In this moment, stress is abundant + time passes us by all too quickly. Taking small moments for yourself + practicing self-awareness helps ground us + keep us present. Use these health hacks when you feel tense, tired, or over-stimulated. These free + holistic tools make it easy to start your inward health journey.

1 // Take A Break : Take your shoes off and go outside for a few minutes. By connecting your bare feet to the earth, your body naturally reduces chronic fatigue + inflammation.

2 // Breathe : Place your hands over your belly + simply listen to your breath. Try extending your inhales + exhales to 6 long seconds each. This relaxes the nervous system + reduces the stress hormone, cortisol.

3 // Clear The Clutter : Spend 5 minutes organizing your desk or a drawer in the kitchen or bathroom. Get rid of things that you haven't used recently. The act of "letting things go" and "creating space" subconsciously creates better blood flow + less oxidative stress in your body.

4 // Light A Candle : The mesmerizing effect of a candle flame is a great way to divert your eyes from the computer screen or workload. Set an intention first, and focus your body + mind on the energetic qualities of fire.

5 // Stretch Your Body : Stand up, turn on a short yoga video or simply just practice some twists + arm circles in your chair. By increasing movement in your physical body, you have the opportunity to release toxins, stimulate cleansing + increase energy.

6 // Write Yourself A Note : On a sticky post-it, record a favorite verse, proverb, affirmation, or positive quote. Fold it up in your pocket and read as the day goes on, or be happily surprised + inspired later in the day.

7 // Drink Hot Lemon Water : By adding this citrus fruit to hot water, your body's metabolism increases + your liver starts functioning more efficiently. This helps clear skin, absorb essential nutrients from food + boosts immune system.

8 // Smile + Compliment Someone : The best way to boost your health + energy is boosting someone else's. Offer a gift, smile, or kind words to the next person you meet, and recognize how that positivity comes back into your life.

9 // Get Rid Of Chatter : Next time you find your TV/radio/phone providing background noise, turn it off and observe the peace that begins to fill the space + your mind. This practice lowers blood pressure, decreases tension + offers mind-body connection.

Happy National Day of Love, folks! In honor of Valentines Day, I'm heading back to the roots of New Years intent of self-love. I believe it's important to at least take one day out of the week to treat yourself and spend some quality time relaxing with the most important person in your life, YOU.

Since partaking on this health journey, I've not only changed my food habits, but also my beauty routine. Just like conventional food, the products you wash your hair with, rub on your face, and clean with are made using harsh chemicals that should honestly be banned. If you've been having ongoing health concerns, take a look at your medicine cabinet and shower products. If you can't pronounce an ingredient AND have no idea what it is, it could be affecting your body internally. (Check out how toxic your current cosmetics are in The Cosmetic Database.)

My favorite act of self-love is a detox bath. I've made it a routine in my weekly schedule, and it was even recommended by my naturopathic doctor. Below are some products I use consistently, free from chemicals and twisted ingredients.

1/ Dry Skin Brush: One of my favorite products, this is used before your shower or bath. It has a plethora of benefits, mainly becoming popular for removing cellulite, as well as to stimulate circulation, tone muscles, and eliminate clogged pores. (It also preps my legs for a cleaner shave.) Always start at your feet, and use long strokes up the body towards the heart.

Detox Bath Soak: Since the skin is the largest organ used for detoxing the body, this soak does it all in one sitting. This San Francisco based company has many different blends of salts, catering to whatever your needs are.

Aztec Healing Clay: I have used almost every face wash on the market and this has battled my skin problems better than anything I have ever used. When blended with apple cider vinegar and brushed on the skin, it hardens within 15 minutes to create smaller pores, less blackheads, and overall more appealing skin tone. Use right before you get in your detox bath, to get double the internal cleansing benefits.

Norwex Cloths: Want to stop using face wash altogether?! These microfiber cloths are infused with silver thread, creating an antibacterial cloth when activated by water. These get rid of my makeup better than anything topical I have used, and cleanse way better than chemical laden washes. These make it easier to travel; I don't have to have an extra bottle in my bag! Definitely a must have. They are sold by independent distributors, so find someone near you and help out a small, local business. (They also carry household-cleaning clothes, check out this video...)

Essential Oils: These can be used for just about anything, but I love adding them to my bath water. My favorites are lavender for relaxing at night, and a sandalwood/vetiver mixture for morning time.

Treat yourself, Heal Yourself, and Love Yourself.

Try Mary's Self-Love Meditation today as well. This is one of my favorites.

What natural products do you use in your daily beauty routines? Also, what are some essential oils that are must-haves around the home? I'm looking to expand my collection. Thanks!

Much Love, Leah