, do your parasympathetic nervous system a favor and start your morning off S L O W. I love to take my time getting out of bed, performing some various stretches and fully waking up my physical before pulling the covers back and greeting the new air of the day. Upon brushing my teeth and sitting down to witness the changing colors of the sky outside, I like to mindfully sip on my lemon water, envisioning all of it’s healing properties cleansing my body from the inside out. I will usually move from my warm lemon water to a cozy beverage like some superfood coffee and a good book or soulful conversation. 
Lately my husband and I have been loving reading the Daily Stoic each morning where we discuss the mentioned philosophy and then reflect privately in our separate journals. Mornings, especially just after we have risen, are sacred times.  Spend them intentionally with as little technology or media as possible to give yourself a break from the stimulus of this modern world. Plus, Spring is all about rebirth and renewal so what a perfect time to form new habits. 

1. Take time to set your intentions for the season ahead 

Often mornings, as we are just coming out of our restful dream state, are times where much inspiration and connection to our inner worlds naturally flows through.  Scientists say we are most connected to our subconscious mind as we wake up, making it the perfect time to train your brain to think positively, manifest, and practice productivity inducing habits. Take this time to soak in the energy of the new day and begin to set your intentions for this new season that is upon us. Remember Spring is the season of hope, renewal, and rebirth.  What new seeds, projects, or beginnings are you ready to plant and start nurturing? What are you ready to embrace and to receive?  Where should you put your energy? 

1. Ground and energize with an outdoor yoga practice 

Get outside and feel the grass, dirt, or sand beneath your toes. Connect to Mother Earth and feel the strength of the earth beneath you, always supporting you. In fact, putting your feet in the grass has been shown to help improve sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, and release muscle tension. If you feel called and it is safe to do so, take the time for an outdoor yoga practice. Maybe the ground is a little bumpy or unstable, adding newness to some postures. Maybe the sun feels rejuvenating on your skin and the soft breeze like a breath of fresh air.  Allow yourself to move your body and become one with nature for at least 20 minutes, focusing on all that you are leaving behind, so that you can create space to call in a more aligned sense of abundance this season. 

1. Circle back to your intentions or take savasana 

Moving our bodies puts us into a state of vibrational alignment so after yoga you may want to circle back to your intentions and journaling practice from the morning to see if there is anything else you’d like to add for this beautiful season ahead of us. Tapping into that state of the post-movement endorphins, you may want to close your eyes and connect to your breath for a couple minutes or even lay back for a meditative savasana. Plus connecting to your breath (meditating) after moving your body actually aids your body in recovery and reduces your cortisol levels. Which is why there is no coincidence as to why savasana quickly becomes most of our favorite elements of our yoga practice. 

1. Sweat therapy 

One of my most favorite detoxing practices is an infrared sauna session.  If you don’t have an infrared sauna or access to one, stay outside and soak in about 10 more minutes of vitamin D on your skin for extra benefits.  Infrared sauna therapy has a host of health benefits as it is one of the best ways to give yourself a boost while releasing all that doesn’t serve your mind and body. I actually like to intentionally focus on my body releasing all that is not serving her in the sauna so that we can create more space to receive after the fact. Infrared saunas carry a host of benefits including relaxation, detoxification, pain relief, immune support, clearer skin, and improved circulation. 

1. Purification – Create your at home spa 

What comes after a good sweat sesh? A warm bath and a purifying face mask. 
Seriously though, why rush to shower off and start “doing” today?  Give yourself permission to fully lean in to cleansing, cleaning, and rebalancing yourself today.   Now if you have the privilege, I do think it feels nice to lightly rinse off before getting in the bath, but that’s just me.  
One of my favorite springtime baths includes tea tree oil (purification), chamomile (relaxation), and lemon slices (brightens your energy). I usually like to pair my bath with a book or some soft music, and a mug of chamomile tea with coconut milk for double relaxation. Chamomile has been used in ancient traditions to assist in calling in abundance so this flower is perfect for adding some extra intention to your Spring seeds you planted earlier today. I’ve also found it to feel super luxurious (queen like) to bring a bowl of fruit to snack on while I’m in the bath. Our bodies are better able to digest food when in relaxed states, so what better way to absorb all the nutrients from fruit than in the bath? 
And yes don’t forget the face mask or facial scrub.  Two of my latest natural favorites have been Four Sigmatic’s Superfood Face Mask, it literally smells like brownie batter on your face, and Basic Girl Co.’s All Clear Face Scrub.  Both leave my skin feeling completely refreshed, cleaned, and oh so soft. 

1. Support yourself while you integrate all the magic from your day 

Okay so final step of the cleansing + balancing ritual!  Shower off after your bath and put on something cozy. Soft fabrics are a total game changer, I couldn’t recommend them enough. You’ll want to nourish your physical body with a comforting lunchtime meal that will support all of the self-care you just did for yourself. I usually don’t recommend eating raw vegetables right away, unless you are craving a crunchy salad, then by all means give your body what he or she is asking for.  Instead I’ve found a bowl of warm veggies or a nice light curry with rice or a vegetable soup can feel really satisfying and is equally good for your digestion today. After such a wonderful morning you don’t want to set your system off, so feed it something that will support you in integrating all of the work you did for yourself. 
Following this ritual and celebration of Spring, you’ll really want to spend the rest of your day soaking in the wonders of this new season. Enjoy a book in a hammock or at a park, open up your windows and let the fresh air fill your home, and cleanse your space if you haven’t yet. Do your best to not DO for the rest of the day and just BE. Bonus points if you watch the sunset tonight soaking in your gratitude for the longer days that are ahead.

PB&J SMOOTHIE RECIPE: 
• 3 cups triple berry mix (rec. Wyman’s Fruit)
• 1 cup coconut water
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 spoonful peanut butter
• 3 medjool dates
• 1 spoonful hemp hearts
• 1 small spoonful maca powder
Optional:
• Lion’s mane mushroom powder (rec. Om Mushrooms)
• Collagen powder (rec. Ancient Nutrition or Vital Proteins)
Instructions:
• Add ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until desired consistency forms
• Smooth extra PB inside of glass before adding your blended smoothie
• Sprinkle with more hemp hearts – enjoy!
• Save for later (great for kids too)!
If you make this smoothie be sure to tag me on Instagram @thebrittolson!