I had a really nice holiday break. I ate too much, slept too late … and couldn’t have asked for more (or less) to do. Indeed, now, being back at Cornell, I am so happy to see friends and familiar faces, but I already feel a little overwhelmed. I became such a sloth over break, which confused my body at first, and now I’m trying to force it up the slope, into classrooms and in weather that legitimately rivals that of the North Pole! No wonder I find myself feeling a little less than stellar (as do 99% of Cornellians). But hey, at least Gannett is getting great business. I am vowing here and now to take the time to treat my body right, and I hope that you will too. My sleeping pattern is getting back on track, as is my eating schedule. I can’t pretend that I don’t miss the 1:00 p.m. wake-ups and holiday cookies, but it does feel good to rise with the sun and to eat healthy, balanced meals. I’m working on incorporating yoga into my routine every single day, and — gasp — maybe even entering the strange, foreign void that is Noyes ( … we’ll see).
Mostly, though, I need to work on hydrating myself. I try to sip water, but I know my efforts are negated by my startling black coffee addiction. However, I am going to do my best to sip this New Year Commencement Cleanse Tea every morning; that way, I will start each day off right, hydrated and purified, before I get too busy. With this tea, and my few, easy tips for healthy living right now, we can get healthy again together! (I extend my apologies to Gannett now.)
Ingredients:
2 tbsp. fresh ginger (grated and peeled)1 cup nearly-boiling water1 cup room temperature waterAlmond milk and stevia or splenda (optional, but definitely makes it tastier)
Instructions:
1. Pour the hot water over the fresh ginger and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. The longer it sits, the stronger the taste will be, so letting it steep overnight is a good idea.2. Strain the ginger. Add the second cup of water, along with the almond milk and stevia/splenda.This tea is genuinely amazing. You can really feel your body cleansing and calming with every sip. It’s too easy and beneficial not to at least give it a try, as are these simple steps to better health, every day:1. Start the morning off with some yoga stretches. These poses are easy, and gently wake your body so you’re ready to face the slope, Orgo and maybe even the brutal cold (maybe).2. Keep your bed a place for only sleeping. It’s too easy to go on the computer, read and study in bed, but by making it a place where only sleep occurs, you will be able to drift off much faster, and will not mix or confuse sleepiness and stress. More sleep = a healthier, slimmer, more energetic and happier you.3. Make a check-list every day, and check off tasks you accomplish. This may seem dumb or trivial, but you’ll feel good knowing you got done what you had to, and the act of physically checking things off enforces that positivity in your body.
With this tea and these tips, I really hope you all get your health back on track. Cornell is hard enough without being sick, so take the time to take care of YOU. Cheers! (Sip).
Original Author: Meghan Flynn