Okay, okay, we know there is a lot of “Do this in the New Year!” info coming at you… but we have three easy changes that we think will have BIG IMPACT! Check them out-

1. Feed Your Brain:
This one starts off easy – STOP MINDLESSLY SCROLLING. Going back to the Covid lockdown, we all started some lousy scrolling habits, and it’s become an accepted part of society now. Grandparents to kids, everybody is doing it. Remember when it was rude to look at your phone while at a restaurant? Now all the rules are out the window. And worse, we all think we are filling our minds with the good stuff – maybe you pick up a new recipe here or there or an inspirational quote, but let’s face it, we are looking through a lot of junk most of the time.

This will sound harsh, but scrolling makes us lazy, unproductive, anxious, depressed, and has collectively changed our attention spans. We’ve trained our minds to read in quick bites, and we are bored of a topic before we’ve even finished reading about it.

But, hey – it’s okay to do it sometimes, not just hours a week!

So try this:
Put a book on your phone: Fill your head with new knowledge or even fantasy. Heck, read just about anything. According to Healthline, “Reading improves brain connectivity, increases your vocabulary and comprehension, and empowers you to empathize with other people.” It’s also the best form of escapism, which lowers stress levels and so much more. So check in with a book instead of your social media. An excellent place to start? Check out goodreads.com to find your next good book.

2. Take Care of your Gut:
Have you heard the buzz about the microbiome? The microbiome is another word for the trillions of microscopic organisms that we all have in our bodies. This bacteria is a combination of good and bad and has a huge impact on our physical health and mental well-being. GUT HEALTH = OVERALL HEALTH.

Why? Good bacteria are not only helping with digestion, but they keep the harmful bacteria in check. Good bacteria will even multiply if needed. When you have a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut, it’s called equilibrium.

Why is equilibrium necessary?
New studies show that the gut microbiome is central to all body operations.
Not only does it impact the digestive system – but it can potentially have a role in many health problems like Type 2 diabetes, cognitive function, and cardiovascular disease, and can lead to high blood sugar, high cholesterol, weight gain, and many other issues – including how we age!

So this year, take on your gut health, don’t worry, it’s easy:
Eat probiotic-rich foods: Add more bananas, garlic, onions, leafy greens, yogurt, and fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha. Probiotic dietary supplements work too!

Avoid taking unnecessary meds: Did you know that the gut can still be short on good bacteria for up to 6 months after taking antibiotics? Other things that can adversely affect good bacteria: antacids, birth control, steroids, and hormone replacers.
Reduce stress and get more sleep: It’s crazy how much psychological stressors can disrupt the microorganisms in the intestines. Same with sleep. Feeling incredibly stressed or sleep-deprived and have a nagging stomach ache? We’ve all been there. Turn to things like meditation, yoga, and exercise to help manage your body’s reaction to stress.

3. Feed your Skin, Naturally with CBD:
The power of plants as an incredible resource of vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients and can truly treat and heal the skin. Today, so many beauty products are full of unpronounceable chemicals, and consumers don’t always know if their skincare is toxic. There are so many options now to use daily skincare that is safe, organic, and effective.

Mantra Mask sheet masks are a great place to start! Our masks are all-natural, organic, paraben-free, and phthalate-free, using only powerful nutrients from nature.
The star of the show? CBD, of course!

We love CBD because:
CBD applied topically reduces redness and inflammation and can help with skin conditions such as rosacea, rashes, irritation, and acne.
CBD can also reduce oil production to balance the skin’s condition and provide a mattifying effect. These qualities make it excellent for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.
The anti-oxidants in CBD are believed to prevent oxidative damage to the skin caused by sun exposure and air pollutants and help retard the aging process by preventing wrinkles, and fine lines from forming and hyper-pigmentation from occurring with absolutely no side effects reported.
The anti-oxidants in CBD are more potent than vitamins E and C and can repair and speed the healing of damaged skin.

Bottom line, don’t get overwhelmed by making sweeping changes this New Year! Just take it one step and a time – or maybe just these three small steps. Your brain, your microbiome, and your skin will thank you!

XO,
Mantra Mask