It’s pretty fair to say the life of Jess Quinn has been CRAZY busy as of late, hence the lack of blog updates. I’m someone who LOVES being busy, but over the past 3 months being on Dancing with the Stars I have learnt a whole new definition of the word busy and it’s during times like these that it is the most important to look after ourselves physically, mentally and emotionally because these are the times when our body needs it the most.
It’s easy for everything we know to go out the door, we grab food on the go, our exercise routine vanishes, and we forget to support our body in the way it needs.
Over the past three months I’ve been training 6-12 hours a day without even a weekend day off, it’s been beyond crazy, but I tell ya, it’s been the most amazing experience of my life.
I figured it’s winter, everyone seems pretty busy and I’ve learnt a thing or two recently about feeling and supporting my body, so I figured it was time to remember my blog login and share with you how I have kept my body feeling it’s best during such a manic time.
NUTRITION, SUPPLEMENTS & ME TIME
These are my 3 secrets to looking after myself.
Nutrition is something I’ve always been passionate about and something that I never let slide (although there have been multiple blocks of chocolate consumed on the show, but balance is key). No matter what is going on in my life, I make sure I fuel my body with the nutrients I know it needs and ones that I know it responds well to. This is also a double bonus for me because cooking is a way I like to wind down, it’s my relaxing time, my ME TIME where I can shut out the day and just cook. I find this crucial in recharging for the next day ahead, you have to give yourself the time to do the things you love and the things that help you to switch off (especially when there are 100 dance steps running through your mind). It’s really important to find what works not only for your body but also for your mind because they both go hand in hand when it comes to our wellbeing.
Supplements are another way I’ve always supported my body. I try get everything I need out of the food I eat, but that’s not always possible. Our bodies need extra support especially when it’s running at an all-time high. Staples for me are Magnesium which helps support muscle tightness and sound sleep, and a daily Probiotic and a gut support supplement to support my sensitive stomach.
I’m going to admit though, when life gets busy, the first thing that goes out the door is my supplement routine. It’s not until I’m halfway to where I’m supposed to be in the morning that I realise I haven’t taken my supplements. I used to try pre-package them before I went to bed each night and leave them by my keys but unfortunately this didn’t last long enough to form a habit.
This is when Wondermins (no coincidence that the name sounds like that of a superhero) came into my life. It was one of those things you come across and you wonder how you got through life without it.
If you haven’t heard of Wondermins it’s a website where you take a survey, so it understands what your lifestyle is and what your needs are, then it puts together a recommendation of supplements and adaptogens your body could be supported with. You can then add on other things you may think you need (CAUTION: this is very easy to get overly excited about) and then it sends you out a personalised box that has a month’s worth of your required daily vitamins each individually packaged.
I was so excited when I saw what Wondermins was all about, but my excitement reached a whole other level when I saw the products they offered. It’s not just your standard supplements but also adaptogens like Ashwagandha and a new one I’m trying called Rhodiola that can be included in your pack.
This has made my life SO much easier since the show started. Each morning I rip off a new packet of supplements, throw it in my training bag and take them at practice once I’ve had my breakfast.
There’s no one size fits all when it comes to looking after our bodies but one thing I know is that they need to be fuelled in the best way to make sure we can make the most out of life. You’ve got to find what works for you and adapt it to suit your lifestyle. These are just a few things that I’ve found really work for me.
If anyone is wanting to give Wondermins a go (which I HIGHLY recommend you do), I have a discount code for you. Simply enter JESS30 at the checkout to receive a discount on your first order. Make sure you let me know how you found it, I can guarantee it’ll make your daily routine that much easier.
Always read the label and use as directed. Vitamins and minerals are supplementary to and not a replacement for a balanced diet. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. Wondermins, Auckland.