I think, “Wow, did you really {fill in the blank}? You’re the worst mom ever,” and immediately, consciously or unconsciously, I’m sent into a downward spiral.

Maybe the Sunday Scaries set in and your home office makes you cringe.

You’re drinking soda every afternoon, not realizing that it might be the reason your GI issues just won’t go away.

Whose responsibility is it when these things happen?

It’s time to safeguard your home, your thoughts, and your actions.

The good news is: you’re the gatekeeper! You get to decide if you want those toxic thoughts in your head. You get to decide if you want to bring work home. You get to make choices about the items in your pantry.

By no means am I perfect. I’m learning right alongside you, making mistakes daily. However, I want to share the little things I’ve learned!

Here are my favorite ways to be intentional as I turn my home into my very own sanctuary: a place where I can feel safe to relax and let down my guard.

• How can I protect my thoughts when I am at home?

  • Begin a gratitude journaling practice. This is a great activity to kickstart your morning or evening routine. Have a dedicated journal and a consistent time.

  • Pray and/or meditate to bring calm to your mind & body.

  • Talk to yourself like you would talk to your daughter or your best friend. We speak so poorly of ourselves. We would have absolutely no friends left if we were to say the same things out loud to others. Be gentle.

  • Find a great counselor (check out my Resources page).

• How can I reduce physical trauma on my body in my home?

  • Purchase an adjustable (sit-to-stand) desk.

  • Set a timer for breaks when working to get up and walk around (I love Pomodoro timer apps for this). In general, 25 minutes of work followed by 5 minutes of movement (a brain break) is a sustainable way to work for longer periods of time.

  • After jumping on the trampoline, sledding, shoveling snow, tumbles and head bumps, get adjusted!

  • Stretch or do yoga after work to release the physical & emotional stress of the day.

  • Exercise (or just move your body) on a regular basis rather than being a weekend warrior.

• How can I reduce toxins in my home?

  • Replace your household cleaners with natural options. I love Norwex, Simply Earth essential oils, vinegar, and baking soda.

  • Replace your personal care products. Start with one at a time as they run out.  Here are some brands I love and trust: Mother Loving Potions, Earth Mama, Shea Moisture, Acure, Primally Pure, and Nourish.

  • Go organic as much as possible. Looking to prioritize? Check out the Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen lists each year. These are lists of produce that are most AND least likely to be contaminated. Aim to buy the organic version of anything high on the Dirty Dozen list.

  • Check your supplements. What if the pills that are meant to make you healthy are actually made with filler ingredients that are toxic to your body? Not sure what to replace them with? Check out products I trust here. If you’re a current patient and you don’t have a Fullscript recommendation from me, be sure to request it next time you’re in!

What do you do to create feelings of safety and peace at home? Let me know on Instagram @ebeginningschiro.

If you’re not part of our patient-exclusive Facebook group, you should be! I go live in there every week to give more insight on the blog, answer questions, draw giveaway winners, and provide education on all things holistic living.