Trust Me, Try This

12 micro-hacks to improve your wellbeing

Julie Watson and Liz Doyle Harmer

Julie Watson and Liz Doyle Harmer opened the Afterglow Studio over three years ago. Today, it’s a thriving community hub. In growing their business, the one thing Watson and Doyle Harmer hadn’t planned on was a global pandemic. So they started the Afterglow podcast to take their community online and inspire others to embrace brave and courageous futures. We could think of no one better to recommend tips for recharging and resetting.

1. Write it Out

Studies show that journaling can help achieve clarity and calm by taking focus off the problems of the day and manifesting a new reality. Okay, maybe all your dreams won’t come true, but some just might! Find our favourite journals at Collected Joy. → Collected Joy, 1035 Kingston Rd. For journaling pros, try adding gratitude journaling to your practice. Writing what you’re thankful for has been proven to have social, psychological and physical benefits. Check out the Thanks Journal created by Beacher Sarah Laird, found in The Glow Shop. → The Glow Shop, 2034 Queen St. E

2. Nourish Your Body

You aren’t really what you eat, but you will definitely feel better when you nurture your body with delicious, healthy foods. Fueling your body doesn’t have to be time consuming . Our friend Jillian Mariani, a fellow Eastsider and owner of Niyama Yoga Wellness has created this easy-to-make smoothie to rehydrate and give your muscles a treat after a workout.

→ niyamayogawell.ca

INGREDIENTS: • 1 scoop Niyama Yoga Wellness

After Practice Replenish & Repair • 1 scoop Niyama Yoga Wellness Plant

Protein in Vanilla • 1.5 cups coconut milk • ½ cup pineapple or mango, chopped • Half a banana (frozen if you have!) • 1 Tbsp. flax seeds

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Blend together banana, pineapple (or mango) and coconut milk 2. Then add remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth 3. Add ice cubes if you’d like

3. Staycation in Style

Travel may be restricted, but a staycation complete with minibar, room service and fluffy robes, can still be a great way to recharge. Fortunately, one of Toronto’s top hotels is right here in the east end. The Broadview Hotel is a great escape from the every day with its stunning rooms and inspired cuisine. (The best news is that you can bring your pup!) → The Broadview Hotel, 106 Broadview Ave.

4. Find Your Inner Artist

Take a break from your usual routine and try out your skills in an art class. Indulging in some time for creativity can not only help with stress relief but can even improve your problem solving skills. You can pick up your own art supplies at one of our great art supply stores in the East end, or try out the amazing variety of classes offered at CREATE Art Studio.

→ CREATE Art Studio, 1801 Danforth Ave.

5. Dance it Off

With everyone cooped up at home, there’s no better time to dance like nobody’s watching. The Pink Studio has weekly live-stream classes that combine a great workout with amazing music. Our favourites are Carido Hip Hop and Born to Jive – Broadway, and who wouldn't feel good jiving to a Britney Pop or Bey & Jay Dance Combo? → The Pink Studio, 2053 Danforth Ave.

Two weeks unlimited live stream is only $40 www.thepinkstudio.ca

Looking to have your own dance party? Pick up some vintage vinyl from Tiny Record Shop and go old school. → Tiny Record Shop, 777 Queen St. E

6. Happy Hour with a Social Distancing Twist

Feeling nostalgic for the post-work happy hour at your favourite neighbourhood spot? Eastbound Brewery is offering beer to-go, perfect for a socially distanced hangout or backyard cocktail hour. View Eastbound’s full menu of drinks and tasty eats on Ritual, DoorDash and Uber Eats.

→ Eastbound Brewery, 700 Queen St. E Looking for an equally delicious dinner? Order a full meal prepared by Ascari Enoteca, complete with wine give yourself a break from meal prep. → Ascari Enoteca, 1111 Queen St. E

7. Get Outside

Connecting with nature is the perfect way to disconnect from the virtual world and get back to reality. Fortunately, there are several beautiful east-end parks to choose from: Glen Stewart

Ravine, Taylor Creek Park, Woodbine Beach, East Bluffers Park or Warden Woods.

8. Boost Your Glow

Feeling your best goes deeper than the skin creams your grandmother used to use. Collagen supplements, whether in marine or bovine form, can be a great way to boost your skin’s elasticity and give your hair added shine. You can find a range of brands at The Big Carrot. → The Big Carrot Danforth, 348 Danforth Ave. → The Big Carrot Beaches, 125 Southwood Dr.

9. Read All About It

There’s nothing better than diving into a book and being swept away by a captivating new story. All Our Wrong Todays is about the versions of ourselves that we shed and grow into over time. It is a story of friendship and family, of unexpected journeys and alternate paths, and of love in a multitude of forms. Filled with humor and heart, and saturated with insight and intelligence, this novel signals the arrival of a major talent. This book just happens to be written by local east-ender Elan Mastai.

You can find it at one of our favourite local bookshops, Queen Books. → Queen Books, 914 Queen St. E

We’re so lucky to have several great bookshops in our East TO neighbourhoods. Here are a few more of our faves:

→ Book City, 1950 Queen St. E → Book City, 348 Danforth Ave. → Great Escape Book Store, 957 Kingston Rd.

10. Nurture Your Mind

Unplugging can often bring forward some overwhelming emotions. Asking for help can sometimes feel daunting, but it is the best thing we can do for ourselves. The folks at The Healing Collective + Crying Out Loud are compassionate sources of support. → The Healing Collective + Crying Out Loud, 2005 Danforth Ave.

Unplug with one of these great books:

The Push

by Ashley Audrain

Untamed

by Glennon Doyle

The Glass Hotel

by Emily St. John Mandel

Greenlights

by Matthew McConaughey

The Things We Cannot Say

by Kelly Rimmer

The Guest List

by Lucy Foley

Braiding Sweetgrass

by Robin Wall Kimmerer

The End of October

by Lawrence Wright

11. Treat Yourself

It’s safe to say we’re all missing that post-spa day glow. To recreate the spa experience from the comfort of your own home, check out The Self Isolation Care Kit from our friends at Pure + Simple. → Pure + Simple, 2142 Queen St. E

Mention The Richards Group for 15% off curbside orders of $100 or more in April.

Looking to pamper your whole body? Indulge in a little self-massage to rid yourself of the keyboard hand strains and lower back aches. Try the massage therapy balls by The Roll Model Method from Afterglow Studio. → Afterglow Studio, 2034 Queen St. E

12. Take it Slow

Writing notes is a lost art, but one of the most appreciated. Pick up some beautiful writing paper, or note cards from Collected Joy. → Collected Joy, 1035 Kingston Rd.