It’s that time again! You know, the time where we all make some sort of promise to ourselves in efforts to change our future. What’s it called again? Oh yes, New Year’s Resolutions. To be frank, I hate NYR’s. Let’s be honest, it feels good to sit and ponder about ways to improve our lives, and practically lie to ourselves about how we are going to turn over some new leaf we have never turned over before. But sadly, after a few weeks—months if you’re lucky…we all slowly begin to resort back to our old ways. We slither through the next few months being the same person we said we were going to change, and then blink and it’s the end of the year. What’s crazy is that we then do it again! Make yet another resolution to ourselves that probably won’t stick. It’s exhausting if you even just think about it.

Well, I am no different. Although this year, I am taking the easy way out and going to encourage myself to resort back to some healthy lifestyle habits. No, I’m not signing up for a gym membership or starting some crazy diet—I’m simply going to make a few adjustments to live a more energetic, healthy lifestyle.

I grew up in a household where this very thing was taught to my sister and I at a very young age. Eat well and exercise often. My sister took it a bit more seriously than I did—health and fitness is literally her career and she is recognized all over the world for it. Yay her! Seriously, she’s amazing. I on the other hand, not so much. Especially, after getting pregnant. It was so much fun eating every craving I had and doing next to nothing about it, fitness wise. Then after my daughter was born, breastfeeding sure did burn a ton of calories and I was back in my old clothes in no time at all. Once that phase came to an end, I noticed, well…it’s probably time I change a few things because the poor food choices, glasses of wine, and no exercise is sneaking up on me. I’m not talking about weight gain, that is to be expected. I’m really talking about low energy levels, pure laziness, joint and muscle pains etc. I need to tweak a few things about my lifestyle because I want to feel better.

So I am starting with a detox bath to catapult me into 2018. Detox baths are beneficial not only for adults but the kiddos too. Once I begin to eat healthier, the detox bath ingredients will help absorb the nutrients I am fueling my body with. They will also help reduce anxiety/stress (as if I have any of that), promote a (much needed and well deserved) good night sleep, boost the immune system (perfect because cold season is around the corner), and all of this will help to boost energy levels. But check this out, the BEST part about this plan of mine, is that it is all done behind a closed door for approximately 20 minutes, relaxing in a warm bath! Que the soft music and candles. I’m brilliant. To a mommy, this sounds like absolute bliss. And more importantly, sounds like a resolution I can stick to, finally. Bring it on 2018. I’m ready to soak you up.

Everyday Detox  (do not use any soaps for this bath)

• ¼ cup baking soda or 1 teaspoon vitamin C powder
• ½ cup Epsom salt or magnesium flakes
• 1 tbsp coconut or olive oil
• 2 drops lavender essential oil (relieves anxiety, stress)
• Soak 20 minutes
• Drink lots of water after

Immune Boosting Detox (do not use soaps for this bath)

• ¼ cup baking soda or 1 teaspoon vitamin C powder
• ¾ cup Epsom salt or magnesium flakes
• 2 tbsp bentonite clay
• 1 tbsp coconut or olive oil
• 2 drops wild orange essential oil
• Soak 20 minutes
• Drink lots of water after