A New Year, A Gentle Wellness Update

New year, new energy and honestly, I’m just really grateful to be here.

If you read my last post about the everyday habits that help me manage my PCOS naturally, this feels like a little part two / real-life update. I’m just checking in with what I said I was going to do… and what actually stuck.

I’ve been prioritizing my health and wellness more than ever lately, and here’s how things are looking now.

 

Gua Sha (Still Obsessed)

Gua sha has been a lifesaver, especially with how puffy my face can get overnight. It’s helped de-bloat my face so much and is really helping to naturally contour my face, making everything look more defined and refreshed.

Beyond the aesthetic part, gua sha supports lymphatic drainage, which helps move excess fluid through the body. When lymph flow improves, swelling goes down, circulation improves, and your face just looks healthier overall.

Apple Cider Vinegar Shots

The goal is to take apple cider vinegar shots twice a day. Right now, I’ve been consistently taking them once in the morning, and it’s been a really good starting point for me.

It’s usually the first liquid I have before drinking my Goddess Wellness tea, and it helps wake up my digestion and set the tone for the day. I’ll be slowly increasing how often I take it as my body adjusts — no rush, just building consistency.

 

Matcha & Coffee… Gone

I cut out coffee and matcha completely. Cold turkey. And honestly? I don’t miss it.

I’m doing my best to lower cortisol, and the last thing I need is 16oz of caffeine every day pretending it’s helping me. I realized I liked the ritual more than the effect — and once that clicked, letting it go felt easy.

Walking: 5,000–10,000 Steps

Yes.

Yes.

And yes again.

Walking has been one of the most supportive things for my body. It keeps me moving without feeling like a chore, and it’s something I can realistically stay consistent with.

Strength Training (Finally Consistent)

I started strength training at the gym and I’ve been showing up for it. Not overdoing it, not stressing myself out — just building strength little by little and staying committed.

Stress (Handled Better Than Before)

I’ve been managing stress way better than I would have in the past. When things come up, I lean into gratitude, prayer, and intentionally choosing not to spiral. I still have thoughts, but I don’t let them take over the way they used to.

Eating Clean & Cooking at Home

This has been the easiest shift.

I enjoy cooking and I’m in the kitchen often — but not grazing all day. I prep, I cook from scratch, and I eat meals that actually keep me full. This is something that feels sustainable for me long-term.

 

 

Fasting (Not for Me)

I’ve tried fasting before and it didn’t work for me. I tried again and found it stressful. After doing more research, I came to the conclusion that fasting isn’t supportive for my body, especially hormonally.

So instead, I stop eating around 8pm, and when I wake up, I eat a solid breakfast.

 

Sleep (Still Working on It)

Sleep is still something I’m improving, mostly around getting to bed at a consistent time. It’s a work in progress, but it’s on my radar.

 

 

A Few Wellness Goals I’m Carrying Forward

• Building more muscle in the gym
• Walking after meals
• Using holistic methods instead of temporary fixes like painkillers. I’m choosing to support my body naturally rather than masking symptoms. This is not medical advice. I will still be seeing my doctor regularly for blood work and checkups — I’m just choosing not to take vitamins or medications. Sunlight, movement, happiness, and herbs will be my foundation.
• Eating fully plant-based (something I’ve done on and off for years, for many reasons I’ll share another time)