I started my business back in 2013- fast forward two years later I gave birth to my beautiful twin girls. At this stage in the game my business was basically still a baby itself. Starting a business from the ground up is not an easy task but adding two babies to the mix definitely upped the challenge.

Luckily, I love a challenge. Yet, there was a new level of stress that I had to manage. It was at this point that I decided to go to school to become a certified health coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, get certified in mindfulness based stress reduction (meditation), and attend a Buddhism course through Harvard University. My niche in esthetics and spa had become highly focused on the health side of things and I also knew that I wanted to become the best role model I could for my girls. I did not want to be a stressed out mom that was so burnt at both ends that I couldn’t be happy and present for them. At the time I didn’t realize how my health would also help my business.

I can say that attending the Institute of Integrative Nutrition truly changed my life. When you go through the program you apply all the practices that you are being educated on to your own life. I developed a wellness plan that I stick to til this day. Of course we are all human and do I fall of track? Yes, of course. But the why behind my self-care is so strong that I get back on track pretty quickly. I also believe that a sustainable wellness plan does not include restrictive habits. Allowing yourself to eat the pizza, enjoy your favorite slice of pie, or have a cocktail with your friends on occasion is healthy. The rule has always been 90% healthy, 10% eat what I want.

Anywho, after I began my new wellness plan I noticed something interesting- I was more motivated towards my business, I felt more passion and drive, and overall a healthier energy towards my work. This definitely led to more productivity. If I had a stretch where I didn’t eat as healthy or didn’t work out, it showed. I became less mentally and emotional equipped to deal with the daily challenges in my business. When I am on track with my self-care I am able to show up and be my best self for my team with the ability to practice emotional intelligence, kindness, and compassion with them throughout the day. My wellness and self-care has therefore become a staple part of my business success strategy.

My day looks a little like this:

6 am-7:30 am: Wake up, have a cup of coffee, and get my girls ready for school and on the bus.

7:30 am-8 am: Morning walk with green tea with hubby or run outdoors

8 am-8:30 am: While my husband makes us a smoothie (dark leafy greens, super foods, greek yogurt, dark chocolate, protein powder, fruits) , I do yoga or meditate

8:30 am-9 am: Shower (I always incorporate shower wellness rituals) and get ready for work

9 am- 4 pm: Work day: I eat two to three healthy snacks like hummus and carrots or snap peas throughout the day and generally some sort of salad for lunch

4 pm-6ish pm: Work out at the YMCA, running, nautilus, or spin class or candlelight yoga while my girls are at dance (4 days per week)

6 pm-6:30 pm Another shower or bath and skincare ritual with steamed facial compresses

6:30 pm- 7:30 pm– Make a healthy dinner (I try to prep what I can on Sundays)

7:30 pm- 8:30 pm: Relax with with my girls and hubby and read a book before their bedtime

8:30 pm- 10 pm: Watch a little Netflix and get in some alone time with hubby and make it to bed on time to get a full 8 hours of sleep (very important)

My hopes in writing this post is to show how self-care has become a necessity in both my personal and professional life’s success. You can not run a business or a household in an unhealthy, stressed out mental and emotional state. The good news is there are lots of wellness practices that will equip you to be your best self and therefore produce the best results in your life and business.