How to Restore, Revive and Thrive in 2021

Restore, revive, thrive

The New Year is a time most people associate with reflection, reinvention and, most importantly, resolutions. Each year, there is one resolution that tops most people’s lists — “Be my best self,” whether that entails getting organized, reading more or making healthier choices. Below, find our comprehensive guide to all things health and wellness to get you started on the new year.

Disrupting Our Reliance on Stimulants and Sedatives—Naturally

Disrupting Our Reliance on Stimulants and Sedatives
Photo courtesy of Danielle Macinnes, Unsplash.

Many Americans need a little help with transitions: a cup of coffee to wake up, a glass of wine to get social, some cannabis to wind down before sleeping. Often, it’s something a bit stronger: 16 million Americans rely on prescription stimulants to get productive in the morning, and 9 million turn to Ambien or other sleep aids to fall asleep. When it comes to meeting and recovering from a day’s whiplash-inducing demands on our energy, few of us do it without the help of some sort of substance. Most are harmless in moderation. However, some scientists warn that over time, this habit leaves its mark.

Dr. Marisha Chilcott of Morpheus Medical Aesthetics on How to Thrive in 2021

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What got you into the area of wellness?

I had an epiphany on an airplane that I needed to become a physician. This meant going back to college and taking chemistry — Yikes! People would say, “Wait, you realize that you are going to be FORTY by the time that you finish med school?” And my response was that I would be 40, one way or another, so I might as well be forty and be a doctor…

Do you have any wellness heroes? If so, who?

Gabrielle Reece (married to Laird Hamilton), retired professional volleyball player and mother of three, is brilliant and beautiful inside and out. Every woman who gets “out there” and just does IT, whatever “it” may be, even when the weather sucks. My mom, who keeps doing the best she can in terms of nutrition and exercise even though she is being slowly crippled by Parkinson’s Disease.

Marishas Top Tips for How to Be the Best Version of Yourself:

1.  Simply decide. To decide means to cut off other choices. Then all other decisions must be measured against the question, “Does this next action fit with my decision about who I want to be?” For example, if the best version of myself includes feeling great in your body, then each meal choice must meet the requirement that you are sure you are going to feel great after you finish eating it.

2.  When we slip up and do something inconsistent with our vision of our best self, pause, talk to ourselves as we would a dear friend — be kind, forgiving and encouraging. Remember that being our “best selves” is a practice, not an achievement.

3.  Understand that our ideas about “best self” will evolve with time. Who we thought we wanted to be five years ago, may not be the same person as we want to be now.

Be Kind to Your Mind: 10 Groups and Individuals Tear Down Mental Health Stigmas

Mental Health
Photo by Anthony Tran, Unsplash.

Covid-19 is taking a toll. Across the country, the strain of almost a year in a pandemic has manifested financially, physically and, for so many, psychologically. There was a time, not long ago, when it was taboo to bring up mental health struggles. Individuals and families concealed their confusion, loneliness and terror in the face of debilitating and life-threatening mental illnesses. Over the past decade, thanks to prominent and impactful leaders who have stepped forward to openly share their personal stories and to dedicated professionals who bring awareness and treat those with mental differences, the stigma surrounding mental illness here in the United States has diminished and help is more widely available. Below we pay tribute to the courageous leaders and effective institutions who are breaking new ground in the conversation about and treatment of mental health issues.

Dr. Chris Bacchi of Marin Medical Aesthetics on How to Thrive in 2021

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What got you into the area of wellness?

As a physician, I am ever aware of our mortality.  I highly value maximizing quality of life — living to our highest potential.

Do you have any wellness heroes? If so, who?

I have a little-known physician hero. It’s safe to say we all know the value of handwashing, but I had to look up the person who made this major contribution. It was first given value in the 1800s when it came to saving the lives of women giving birth. Dr. Semmelweis of Hungary, unaware of microbes as we know them today, first recommended cleaning with chlorine. The real hero is the action — washing hands is so simple, but so powerful… especially in these times.

Chriss Top Tips for How to Be the Best Version of Yourself:

  1. Don’t smoke
  2. Keep a healthy weight
  3. Hydrate
  4. Get enough sleep
  5. Exercise
  6. Keep alcohol in moderation
  7. Keep a positive attitude
  8. Be kind
  9. Be proud
  10. Love yourself, then you can love others

For more tips from Dr. Bacchi, read her article about reclaiming your body and mind in the new year here.

Coach, Author and Advocate Barbara Waxman on Being Your Best Self in 2021

On January 30th, 2021, Barbara Waxman will be conducting a Covid-style TEDx talk at Jackson Theater at Sonoma Country Day School. In other words, no crowds, besides the camera crew, and the expected thousands of people at home. She will be debunking the myth of the midlife crisis. Much like the widely held belief, that MSG causes headaches and bloating, the concept of the midlife crisis, was invented by a white male psychoanalyst, who happened to hit a nerve at time when our culture was beginning to seriously idealize youth. Tune into her talk to learn more about why this idea flourished — and has been used as an excuse for many a Porsche purchase — or more importantly if you are feeling a bit of anxiety yourself around the question, “what now?”

Deanne C. Roy, RN, BSN of EnVie Skin and Body on How to Thrive in 2021

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What got you into the area of wellness?

While working as a newborn and pediatric intensive care nurse for many years, I unfortunately got injured on the job and was searching for another area of nursing that I could feel just as passionate about. Several friends in the medical community recommended aesthetic nursing and it had me intrigued. What I came to realize and love about this profession is that when people feel good about themselves and are happy about their outer appearance, they outwardly spread joy and love to others. It acts as a constant reminder how important it is to love ourselves and spread compassion to others.

Do you have any wellness heroes? If so, who?

There are several inspiring practitioners and pioneers in the industry that I follow, but above all, Deepak Chopra has been someone with whom is a true guiding light. His beliefs and focus on the essence of spirituality and the importance of loving one’s self and the beauty from within, is something we promote extensively at EnVie. We believe in the power of mind, body, and spirit, creating a deep connection between inner beauty and outer vitality.

Deanne’s Top Tips for How to Be the Best Version of Yourself:

  1. Always focus on how you can be of service to others — and lead with that. Not only does it feel gratifying to extend help to those in need, but it warms your heart and puts a smile on your face. And that’s the best thing you can ever wear.
  2. It may sound contrite, but you can never underestimate the power of a smile or a simple warm gesture or act of kindness to another person. I believe it’s our duty to spread joy, and do our own little part in making the world a happier place.
  3. Always wear sunscreen — no exceptions! 🙂

Tackle Home Organizing For Real This Year — 3 Bay Area Professional Organizers Share Their Best Tips

Shira Gill

Imagine this: everything in your home has a designated spot, your kids coloring books aren’t mixed in with your bills, your clothes aren’t crammed into your closet, there’s a zen corner for you to do yoga. You can think straight, take a deep breath.

As we leave 2020 in the dust, it’s time to make note of the things we want to change. The things we can control. One of these is, of course, our clutter. Wherever your home falls on the continuum — whether it feels like a total disaster all the time or it could just use some Covid-related maintenance — there are actionable steps that will help you cultivate a space that brings you peace, calm and joy.

Plastic Surgery Specialists: Expanding for the New Year

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Plastic Surgery Specialists

We all know 2020 has been a year like no other. Despite months of lockdown and the inconvenience of quarantine, PSS has continued to grow. We have our amazing patients and community to thank for this enduring success. Our practice is based on the fundamental principle that we deliver exceptional results and a concierge level service for every patient. As we look to 2021, PSS plans to expand our staff, facilities, and treatment offerings to serve you better. In addition to our robust surgical practice, our weight loss programs deliver predictably great results and the PSS Beauty Club provides affordable monthly payments for our most popular services including injectables and laser treatments. Spa PSS will be expanding in early 2021 to make keeping up with your beauty routine easier than ever. As always, safety is our top priority and we continuously update and evolve our practices to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. As we turn the corner into 2021, stay safe, healthy, and happily looking your best with your partners in beauty at PSS.

Local Spa Experts Share Their Home Spa Tips

spa Cavallo Point
Photo courtesy of Cavallo Point

Even though the county is on lockdown this month, it that doesn’t mean we can’t do some major self care until this forced homestay is lifted. We’ve gone to a few local spas to learn from their top people how to do some serious pandemic pampering.

How to Easily Build Plant-Based Eating into Your Life

MoAD SF

If 2021 is to be known for anything, could it be known as the year where plant-based eating becomes the “new normal?”

The turning of the calendar page to the new year brings with it the usual wish to change things — something! Anything! Just make it better! While we eagerly anticipate the vaccine(s) for Covid-19 and their ability to realign humanity with a safe existence, there are other, smaller actions you can take to make a difference for your community and the world. Have you thought about being vegan for a day? Oprah certainly has. While the queen of daytime TV is known for her numerous efforts at sane eating, she has aligned with Suzy Amis Cameron to invite people to eat vegan for one meal a day. “It’s graspable, doable,” Winfrey says in an interview with Cameron on her Super Soul Sunday program.


How to help:

Consider supporting one of these local nonprofits that urgently need support during the pandemic.


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