How and with which mindset I lived life before my 30s has nothing to do with how my life is today. I never took proper care of my physical or mental health, and if I’m completely honest with you, I felt pretty miserable most of the time. Working a job I didn’t like, lacking any sense of purpose, and living for the weekends. soI could and would party and numb myself. Resulting in feeling even worse every following Monday (plus the rest of the week).
The desensitisation of myself and pushing away the feeling of what was actually going on came to halt, stereotypically, when I entered my thirties. Conscious topics started to interest me, and for the first time, I became aware of my body and soul through yoga, diet, and introspection. As I was deep-diving into myself and what was actually making me feel happy, I discovered that formulating skincare products did that trick for me. And still does!
In this blog, I will tell you about my daily holistic health practices and how healthy living is a big part of my personal feeling of happiness.
Holistic Health equals Happiness (to me)!
The philosophy I live, is wanting to feel happy every single day. Of course, this is not always possible. Life happens no matter what, and we don’t get to choose what life gives to us. Instead of numbing myself, I now deliberately choose feeling and every emotion coming up. I let them teach me all I need to know. Working on myself is the key to holistic health & my happiness.
Daily habits to reach holistic health
Early morning workouts
I usually wake up between 5.00 and 6.00 AM and start with my workout routine, which means strength training 4 to 5 times and HIIT or cardio training 1 to 2 times every week. On my no-workout day, I will still do some yoga, as it simply just makes me feel wonderful. I want to sweat at least once a day to flush out toxins. Besides the detoxification aspect, it also makes me feel extremely well to challenge my body.
Nourishing foods: the road to holistic health
Food, to me, is the foundation of holistic health and gets a lot of my attention. I plan my meals one day ahead of time to make sure I have all the ingredients. I also make sure to cook my meals myself, so I know what’s inside. I prioritize the intake of protein, so I make sure to get at least 100 grams of protein a day for great muscle health. My diet consists of tons of vegetables, fruits, legumes, seeds, grains, nuts, and other high protein sources. I eat organic as much as possible, and I avoid processed foods. During my cheat day (1x per week) I allow myself to eat refined sugars and all the things that I would normally not eat.
Connecting with nature
To feel healthy in a holistic way, I today believe we can not go without nature and daily walks in nature became part of my daily holistic health routine. It brings down cortisol and helps me relax, unwind, and bring clarity. when I take time to notice the flow of the seasons through the noticeable changes in plants, flowers, and trees, I feel closely connected to nature and, brings me huge joy.
Attention for the soul
When I feel out of balance and need clarity, I meditate or do (more) yoga. It is a way for me to look and listen within, and bring my attention to where it needs to be. I’m also a religious person, so I make time to pray, as it humbles me and connects me to gratitude. At some point I got obsessed with crystal bowl singing or sound healing: especially the music of Ben Carroll is unbelievable. His music feels like a deep massage for my brain and cells.
Smoking and alcohol
I never drink or smoke. Don’t get me wrong: I did both extensively for many years. I smoked a package a day from the age of 15 until I turned 32. Luckily, I don’t miss any of that at all. I feel and look so much better without these toxic habits, and I’m never going back.
Skin, body- and oral care products
It may not come as a surprise, but skincare truly means the world to me. Next to skincare, oral and body care are also very high on my list. A current obsession of mine: the oral care products of Living Libations, incredibly potent, natural and botanical products that improve oral health. I started with only one product for my gums, but I now use fourand have declared myself a superfan. These have been game-changers for my oral health, and I strongly recommend them.
Natural & nourishing skincare
You may know that I started Comme Ça as I couldn’t find products for my sensitive skin and that my skin has never looked better since I started formulating and using my own skincare products. My formulas are packed with pure botanical ingredients that deeply nourish and protect the skin in a holistic, healthy way.
