Healthy Habits with Rachel

 Water is the essence of life, and yet it is something that many of us take for granted. In a world filled with sugary beverages and different caffeinated drunks, the simple act of drinking enough water often gets overlooked. However, staying properly hydrated is essential for maintaining optimal health and well-being. There are many health, beauty, and mental clarity benefits to staying hydrated.  Having enough water intake helps to improve physical performance. Dehydration can decrease endurance, strength, and coordination. Water also helps to regulate body temperature through sweating and evaporation. Staying hydrated prevents overheating during physical activity.  Hydration is the key to radiant, glowing skin. It helps to keep skin moisturized from the inside out. Dehydration can cause dullness and dryness of skin and enhances skin problems like acne and eczema.  There are many benefits to drinking enough water daily.  (https://www.singlecare.com/blog/benefi...

 Sleep is often pushed to the back burner in our fast-paced, modern society. We all know the struggles of juggling classes, assignments, extracurriculars, social life, and work. It often feels like there just aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish every task. However, the significance of getting enough sleep must be balanced. It is not just a luxury; sleep is a fundamental pillar of overall health and well-being.  Let's face it: college is known for its sleepless nights and erratic sleep schedules. However, the consequences of sleep deprivation can be far-reaching and detrimental to both your academic performance and overall well-being.  Here are some tips for better sleep so that you can get your mind and body on a consistent, healthy track.  1. Set a consistent sleep schedule and stick to it, even on weekends.  2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine to signal to your body that it's time to wind down. 3. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, especially in the ...

  (https://www.nytimes.com/article/beginner-yoga.html) In the busy way of modern life, you have to find moments of peace and tranquility to keep your mind at peace. There is a practice that honors this concept and offers solace for both body and mind: yoga. Yoga is a great system that encompasses a wide array of benefits for overall health and well-being.  Yoga is a practice that combines movement with breath, fostering a deep connection between mind and body. Through a series of poses, known as asanas, yoga helps to increase strength, flexibility, and balance. Consistent yoga practice helps improve posture and alignment, reducing the risk of injuries and chronic pain. Poses can be modified, too, to accommodate various fitness levels and physical abilities. This makes it accessible for everyone to participate.  Studies have shown that regular yoga practice can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while promoting feelings of calmness and relaxation. Yoga has many differe...

In the world of nutrition and dieting, many rules, fads, and trends want our attention, promising health, vitality, and the perfect physique. Among these, the 80/20 eating rule is a refreshing approach emphasizing balance, flexibility, and suitability. What is the 80/20 rule and why has it gained so much popularity?  At its core, the 80/20 eating rule is a very simple concept: strive to eat healthily and mindfully 80% of the time, while allowing yourself to indulge and enjoy treats the remaining 20% of the time. This approach acknowledges that perfection is neither realistic nor sustainable in the long term. Allowing for occasional indulgences, removes the guilt and restriction often associated with strict diets. This approach helps to build a healthier relationship with food.  While the 80/20 rule offers flexibility, it's important to approach it with intention and mindfulness. Here are some tips for incorporating this rule into your lifestyle.  1. Focus on Nutrient-Dens...

 As the weather starts to become warmer, I find myself craving some lighter meals. I know a harvest salad is typically a fall salad, but it's so light and easy to enjoy that I find myself making it in the spring and summer too. I made this the other night for dinner and wanted to share the recipe.  I grabbed a box of 50/50 baby arugula and spinach, granny smith apple, a lemon, goat brie cheese, nut mix with dried cranberries, rotisserie chicken, olive oil, and a balsamic glaze.  Now, I do not have exact measurements because I just eyeballed all of this, but I made a pretty big salad. And I ate the whole thing. It was SO. GOOD.  If you wanted, you could add some strawberries. I didn't because they didn't look good at the store. Sad day because strawberries are my favorite! You could also switch out the protein for some salmon or grilled shrimp! You could also add some carrots, sweet potato, or any other toppings of your choice. Salads are so fun to create when looking...