Two New Wellness Habits
So far in 2023, I have added two new, daily habits to my repertoire. Before you roll your eyes and think there is no way I can add more habits to my “to-do” list, let me just say the first one has replaced a previous habit, and the second takes less than a minute first thing in the morning. Plus, I’ve used some habit stacking to really cement them into my routine.
The first, which many of you have seen on social media, is a daily cup of bone broth each morning. And the second is tongue scraping which sounds gross, I know, and I feel like my mouth is cleaner each morning.
Let’s get into the benefits of each habit, where/how I added it into my routine, and my overall thoughts.
Bone Broth
Benefits
Bone broth is a great source of protein, so this is a great addition to my morning to ensure I start the day with quality protein. Plus, this helps kick-start my appetite for the day, and I pick up on hunger cues more easily if I get a solid breakfast (bone broth + something else).
Additionally, it contains collagen, and for reasons I cannot pinpoint, I’m better at drinking bone broth than I am at adding collagen to my daily coffee. So bone broth it is. Collagen is great for your hair, skin, nails, bones, and joints.
It is a great source of glutamine, an amino acid that improves digestion and gut health. I can have a sensitive tummy sometimes, so this has helped keep everything running smoothly.
Bone broth is rich in electrolytes which help regulate and control the balance of fluids in the body. Electrolytes regulate blood pressure and muscle contraction, and they keep your system functioning properly.
My Routine
I’ve replaced my morning cup (read cups) of coffee with a cup of bone broth. I initially limited coffee to just the weekends in hopes of easing my anxiety, and I found I was missing a cup of something warm in the morning before work. Tea wasn’t cutting it for me as it wasn’t hearty enough. Bone broth really hit the spot of being warm, hearty, and not anxiety-inducing.
I will say this can be a pricier habit, so I do measure out one cup each morning to make it last the max amount of time. This is not an eyeball thing for me. I prefer Kettle & Fire bone broth, and I add salt, pepper, turmeric, ginger, and cayenne pepper to a mug while I heat the cup of bone broth in the microwave. Then I use my frother to mix it all up.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this habit is here to stay. Do I think it is a miracle worker? No. However, I do feel like adding this to the other positive habits I’ve established is only beneficial. Plus, it’s a very yummy way to start the day.
Tongue Scraping
Benefits
Tongue scraping can lead to fresher breath. Odor-causing bacteria live on your tongue and scraping your tongue can help remove it.
It also can help improve your taste. Scraping the surface of your tongue is as if you’re starting with an entirely fresh palette.
Scraping your tongue can lead to improved overall health. Good oral hygiene is essential to your overall well-being. Scraping your tongue can remove harmful bacteria that inflame your gums as well as prevent cavities.
My Routine
I added this first thing in the morning. When I wake up, I scrape my tongue before I brush my teeth. It takes less than one minute to complete, so it really doesn’t feel like it’s difficult to add to my routine. Right after I finish, I brush my teeth and start my day with great oral health.
I ordered this set of two tongue scrapers, so Brian and I could both add this habit.
Final Thoughts
This took habit took some getting used to because it made me gag. Over time, I’ve gotten used to it, so that has gone away. I really enjoy how much cleaner my mouth feels each morning when I scrape my tongue. On the days I've forgotten to scrape my tongue I can really tell a difference. This habit was an easy addition to my morning routine.
xx,
Linds
