The Hidden Key to True Wellness

Lately, I’ve been been thinking a lot about my pursuit of wellness, a journey that’s taken on many layers and layers over the years. Each morning, I faithfully stick to a morning routine, winding down with a nighttime ritual that helps me decompress and prepare for the next day. I’m serious about my exercise schedule and what I put into my body, cherishing the benefits they bring to my physical and mental health. But there's another aspect of wellness that I feel doesn’t get enough spotlight: volunteering and giving back.

Like many, I’ve cultivated habits that support my physical and emotional well-being. I make time for daily walks to soak in fresh air and sunlight, ensuring I get enough Vitamin D to boost my energy and mood. I stay hydrated throughout the day with water and LMNT electrolytes, which help me feel revitalized, especially during busier days. My meals are rich in fruits and vegetables, providing essential nutrients to fuel my body, complemented by Vital Proteins for joint health and skin elasticity.

In the mornings, I begin my day with a cup coffee, jotting down thoughts in my gratitude journal, a practice that has profoundly shifted my mindset toward positivity. Dental health is part of my self-care too—starting and ending the day with Cocofloss. Evenings are a time for reflection and winding down, supported by tools like the Calm app, reading a good book, and embracing my skincare nighttime routine to prepare for restful sleep.

These routines are essential for keeping my body and mind in balance. But as much as I love these practices, I’ve come to realize they’re not the ultimate key to wellness. The true secret lies in looking beyond ourselves, focusing outward to touch the lives of others.

Kindness Brings Greater Happiness Than Things

Research continues to prove that acts of kindness and generosity lead to deeper, longer-lasting happiness than material possessions ever could. Psychologist Thomas Gilovich found that while material goods provide fleeting joy, it’s the experiences and meaningful interactions that create enduring fulfillment. Giving back offers just that: experiences that resonate deeply, create connections, and foster a sense of purpose.

A study shared by the Greater Good Science Center revealed that individuals who engaged in daily acts of kindness over a 10-day period reported a significant boost in happiness. This isn’t surprising—performing kind acts releases endorphins and oxytocin, the same "feel-good" hormones triggered by physical exercise or meditation. Researchers call this phenomenon the “helper’s high.”

It’s not just about happiness. Giving back can also reduce stress levels by lowering cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, creating a calmer and more balanced state of mind. Think of it as emotional detox: a way to shed negativity and replace it with joy and fulfillment.

Physical Benefits of Giving Back

Beyond emotional health, volunteering has profound physical benefits. Studies show that regular volunteers tend to have lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. They also experience a reduced risk of mortality, attributed to the combined effects of emotional fulfillment, social connection, and physical activity.

Perhaps most remarkable is the impact on cognitive health. Certain volunteer tasks require problem-solving, planning, or learning new skills, all of which can enhance brain function and help protect against dementia. In this sense, giving back isn’t just about helping others; it’s also an investment in our own long-term health and vitality.

Shaping Future Generations

Watching my children grow up in an environment where giving back is the norm has been incredibly rewarding. It’s shaped them into empathetic individuals who, most of the time, consider the needs and feelings of others. TED speaker and researcher Shawn Achor emphasizes the ripple effect of kindness: one small act can inspire others to do the same, creating a positive feedback loop. By nurturing this mindset in our children, we’re equipping them with tools for lifelong happiness and resilience.

Integrating Service into Wellness

So, why isn’t service more integrated into our discussions about wellness? We talk endlessly about exercise, diets, and mindfulness practices but rarely do we include giving back as part of the equation. Studies, like those from Harvard, reinforce that giving to others creates a greater sense of well-being than spending on ourselves.

Imagine the impact if we all committed a small portion of our week to contributing to our communities. The collective wellness gained could redefine societal health, creating waves of positivity and mutual support. This isn’t just about helping others—it’s about creating a life of fulfillment, connection, and holistic living.

Let’s broaden our wellness horizons. Let’s talk about and engage in volunteering not just as an occasional act of charity, but as a critical component of our daily wellness routine. After all, in giving we receive, and in helping others, we find profound healing and joy. This isn't just wellness; it’s living at its fullest.

Holistic Living: The Complete Picture

While morning routines, gratitude journaling, nutritious eating, and restful nights ground us in personal wellness, giving back elevates us to a higher purpose. It’s not an “add-on” to a wellness journey; it’s the bridge between self-care and world care. This is a way to create a life filled with joy, connection, and meaning.

Wellness is most impactful when it balances the needs of our bodies, minds, and hearts. And there’s no better way to nurture your heart than by touching the lives of others.

Listen to the Savvy Giving Gal Podcast to hear inspiring conversations with community changemakers including entrepreneurs, philanthropists, creators, and experts, whose careers or passion projects have made a significant impact on their communities. You'll hear stories, practical advice, and tips you won't find anywhere else.

Get ready to laugh, cry, find true meaning, be shocked at times, and come away feeling energized with the notion that you, too, can make a difference in the world around you.

My Morning Routine

In the early morning hours, before the hustle of my day begins, there's a sacred time that belongs to me alone. It's my morning sanctuary, a time of peace and reflection. Among the various self-care practices I embrace such as a gratitude practice, healthy breakfast and morning walk, there's one that stands out as both a passion and a priority: my morning skincare routine. As someone with aging, acne-prone skin, taking those 15 minutes to care for my skin isn't just about maintaining youthful skin, it’s about reflecting on the day ahead and setting positive intentions. 

It is also a time while my children still are asleep and the house is quiet to listen to a podcast or audio book. Habit stacking all of these activities makes me feel like I have started the day off on the right foot.

I have some absolute skincare product favorites! I start by washing my face with Prequel Face Wash. Dr. Ellis just happens to be my dermatologist but she also creates amazing products.

One of my nonnegotiables with a hefty price tag is  Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Vitamin C Serum. This little bottle holds the secret to that morning glow. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that not only helps reduce the signs of aging but also brightens my complexion. I apply a few drops and let them absorb before moving on to the next step. 

The next product I have been loving so much and discovered after watching Arielle Lorre Podcast and watching her Instagram video on how she is getting glowing skin, I started using Clarins Double Serum Anti-Aging + Anti-Wrinkle Serum. She is much younger than me but I will say this product is worth every penny. I also love Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops. These dew drops give an amazing glow and slight plump to the face. They are perfect if you are planning on going makeup free. 

Lastly, I have been using this for YEARS. It is the only morning sunscreen I will use before I put on my makeup. It doesn't break me out or leave a white cast on my face. If I want a little coverage- I am not a fan of foundation- the tinted sunscreen also works so well. It is EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen. I use Elta sunscreen religiously, and it's non-negotiable. I am outside walking everyday, playing tennis and pickle ball, so sunscreen is imperative not only because I do not want to get skin cancer but I also would love to try to slow down aging at least a little bit or a lot if possible. 

I can’t stress enough how this quiet reflection time sets the tone for the day ahead. It's a ritual that reminds me of the importance of self-love and the value of taking care of oneself. It's about feeling comfortable in your own skin and embracing the beauty of every age- or at least trying to. 

Listen to the latest episode of the Savvy Giving Gal Podcast and you can get a code for 25% off all of these products at eCosmetics!

Do you have any morning rituals or favorite skincare products? Share them with me; I’d love to hear about what makes your mornings special!