Create a Clutter-Free Space for Improved Wellness

𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝗪𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬⁣

With the official start of the Spring season this week, it’s a great time to revisit our wellness goals. Life happens, priorities shift, and our goals evolve over time. Maybe what you had your heart set on at just the beginning of the year has changed?⁣

⁣A key approach is identifying what doesn’t add value and eliminating it, whether that's outdated beliefs, certain relationships, or bad habits. Reducing clutter—physical, digital, and emotional—can enhance our mental health by lowering stress and enhancing our focus and productivity.⁣

⁣The idea of decluttering may feel daunting, but small adjustments often yield significant benefits. Start with a few items or dedicate time daily to create noticeable improvements.⁣

⁣Here are some effective strategies:⁣

⁣𝟏) 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭 𝐚 "𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞" 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡. ⁣

It's easy to become overwhelmed by the accumulation of possessions that can obscure what truly matters. Make a conscious effort to simplify your surroundings and focus on things that I genuinely value. ⁣

⁣𝟐) 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞. ⁣

Whether a room, closet, kitchen pantry or digital files, ask yourself if these items are used regularly, needed, or contribute to your wellness. It’s surprising how much we hold onto that no longer serves.⁣

⁣𝟑) 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐚 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 & 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞.⁣

Setting regular times to declutter can prevent buildup. Keep only what brings you joy, and consider taking photos of items you let go of. Think about displaying meaningful items instead of just storing them.⁣

⁣In conclusion, decluttering is an investment in your mental wellness, leading to a more relaxed, focused, and fulfilling life to focus on what truly matters.⁣

Xo, Angela

⁣**Sign up for weekly wellness tips tailored to your busy schedule where I share practical advice to boost your well-being and manage your health & fitness goals: www.missangelacruz.com/sign-up

January is Thyroid Awareness Month

With January being Thyroid Awareness Month, I wanted to share my personal journey with you, with the hope of inspiring you to advocate for your wellness.

In 2011, during a routine physical, my doctor discovered an enlargement on the front of my neck where my thyroid gland is located. After a number of tests, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. It's a condition that affects over 10-12% of the population, with a significant percentage being women.

This statistic underscores the importance of raising awareness and practicing self-advocacy regarding our health.

Initially, I felt a mix of fear and anger, grappling with the reality of the situation. However, as time passed, I found inspiration in this experience to grow both personally and professionally. It became clear that this challenge was not a setback but an opportunity to transform.

Along the way, I've also felt a strong desire to empower others to prioritize their self-care. It's essential for all of us to focus on our well-being and support one another in our journeys.

I'm grateful to be working with an incredible endocrinology team whom I see annually to monitor my thyroid health. Routine lab work and ultrasounds have been crucial in managing my condition, especially since I am not currently taking any medications.

I share my story in the hope that it resonates with you and encourages you to reflect on your health journey, whether you're navigating thyroid issues or managing other health conditions. It's essential to educate yourself and make your wellness a priority.

If you have any questions about this topic or my journey, feel free to reach out. I would love to connect and support you on your path to wellness.

#ThyroidAwarenessMonth

Make your Home Fit your Healthy Lifestyle

After a long, productive day, I find myself looking forward to coming home, pouring a hot cup of tea, and relaxing next to my Christmas tree. 

There’s something magical about the lights and warmth of the tea that makes everything  feel so cozy. It’s one of those simple pleasures in life that brings so much joy and peace. 

While I love the cozy, festive ambiance that comes with the holidays, I've realized how important it is to shift focus as we transition into the long, cold months of winter. Creating an uplifting space in our homes is key to supporting our fitness and wellness goals during this season. 

With that in mind, I wanted to share some insights on how small yet impacting changes can rejuvenate our living space. These adjustments can not only uplift our moods but also encourage healthy habits in our daily lives. 

While working out at a gym provides invaluable resources for both physical and mental well-being, I firmly believe that establishing an inspiring and uplifting  space at home is crucial for sustaining our healthy lifestyle goals. 

Have you ever considered setting up a workout area at home? With the right atmosphere, we can motivate ourselves to stay consistent and focused on our fitness and wellness journey. 

Here are some simple ideas to get started:

1. Create a Dedicated  Workout Space.

Designate a specific area in your home for exercise. Whether it’s a corner for stretching or a space for strength training,  having a dedicated area can significantly  help with focus and motivation.

Additionally,  it’s beneficial to set specific times in our calendars for workouts. By treating these sessions as appointments, we can stay more accountable and committed to our fitness goals.

2. Revamp the Pantry & Healthy Snacks To-Go

Consider incorporating simple, protein-packed  snacks that you can easily grab on the go. Pre-portioned nuts, Greek yogurt cups, or cut-up vegetables  paired with hummus make excellent grab-and-go  snack options. This way, you'll always have healthy snacks at your disposal to curb your hunger and keep your energy levels steady throughout  the day.

Additionally,  stocking your pantry with essential staples can be a game-changer. It's key to have foods that maintain freshness over time, whether stored in the pantry, fridge, or freezer. Plant-based proteins like beans and lentils are not only nutritious but also incredibly versatile. Don't forget about nuts and seeds for their health benefits and longer shelf-life.

Also, keeping some longer-lasting produce on hand, such as onions, potatoes, and carrots, can be fantastic for meal planning.

These pantry staples offer a wonderful variety of options, allowing you to create healthy meals consistently while incorporating  important  components into your diet, including  protein,  healthy fats, and fiber-rich carbs. You can easily add fresh produce or animal-based  proteins as needed  to create satisfying and nourishing  dishes.

3. Fill your space with Inspiration and Positivity

Surrounding yourself with elements that uplift your spirits and drive you to reach your goals can be highly beneficial. Consider displaying  motivational  quotes that resonate with you, showcasing photos that highlight  your progress, or even creating a vision board filled with your aspirations  and dreams.

These visual cues serve as daily reminders of what you are striving for and can inspire you significantly,  particularly on those tougher days when you might need an extra push to stay on track. Having them in sight, where you can easily see them, can work wonders for your mindset and focus.

A happy, healthy home environment is so much more than just a physical space; it offers safety, comfort, and a sense of mindfulness. In our busy lives, it can be easy to let outside stresses infiltrate our living spaces, but by making intentional adjustments, we can create an environment that truly supports our well-being.

I encourage you to consider how you can transform your home into a sanctuary that promotes peace and rejuvenation.

All the best,

Angela

Take 100% Responsibility

If you want to be successful in any area of life, you must take full responsibility for all of your experiences. This includes results, failures, relationships, health, income and more. It's easy to look outside ourselves, but blaming external factors and complaining about it won't lead to lasting change.⁣

⁣I used to procrastinate and make excuses for not taking action, but a shift occurred when I started embracing responsibility. I've learned that while some things are out of our control, we can choose how we respond and cope with it. ⁣

⁣In 2011, I faced a challenge when diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, losing my full-time job at the YMCA due to budget cuts in 2019, and most recently, learning to navigate a new normal after some life changing news that impacted my immediate family. With these circumstances, I made a conscious effort to take responsibility for how they impacted my life.⁣

⁣After my diagnosis, I focused on enjoying life's simple pleasures and pursuing my dreams. We are here to serve a calling, a purpose and something I am intentional about fulfilling. Following the job loss, I secured a new job and dedicated myself to growing my business. With the changes and challenges within my family, I made sure to offer my support and prioritize self-care. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝟷𝟶𝟶% 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺.⁣

⁣To truly transform your life, give up excuses, victim mentality, and playing the blame game. Acknowledge that you have the power to make a difference and achieve your desired results.

You’ve got this

Break the Rules and Never Settle

We are all born with free will, yet society and our environment often conditions us to conform to its norms and expectations. However, taking the unconventional path in life leads to personal growth and fulfilling experiences.

I have always embraced the road less traveled since I was a kid. Despite facing criticism and judgment along the way, the journey has presented its challenges and wins. It’s immensely rewarding as I've discovered my true self along the way.

As I navigated the pressures of societal expectations, I reached a turning point in my early 20's when diagnosed with a chronic medical condition. This wake-up call reminded me of how valuable life is and the importance of pursuing my dreams and fulfilling my calling without settling for less.

⁣⁣So as I quoted, “𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦”, that’s breaking the rules of society and being true to yourself, your dreams, core values, and to never settle for less than you are worthy and deserving of!

Embrace your unique qualities, talents, and skills without succumbing to external pressures. You are capable of achieving more than you imagine.

Keep shining brightly and never settle for less than you deserve!

𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐈’𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐈’𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬!

As a fitness and wellness pro, I often encounter the misconception that I eat super healthy all the time. While I do prioritize nutritionally dense foods, let me be honest: I'm a woman with an appetite! I love food! It's cultural, a great conversation starter, and one of the many simple pleasures of life that brings joy.

I always encourage my clients—and anyone who will listen—to indulge in the foods they love without the constant stress surrounding health and weight management goals. So often, I’ve faced well-meaning comments suggesting that my views are easy to express because of my physical appearance or youth.

But it’s not easy. I manage an autoimmune disease alongside another medical condition that impacts my metabolism. The way I cope with these challenges is through mindful eating choices, staying hydrated, daily movement and adhering to a guiding principle that I truly believe in: "moderation not deprivation" when it comes to food and activity. It’s vital for me to find this balance, so I can enjoy life fully while taking care of my health.

I’ve also been critiqued for promoting a healthy lifestyle while encouraging indulgence in favorite treats. What I don't get is how many people associate healthy living with deprivation—let’s be clear: deprivation does not lead to good health!

When we restrict our favorite foods, cravings can intensify, often resulting in overindulgence followed by feelings of sluggishness and guilt. The concept of "cheat" meals or "cheat" days perpetuates this negative mindset—as if we've cheated on a test or even in a relationship. This is simply not how we should approach our relationship with food.

There’s absolutely no need to feel guilty or give up your beloved foods while pursuing your healthy lifestyle goals! Instead, focus on shifting your mindset towards balance, enjoyment…and the extra fries

Do you struggle with enjoying your favorite foods in moderation? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Enjoy the simple pleasures life has to offer!

In the hustle of our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up and overlook the little joys that surround us. I want to encourage you to take a moment in your busy day to pause and cherish the simple pleasures that life has to offer—the things that bring you pure joy, no matter how ordinary they may seem.

Think about it: whether it’s the beauty of a long walk where you can soak in the sights and sounds of nature, enjoying delicious food, or sharing laughs with friends who uplift your spirit—these little moments are true treasures that enrich our day-to-day experiences.

What’s truly wonderful is that these simple pleasures are everywhere around us, often just waiting for us to notice and appreciate them. They serve as gentle reminders that happiness can be found in our everyday lives if we choose to look for it.

So, I encourage you to embrace these moments wholeheartedly! Take time to discover joy in the everyday; it can transform your perspective and enhance your well-being.

What simple pleasures bring you joy?

𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞⁣

Mastering a morning routine creates structure, discipline and is an essential component for lifelong success.

I start my day by sipping some fresh water, spend a good 10-15 minutes of stretching and enjoy a hot cup of coffee while reading, journaling, listening to a motivational podcast or just being in the moment.

⁣The secret to my morning routine is that it actually begins the night before. This is where I clear my mind through a brain dump of tasks and identify the top 5-6 things to do in the day that align with reaching closer to my goals. ⁣

⁣This programs into my mind prior to bed and when I wake up, I'm motivated to accomplish those tasks. There's satisfaction in checking off the to-do list, bringing pride and confidence!⁣

⁣Life is unpredictable; adapt and find solutions. Take moments each morning to ground yourself and visualize your goals. Avoid emails or social media first thing to reduce stress. Instead, create a structured routine that encourages self-discipline and daily victories!⁣

⁣Do you have a morning routine that sets you up for success? ⁣