A Healthy and HAPPY Teacher’s Holiday Wish List
It’s time to focus on you. 2020 has been a total dumpster fire, but every single day (and moment) is an opportunity to choose health and happiness. That’s why my holiday wish list this year isn’t filled with clothes or jewelry, or really any material items. Instead, it includes things that I know will support my goals and the future I want to create for myself.
In the list below, I’ve included a mixture of items I currently use and love, and other items that I’ve wishlisted. Hopefully this will give you some inspiration for your own holiday wish list!
This Sunrise Wake Up Alarm Clock has been a GAME-CHANGER for helping me get to sleep and wake up naturally. I tend to get most stressed first thing in the morning, so waking up gradually to a warm, glowing light and nature sounds has been so helpful in keeping my stress in check. Plus, the white noise and night-light function are perfect for reading in bed and getting settled at night. I’ve been telling all my friends about this alarm clock because I just can’t recommend it enough! (And if you want even more sleep tips, I’ve got a whole post on them here)!
Speaking of sleep and relaxation, if you don’t already own a salt lamp, you’re missing out! There are so many awesome benefits to using a Himalayan salt lamp, but the reason I love mine is because I turn it on at night (after ditching my devices) because the blue light emitted from overhead lights and technology disrupts the release of melatonin, making it harder for us to fall and stay asleep. I love my salt lamp so much that I’ve actually wish-listed these salt lamp nightlights, too!
And apparently I’m on a “light” kick this year, because I’ve also wish-listed this UV Light Therapy Light Box to help me avoid the winter blues. I’ve honestly always experienced a mood dip during the winter, but I am anticipating that this winter could be even tougher than usual, so after reading up on the amazing benefits of light therapy, I’m snagging one this year and plan to use it every morning while I do my gratitude journaling.
When it comes to journaling, I’m all about quick, easy, and keeping it centered around gratitude and positivity. That’s why this journal by my personal health guru, Kelly Leveque, is already preordered. Check it out for yourself! If you’re looking for something to keep you accountable to your health goals and focus on the good in life, I think you’ll love it! (P.S. Kelly’s book, Body Love informed a lot of my personal health journey and has transformed my wellness).
If you’re looking to lose some quarantine weight or take just your health to the next level in 2021, breakfast is the place to start. Getting twenty (or more) grams of protein in the morning is a game-changer. You’ll find yourself eating less and feeling more energized all day. I start almost every morning with a smoothie packed with protein and greens, and the only blender I trust to make it smooth and creamy is my Vitamix. It’s an investment, but truly the gift that keeps on giving. (I also use it for homemade ice cream, soups, sauces, dressings, and even coffee lattes).
A key ingredient in all my smoothies (and salads)? Home-grown sprouts! This is such a fun gift to give yourself or anyone in your life who has a green thumb! (But honestly, there’s NO way to mess these up, so don’t worry about being plant-savvy). Hammama sprouts are something I grow each and every week. I actually purchased a year’s worth of seeds at once because the health benefits are that good, and they’re that easy to grow. Check them out here!
This last item is a little random, but I am OBSESSED with these! Teleties are truly the best hair ties ever. I can never get enough of them, and they are so worth the price. Plus, they make the best stocking stuffer. They don’t fall out of your hair or cause damage, and they’re super cute.
That’s a wrap! I hope something in this random assortment caught your eye and can be gifted to you or a loved one this holiday season.
Cheers to a healthier and happier new year!
♥ Kara & Riley
