the miami method/daily habits
OK. So I said on IG that I was going IN on the month of March. I’ve started introducing small(ish) habits into every day to make my life experience better. I really believe (some days are harder than others with this) but —- I believe life is about the way we react to things and controlling what we can control.
Of course life isn’t about green juice and facial massage and it would be ignorant to say everyone should be doing this when there is so much heartbreak in the world, BUT I wanted to share what I’ve been doing to help me alleviate some anxiety and stress outside of things I cannot control.
So if you follow me you know I live in Massachusetts..where the sun is……MIA most of the time. Because my season depresh gets so intense in the winter, I created “The Miami Method.” Yes, if you google this, it is a type of heart surgery so please ignore that. BUT in my own world it’s the method I use to make my life my dream life. I called it the Miami Method because I would give my Vitamix to live in Miami/ in a warm climate. (Jk I don’t own a Vitamix…yet). The MM is like the Cloud couch before you have The Cloud couch. YOU FEEL ME???? IYKYK.
BUT in all seriousness, if you’re like me and thrive in warm weather, but live in a cold place, you can apply the Miami Method to your life with small changes and daily habits that will eventually lead to your dream life and best self. Like the Miami Method is you at your absolute best and you have to build positive habits to create a positive life.
First thing’s first: water first thing in the AM. This one I’ve been doing this for ages, but I recommend it to all of my clients. Keep a 24 oz glass of water (12 oz works too) next to your bed, so that way when you wake up you can hydrate first thing in the morning. I’ve been doing this because of Cameron Diaz..does anyone remember her Body book?! That was IT when I was in college HAHA. She says “your body is like a flower— you need to water it first thing in the morning.”
Vitamin D supplement. This is a must. I picked some up at Marshalls lmao - 5.99 for 45 servings. If you live in the north, your vit D can get LOW LOW in the wintertime. Get some Asap ok because it can help alleviate depressive symptoms (along with many other bennies).
Facial Massage/Gua Sha. I’ve been doing this every day for a few reasons. 1- it makes me feel boujee af and relaxed. 2 - I carry SO much tension in my jaw. I’m always clenching my jaw…it’s not my best trait. 3 - it helps flush and drain your lymph nodes (which help the body fight off disease). 4- it helps increase circulation which will reduce puffiness. I found a Gua Sha tool at Marshalls (yes I live there) and it was super affordable. You can search Gua Sha tips on Google or Tiktok to figure out how to do it correctly!
30 minutes of cardio or movement. This one I try to do every day (but sometimes I choose sleep, sue me). Yes, aesthetics are amazing, but the mental health benefits are endless. Yes I agree it’s hard to work out when you’re feeling down (I’ve take several weeks off this winter), but it’s a matter of choosing yourself. Sweating will cleanse your pores and help your mood. Think of this as a mental detox. Exercise has SO many benefits for the brain and mental health. Read more here if you wanna learn more benniessss. One of my fav types of cardio is an incline walk - I LOVE hiking and this will help when hiking season rolls around !! I also wear sweats if I’m not lifting and just at the gym for cardio because sweating feels so good especially in the winter.
No alcohol. Ok I know this is extremely off brand for me. I really don’t drink that much, but when I do go out I was just feeling so shitty. Physically and mentally. It put a lot of things in perspective for me. Removing alcohol this month has been good for my wallet and my anxiety. I’m probably TOO aware of my moods, but I’m the person that won’t drink coffee in the morning sometimes if my mood is off. I don’t need to be enhancing my anxiety and stress. **This is another tip. Pay attention to your mood! (Yes I am thinking about spicy margs as I type this. BUT there will be a time and a place soon enough).
CANDLES. I light them at every hour of the day when I’m not at work. There is something about a candle burning that makes me so happy. It’s so zen. I’ve also been doing some more at home workouts and I’ve been lighting the sh*t out of my candles during exercise. It’s amazing to do bedtime yoga with a candle lit and a journal. I’ve been really into scents recently—- familiarity feels good especially when you can recognize a scent and associate it with relaxation. You can lit condition yourself to relax based on a certain scent. Same thing with waking up/going to bed etc. You can tailor your life this way so your bod /brain is more consistent.
Writing things down in a journal. This is something I’ve always done — I tend to get overwhelmed because I can only see bigger picture. I have to REALLY try to take things day by day. I’ve been more intentional about writing down a to do list..that way I can see things on paper that I need to do and that way they don’t seem as daunting. If you have more than one job/have your own businesses etc, this is crucial. My mind is always going in 1000 different directions with work and my creativity, but also with my personal life. It also helps to map out your week and break things down into different days. Batching things help too!
Listening to (and watching) waves. Ok you would laugh at me if you saw me before bed. I am full on watching and listening to a sunrise (couldn’t find a sunset) on Miami Beach to sooth me…lmao. I’m so ridiculous. BUT here is the link because I know you want this SMOKE. You can do the same thing with mountains, etc. It’s a VIBE.
Positive podcasts and sermons. Yeah I’m a Jesus GURL, (God is shaking his head as I type this lmaooo) but even if you’re not - you can google uplifting speeches and motivational speaking. It takes so much for me to have a positive mindset. I need CONSTANT reminders throughout the day. You are what you consume — so fill your feed and environment with positivity. Everything in your life has a purpose and you have a purpose! Even if you don’t see it yet. Get to know yourself and your values and soon enough you will figure out what aligns with you + your soul.
If you have the space — put down a yoga mat in your room/in your space. I’ve been leaving mine out to remind myself to stretch, even if it’s just 30 seconds in the morning or midday. A few cat/cows in the morning are great for your spine.
Chapstick before bed. This is my most random habit I’ve introduced, BUT I promise you it’s essential. I have zero lips. Like negative lips. I apply a generous (heavy on the generous) amount of chapstick /balm before bed. When I tell you I wake up feeling like I’ve had injections….it’s just nice. LOL. This tip is amazing for winter.
Decorate your space. Even if you’re not in your dream apt or in a space you love right now, you can add things into your room/place to elevate it. Things like coffee table books, candles & magazines can make your space that much better. Your environment can affect your mood majorly !!
So to sum things up — the Miami Method is about introducing habits into your life that will make you happier and less stressed. It’s about living your dream life in small ways to lead up to the end goal. It’s about controlling what you can and making life a little bit easier.
Thanks so much for reading if you’re here !! Would love to hear from you if you’ve tried any of these. I’ll add on more as they come xx and you already know this is going to be a TikTok series.