Hi friends!! Happy Sunday, it is time for April’s Q&A —

On the Menu:

• Dealing with anxiety related to big life changes

• Skincare routine

• What foods to make at home vs store-buy

• Off days & flare ups after dealing with SIBO

• Takeaways from losing my period/getting it back

• Flare up & naturopath recs

• How to balance health&wellness while trusting your body

Let’s get intooooo it……

Q: How do you deal with anxiety related to big life changes?

Oof this is a great question — and something I struggle with! It is so easy to get caught up in the “what-ifs” of it all. The unknown is scary because it is unknown!

There are a few things I remind myself of + practices I do when it comes to anxiety related to big life changes:

1. Focus on what is in my control. Worrying about things that are completely outside of our control is a waste of time and energy — but naturally it's what our brains love to do when we're anxious. When I notice myself spiraling, I try to zoom in on what I can actually influence. For example — if I'm moving to a new city and stressing about whether I’ll make friends, I focus on what steps I can take: signing up for classes, going to community events, or even just reaching out to people online. Taking action in the areas I can control. We don’t have to fix everything at once (that is unrealistic), but we can take intentional small baby steps in meaningful ways!

2. Change and growth do not come from being comfortable. Discomfort isn’t a sign that something’s wrong — it’s often a sign that something new is happening. I try to reframe my anxiety into excitement vs danger. Instead of, “I’m scared of what can go wrong,” — “I’m excited for all of the potential new opportunities to come that I wouldn’t have otherwise,” Growth rarely comes when we’re cozy and settled — it comes when we’re challenged. When I remember that big life changes often bring the biggest opportunities for personal evolution, I can feel a little less afraid and a little more curious.

3. Asking myself, “What is the worst that can happen?” This is one of my favorite anxiety interrupters. When my brain is catastrophizing, I try to take a step back and walk it all the way through. Let’s say I’m starting a new job and I’m terrified of failing. I’ll ask, “Okay, what’s the worst case?” Maybe I don’t perform perfectly. Maybe I get some tough feedback. Even in the worst scenario — let’s say the job doesn’t work out — I’ll still learn from the experience, and I’ll find another opportunity. When I realize that even the “worst” isn’t the end of the world, the fear loses a little of its power.

Q: Hi Ella! What is your current skincare routine? Or any products on your wishlist to try?