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Wu Haus Trips: Guide to Morocco

It’s hard to put the magic of Morocco into words. A place like no other I’ve ever been. A place I’d always dreamed of going. And a place that continually wowed me with its beauty, intensity and rawness. Morocco is the type of place you go to and immediately want to go back because you feel like there is so much more to uncover.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t base most of my ideas of Morocco off photos I saw on Instagram or elsewhere on the Internet. The physical beauty of the place, of the architecture and design shines through in photos, captures your eye and makes you want to travel there. And I can tell you that it’s actually even more beautiful in person. What those photos don’t show you though are the intense streets of the cities, the loudness, the busyness, the in-your-faceness.

The first 36 hours in Marrakech were intense. I was completely out of my comfort zone, and I hadn’t felt that way when traveling in a really long time. We got scammed twice on our first day. By nightfall I was having a dialogue with myself in which I was feeling really bad because I wasn’t sure I liked Marrakech like I thought I would. But after settling in a bit, experiencing the streets and getting more acquainted with the culture and our surroundings, I began to see beyond my first impressions, beyond my limiting expectations of this country I made before arriving. This trip brought up a lot of questions about privilege, about freedom of expression, about being pulled outside my comfort zone. I felt like the entire 2 weeks was filled with realizations and epiphanies. It was so fulfilling to be in a place that made me think critically about my own life and about the world at large.

Sure, the beautifully decorated riads and fancy upscale restaurants are nice and enticing, but the lively streets and bustling Medina culture are real and raw. Morocco wouldn’t be nearly as magical without them. Witnessing the Islamic Call to Prayer everyday, multiple times a day was an honor. To see that level of devotion is deeply inspiring. And what a treat to see so many artisans dedicated to making their crafts by hand. To enter into a world that is completely different than the one I live in day-to-day was humbling and awe-inspiring. It was a constant practice in approaching each moment with mindfulness, discernment and a deep respect for the traditions and cultures of the land.

My main piece of advice if you are planning a trip to Morocco is to let go of all your expectations. Let the magic of the country surprise you and teach you in ways you never could have imagined. Use this guide as a loose outline, but don’t get caught up in following it exactly. Let your intuition guide you and open your senses to all this amazing country has to offer.

Our Itinerary:

Marrakech —-> Berber Lodge —-> Ait Benhaddou —-> Boumalne Dades —-> Merzouga (Sahara) —-> Fes

Sahara Tour:

Wild Morocco – We booked a 3-night, 4-day private tour and loved it. We felt safe the whole time and got to see so much of the landscape of Morocco. Our driver/guide Salah was such a great guy. Super knowledgable, friendly and easy to talk to. It was nice being able to ask questions and really get to know the country through someone who’s lived their his whole life. Wild Morocco has a variety of different itineraries to choose from and even offers custom trips if you have an idea of somewhere you want to go. I would definitely travel with them again.

Places to Stay:

Riad Olema et Spa – What a beautiful place to spend our first couple nights in Morocco. The whole vibe of this place is calming and tranquil. We ate dinner here the first night, and the food was delicious. We also enjoyed a lovely hammam treatment.

Riad Jardin Secret – A true gem. The interior design of this place is impeccable. Every single corner of this riad is styled perfectly. Eating breakfast and drinking tea on the pink rooftop terrace were definitely our favorite parts.

Berber Lodge – This place was on my list for about a year, so when we decided to go to Morocco, it was a must on our itinerary. And it’s pretty much paradise. Such an inspirational place to spend time. It’s quiet, relaxing, tucked away from mostly everything. Limited access to wifi. The best food ever. Romain and his staff were all so wonderful. Definitely a highlight of our trip. I’m already dreaming of going back.

Riad Caravane – This riad was booked by Wild Morocco, but if you are venturing off on your own, this would be a lovely spot to book.

Chez Pierre – Such a cute place in the Gorges du Dades. The room was a bit rustic, but still very charming. We especially loved the dinner at their restaurant.

Riad Laaroussa – We absolutely loved everything about this riad. The rooftop terrace, our gorgeous room (We stayed in the Yellow Room) and the hammam were all highlights. The staff was so helpful with organizing our tour, dinner reservations and transport to the airport.

Things to See:

Jemaa el-Fna – The main square of the Marrakech Medina with monkeys, snakes, henna, street food and more. It’s a wild experience that really is a must if you’re in Marrakech. Personally, we didn’t hang out here, but it’s fun to pass through a few times.

Jardin Majorelle and Yves Saint Laurent Museum – Absolutely stunning garden. Could have spent hours in here. The Museum is very lovely too. Recommend going early and avoiding weekends.

Le Jardin Secret – A calm respite from the madness of the Medina.

Bahia Palace – Stunning palace with tile mosaics galore.

Souks of Marrakech – No trip to Marrakech would be complete without several wanderings through the souks. It took a day for me to feel confident walking through, so take your time. It can be overwhelming. Sharing more about this in the General Tips section.

Atlas Mountains // Tizi n Tichka Pass – To see the high Atlas Mountains basically grow out of the desert is absolutely incredible and then to drive over Tizi n Tichka Pass is an experience all its own. Its a side of Morocco you will not want to miss.

The Ounila Valley – Definitely one of the most beautiful natural landscapes we saw in Morocco. There are two roads to get to Ouarzazate, and the one through the Ounila Valley is longer, but sooooo worth it.

Aït Benhaddou – Climb to the top and admire the sweeping mountainous views

Gorges du Dades // Monkey Fingers – Stunning rock formations and sweeping views

Sahara Desert – I mean what can you really say about the Sahara Desert landscape? It’s absolutely epic and worth the trek to see it in all its glory. I will say that judging from pictures, you might think you’ll just have the whole desert to yourself. This is not true. While the landscape is undeniably gorgeous, you won’t find yourself alone out there. There are many tours and camps in Merzouga with people coming from all over the world to check it out.

Blue Gate – The entrance to the Fes Medina, one of the main landmarks in this magical city.

Fes Medina – We had very limited time in Fes (about 36 hours), so we opted to hire a tour guide though our riad (Laaroussa). We were SO glad we did. The tour was 3ish hours, and we got to see so much of the Medina and all the main highlights. If we would have stayed longer, I would have definitely spent a day getting lost in the wandering streets. Next trip!

Places to Eat: (Advance reservations recommended!)

General note: We did not have a bad meal in Morocco. The food is incredible. It’s inherently healthy because it mostly consists of vegetables, meats and small amounts of grains. I’ve listed a few places we went to, but get curious! There are delicious foods to be eaten around every corner.

Al-Fassia – This all women owned and operated restaurant was one of our favorite meals in Marrakech. Highly recommend.

Restaurant La Famille – This place is so dreamy. The patio is a lovely place to take a break from walking the souks. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious.

Berber Lodge – By far our favorite meals happened when we were staying at the Berber Lodge. Seriously incredible.

NOMAD – Beautiful rooftop terrace. Great for a sunset meal. No alcohol served. The food wasn’t mind blowing, but it was still great. We especially loved the desserts.

Café Des Épices – Great place for lunch or a coffee midday. Perfect spot to stop and rest while enjoying the sites of the square.

The Ruined Garden – Perfect garden spot for lunch. Cheap eats and great small plates for sharing.

Dar Roumana – Beautiful restaurant in the terrace of a guesthouse.

General Tips:

+ Be respectful and remember you are in a Muslim country. Dress modestly. I kept pretty well covered besides showing some skin below my elbows and my ankles (cropped pants). It’s always a good idea to bring a shawl or scarf for added coverage if you need it.

+ Always carry some dirham (local currency) as many places don’t accept credit cards and cash is important for tipping.

+ Seek out the hammams wherever you are. Lots of riads have them, but if yours doesn’t, look for one nearby.

+ Haggling in the souks is part of Moroccan culture. If you want to buy something, don’t take the first price offered to you. It’s expected that you will haggle for a fair price.

+ That being said, there are no real fair prices or standard prices in Morocco because it really is all about what you feel is a good price and what you feel something is worth. What you would pay for a rug might be entirely different than what someone else would pay. Don’t worry so much about getting the best deal. Remember mostly everything you buy in Morocco is going to be a fraction of what it would cost if you bought it in the US or Europe. And the money you are spending is directly supporting people’s livelihoods. Most of the artisans rely solely on this income to sustain life.

+ The souks can be intense. I recommend staying off your phone and not using a map as much as possible when you’re navigating the streets. It might sound silly, but we found that when we acted confidently (even if we didn’t necessarily feel that confident) and walked with purpose that we didn’t receive as much attention as when we were wandering aimlessly, looking like lost tourists.

+ Don’t take anyone’s picture without asking permission first and if you do take their picture, be sure to tip them. Women especially do not like having their photos taken.

+ Get outside the cities! I can’t stress this enough. The cities are absolutely amazing, but the natural landscape of Morocco is incredibly beautiful and cannot be missed.

+ Pretty much know that you won’t leave Morocco without buying a rug. It’s almost impossible.

+ You may encounter kids telling you streets are closed (when they really aren’t) and then offer to show you the way to go. Be aware that these people will ask for money. Decline their offer or be prepared to tip them with cash. This is just one of the many scams we encountered in Marrakech. Just keep your wits about you, and you’ll be just fine.

+ Be okay with getting lost in the Medinas because you inevitably will.

+ Don’t drink the water. We used these filtering water bottles the whole time and did just fine. Otherwise buy bottled water.

+ Bring toilet paper or tissues with you when you go out. Most bathrooms don’t supply TP and many of the toilets are quite simply holes in the ground.

+ Back lots of layers. Depending on the season you go, Morocco can get quite cold. When we were in the Gorges du Dades, it was 32 degrees F when we woke up in the morning.

+ Morocco is considered a mostly “dry” country. While you can usually order wine at your riad, lots of restaurants don’t serve alcohol. But we were surprised to find that Morocco produces wine. We fell in love with the “grey” or gris wine. It’s almost between a white and rose.

January 17, 2019 2 comments

Travel

Travel Light: My Top Packing Tips

For the past several years, I’ve gotten into the habit of packing light on all of my travel. After years of overpacking, I realized I really don’t need much when I’m away, and packing light makes all my trips way more enjoyable. There’s nothing worse than lugging a 50 lbs. suitcase up four or five flights of stairs or trying to squeeze onto an overpacked subway with large suitcases.

We traveled to Japan for 3 weeks 2.5 years ago, and I got my Away Carry On for our trip. It was my first time packing light for an almost month-long trip. I absolutely love the Away Carry On. It makes packing light a breeze, and I’m always surprised how much I can fit in such a small suitcase.

In this post, I’m sharing what I packed for our current 3-week trip to Italy. Obviously this list would/could be altered depending on the season, climate and place you are traveling to. For instance, if you’re headed to a beach vacation in Mexico, you might not bring boots or as many pairs of pants. This is a general guide to give you an idea of what to pack. I’m also sharing my top packing tips to help you save room in your suitcase, so you’re a happier traveler overall.

My bags for 3 weeks in Italy

Here’s what I brought:

Pants: one jean, one other (I brought my fave Jesse Kamm Sailor Pants), one lightweight (linen or breathable cotton), one yoga, one sweatpant/lounge pants
One lightweight jacket, one weatherproof jacket (if applicable, meaning you’ll wear more than 2 times)
One sweater, one sweatshirt or lightweight long-sleeve
3 dresses/jumpsuits (1 casual/loose-fitting mumu dress, 1 day dress that also works for night, 1 jumpsuit)
3 shoes – sandals, boots, mules (1 sandals, 1 walking, 1 going out/dress). Call me crazy, but I never travel with sneakers. I used to pack them because that’s what you’re “supposed to do,” but I would never end up wearing them, so I just stopped.
Enough socks + underwear for 1 week
2 t-shirts
1-2 yoga bras/crops
3-5 cute blouses that work for day and night
Bathing suit
Pajamas – I usually bring my silk pj set and then just some Hans boy shorts and a tank.
Sun hat or other head cover
Dry shampoo, sunscreen face and body, one 3.4 oz bottle shampoo, one conditioner, two 3.4 oz bottles of body wash, 3 travel size toothpaste, facial cleansing bar, moisturizer, deodorant, travel size toner mist
Digestive enzymes, probiotics (I use Silver Fern, which are shelf stable), digestive bitters, ginger and/or peppermint tea
Matcha (100g bag), adaptogen mix (Moodbeli Holy Ashwagandha), collagen packets, Hydro Flask travel mug with metal whisk ball to make morning matcha while I’m on the road (Just add a small amount of hot water and the ball to your mug then add matcha and any other powders, top with more hot water. Seal lid tightly and shake vigorously. Slowly unscrew the lid, and enjoy!)
Water bottle
Tarot cards, crystals
External battery for charging phone on the go, power converter if applicable (Save money and buy BEFORE you go. We forgot, and ended up having to buy one at the airport for almost double the cost.), headphones

My plane-ride-to-Italy attire

+ You’ll likely pack stuff you won’t end up wearing and wear you favorite outfits multiple times. So always cut what you want to bring in half.

+ Handwash underwear and socks every week and line dry.

+ Pack a compact duffle bag in your suitcase to use for things you buy on your travels. You can check your suitcase on the way home, and use the duffle as your carry on. (I use a Lancel duffle that my Aunt Alison gave to me over 10-years ago. One of my favorite bags to this day. Unfortunately, they no longer make the one I have.)

+ Pack a reusable tote bag to carry in your purse for groceries or shopping.

+ Pack lightweight layers and garments made from natural fibers whenever possible. I love cotton and linen. They’re breathable and easy to wash by hand and then air dry.

+ Instead of carrying a book or two around with you, opt for downloading books onto your phone from your Audible account or invest in a Kindle.

+ Go for a neutral color palette, so you can mix and match tops and pants with ease. As a general rule of thumb: only bring a top/shirt/blouse if it pairs with at least 75% of your bottoms/pants/skirts and vice versa.

+ Roll your clothes! This is essential for making the most of the room in your suitcase. I don’t roll everything though. Heavy weight pants or jeans I put in first and flay flat on the bottom of my bag. Anything silk or that wrinkles easily, I lay flat on top of everything before closing my suitcase.

+ If you are packing shoes in your suitcase, stuff them with socks or any other small items to save space.

+ Always wear your bulkiest/heaviest items on the plane. Planes are usually cold anyways, so I layer up on my flights. I always wear my boots or biggest pair of shoes in flight. Then I typically wear a pair of sweatpants, a layerable lightweight cotton dress, a sweater or sweatshirt and a jacket. And whatever hat I’m bringing. This trip I definitely looked like I was going on a safari, but whatever.

+ Never bring that something “just in case.” I promise you, there’s like a 3% chance you will use it or wear it. If some freak weather occurrence happens, you can always buy something (umbrella, rain coat, sandals, snow boots) while you’re away.

+ When you’re packing your suitcase, think of it like a puzzle. To make the most of the room you have, don’t leave any “dead” spaces in your suitcase. A pair of socks, underwear, a rolled T-shirt or belt can always find its way into an empty hole between items. Be strategic!

+ Pack a small muslin bag or two filled with dried lavender flowers (also known as a drawer sachet) to keep your clothes smelling fresh while you’re away.

May 14, 2018 13 comments

Lifestyle Self-Care

Quick and Easy Self-Care Tips to Boost Your Mood

We’re almost through the thick of winter, and sunny, warm days are on the horizon. I wanted to share some quick and easy self-care tips to incorporate into your daily routine this season (and all year long). I asked my sweet and wise friend, licensed acupuncturist and holistic health coach, Katrina Pozzi Baratta, to contribute to this piece. From decreasing pain to increasing confidence, Kat specializes in helping women feel healthy, strong and totally at home in their bodies.

Whether you’ve got a serious case of the winter blues, or you’re just in a funk at any point in the year, it’s important to remember that self-care involves doing things that keep your body and mind in tip-top shape. Unfortunately, it’s usually when we’re feeling down and grumpy that we let our self-care routines slide. But it’s in exactly those moments, when we’re feeling less-than-awesome, that self-care becomes even more important. Because it’s only by taking care of yourself that you’re able to put your best foot forward. And you don’t even have to make huge changes to have a profound impact on your well-being. Try incorporating a 2-3 of the following self-care rituals into your daily routine this month.

Practice smiling.

One of my favorite monks, Thich Nhat Hanh, famously said, ”Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” Practice smiling into your eyes and you’ll actually trigger a neurological reaction that releases feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, endorphines, and serotonin. So don’t just smile when you feel happy. Smile when you feel bad and it’ll help raise you out of your funk!

Snag some rays (without sun protection).

Vitamin D deficiency is a big player when it comes to feeling good. The best way to get vitamin D into your system is to spend about 20 minutes a day in direct sunlight (give or take depending on your skin tone), without covering up or wearing sunblock. And because exercise is also a great mood-lifter, you can feed two birds with one seed by bundling up and taking your exercise routine outside. A meta-analysis in 2010 showed that even just five minutes of “green” exercise resulted in improvements in self-esteem and mood!

Organize and beautify your space. Choose to do your household chores mindfully.

Doing a quick 20-minute clean up or organization of your desk space, your medicine closet or your dresser beautifies your space and uplifts your mood. When you have a lot of chores to do, it’s easy to start feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. But because the chores won’t do themselves, the best thing you can do is to start enjoying them. And the best way to enjoy chores is to do them mindfully. Notice how your hands feel as you touch different textured dishes or soft sheets. Notice the smell of the soap. Feel into your body as it moves. Use this time to connect with the present moment.

Eat fermented and fiber-rich foods.

Science is finding that there’s a clear link between your gut health and mental health, and eating fermented and fiber-rich foods is one of the best ways to make sure that you’re supporting those healthy gut bacteria that will make you thrive. For fermented foods, try kimchi, kraut or kefir. For fiber-rich foods, try almonds, split peas, navy beans, raspberries, chia or flax seeds.

Go to sleep and wake on a consistent schedule.

Sleep has a HUGE impact on health and happiness. It’s the pacemaker for many of your body’s hormonal reactions, and your hormones need to be relatively balanced for you to feel good. Getting enough sleep on a consistent schedule will help your body regulate those hormones and make sure they’re firing off at the right time in the right amounts. If you’re feeling under-the-weather, like is so common this time of year, let yourself sleep longer than usual. Sleep is so important for the immune system and fighting off nasty winter colds.

Meditate. Move. Stretch.

Just a few minutes of meditation can calm your nerves and lift your mood throughout the day. Start by sitting and focusing on your breath for 5 minutes a day, and work your way up to 10-20 minutes as you settle into the routine. Physical release through exercise can work wonders on your mood. If you don’t have time for a full workout, try 15-20 minutes of yoga or easy stretching to start your day.

Put a potted plant on your desk or work station.

Plants don’t just look pretty, according to recent studies, they can actually have a soothing effect on your nervous system, making you feel less stress and more motivated to get things done with a smile on your face. Fresh cut flowers are also a joy promoter, so treat yourself to a few stems or a bouquet to brighten up your home.

Create an herbal tea ritual.

Herbs like chamomile, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, lemon balm and cinnamon have a comforting and soothing effect on the nervous system. I like to have each of these herbs in a separate jar so I can pull them out, smell them and choose a unique combination to make into an infused tea every evening before bed. When you’re drinking your tea, unplug from your phone and computer and focus your attention on the present moment. Use this tea time to reflect, read an inspirational book or write in your journal.

Give out compliments.

One of the best ways to make yourself feel good is to help other people feel good. And while it’s great to volunteer your time to those in need, something as simple as giving out compliments can make you feel more positive about yourself and the world around you. Older women are so graceful, wise and beautiful, and they rarely ever get the compliments they deserve. When I’m out doing my grocery shopping or I’m at my yoga studio, I make an effort to connect with and compliment women who are older than me – mothers and grandmothers especially.

Give yourself a break. Unplug from social media, your work and your computer.

Often one of the biggest reasons we feel bad is because we’re in constant, non-stop go-mode. But the happiest and most successful people all have one thing in common, and it’s that they allow themselves to enjoy breaks to recharge. Put down your phone or step away from your computer throughout the day. Enjoy looking out the window or taking a 5-minute walk with an agenda. Give yourself some down-town, so you can recharge and restore. You’ll feel more energized and motivated when you do.

February 6, 2018 7 comments

Lifestyle Self-Care Wellness

Tips for Balance, Relaxation and Stress-Relief

Life is wonderful and beautiful and wild and hectic. We are constantly being thrown into chaos and tested with how we cope. It really takes hard work and dedication to stay balanced. I’m continuously checking in with myself and trying to be real with myself about where I’m at. Some days are harder than others. That’s inevitable. I wanted to share my favorite tips for staying balanced and how I deal with stress and anxiety when they come up. I hope you find some useful information here. And as always, I would love to hear from you. What practices do you incorporate into your life to stay balanced? <3

EXERCISE
This is often the first thing we cut out when we feel overworked and stressed out, but it’s actually one of the things that can help the most. When we move our bodies, sweat and focus on physical energy, it can shift the state of our minds. Honestly, it doesn’t matter what kind of exercise you do. Yoga is for some people what long-distance running is for others. If you are feeling especially exhausted or emotionally down, instead of doing an intense work out, try just taking a walk around your neighborhood. Use this time as a walking meditation. Be in the moment. Take in your surroundings without judgement.

MEDITATION
This is SO important. And so underrated. Meditation can work wonders for the nervous system as well as being calming for the mind. And it really is so easy. Try committing to one or two 10-minute seated meditations a day. It really isn’t that long. I promise. It can be a great way to start your day or unwind after work. Meditation is a personal practice, so what works for one may not work for another. If you’re looking for some resources to help with mediation, I love this podcast, this podcast and this site. There are also many apps you can download. If sitting meditation is difficult for you, try yoga nidra, or a lying down meditation.

GET OFF SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram can be a seriously inspiring place, but it can also heighten feelings of stress and anxiety. A lot of times it can push us to compare ourselves to one another and foster deep-seeded insecurities. Try setting a time limit per day for social media. If you’re feeling especially anxious or down, maybe don’t go on it at all. Above all, remember you are enough. You are exactly where you need to be on your own path. And you are loved deeply.

QUIET MORNINGS + ADAPTOGENS
One of my favorite routines is making my morning matcha potion then drinking it in my living room in quiet contemplation. This time of day is very sacred to me. There’s something about the energy of the morning, when there is a sweet stillness around, that allows me to sink in and let go. This sets the tone for the rest of my day and gives me the energy I need to sustain through the busy parts. Every morning I sip a variety of adaptogens. I like to change up which ones I’m taking every month. (Right now, I’m drinking maca, reishi and cordyceps). Adaptogens are botanical medicine that help the body (specifically the immune, endocrine and neuroendocrine systems) better adapt to physical, emotional and environmental stress. Their job is to bring the body into balance. I’m long overdue for a blog post on adaptogens, so that’s coming soon, I promise!

SELF-CARE RITUALS
Some of my favorite self-care rituals include a hot bath, bi-weekly face masks, a sauna + soak and massage. Try committing to one or two things a week for yourself. Self care can also be practicing yoga, repeating a positive, loving mantra to yourself in the mirror 3x a day or getting a pedicure once a month. At the core, these rituals should be practices that make you feel loved, honored, relaxed and cared for. I love this list of simple self-care practices that you can incorporate into your daily life.

DECLUTTER + BEAUTIFY YOUR SPACE
An uncluttered home is crucial for maintaining balance in my life. You might be surprised with what a difference a clean and warm, cozy space can make on the way you feel each day. If you’re looking to do a major overhaul, I definitely recommend this book. Otherwise, try dedicating 1-3 hours on Sundays to cleaning and organizing your home. I find this is a great way to go into my week feeling prepared. Added bonus, cleaning can also be a mind-clearing activity.

CONNECTION
We create meaningful relationships in our lives and are surrounded by people who love and care for us. Remember these people want to be there for you in times of hardship as well as the good times. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. Lean on each other and support each other. Check in with people you love often to see how they are doing. Life is long, and we all need each others love and connection.

INSPIRATIONAL READING, TAROT + JOURNALING
I start each day by opening to a random page in this book. It gives me inspiration for the day ahead and often times puts things in perspective. On the new and full moons and when I’m needing clarity in my life, I turn to my tarot deck (I have this one and this one). I love this practice, as it allows me to turn inward, contemplate what is going on in my life and gives me guidance in a thought-provoking way. Journaling can also be an amazing way to release feelings and sort through inner dialogue. I love looking back on things I’ve written in the past after certain experiences or time periods in my life.

GET OUTSIDE
When all else fails, I find nature has a magical way of always making me feel better and more connected to source and spirit. I try to commit to doing one overnight outside of the city every month (usually camping in the summer months and Airbnb’ing in the winter). If I can’t manage to get away for a night, a day trip or a couple hour hike is great, too. Sometimes I just need to hop on my bike and ride to the park when I’m in the city. It’s not quite as soothing as being in the forest, but it certainly does help.

NOURISHING FOODS
Although maybe obvious, what we choose to nourish our bodies with plays a large role in how we feel overall. In times of heightened stress or anxiety, try cooked warming and grounding foods that balance the 1st chakra (muladhara or root). Here are some good choices: beets, carrots, turnips, radishes, ginger, garlic, salt + other minerals from the earth, whole grains, quality proteins like pastured eggs and organic meats, olive oil, ghee, yams and sweet potatoes.

July 21, 2017 8 comments