Hello, beautiful! Welcome back to my brand-new series for the New Year, #NewMe2018.
One of the biggest challenges I face when trying to start healthy habits is keeping up my motivation. So, what do I do when I feel uninspired? I turn to my fave female role models, of course!
That's why this post is inspired by some of the most badass b*tches (I use this word as a compliment) that Hollywood, Washington and the world have to offer. Today, I'm going to be sharing some of the women who inspire me most and taking habits from their routines to inspire your own journey in 2018.
So, if you're with me on modeling your life after your favorite fierce femmes, read on to see what healthy habits YOU can adopt to feel even more badass than last year!
Daisy Ridley
Uhh...who? Gorgeous, fit actress known for playing Rey in the newest installment of Star Wars.
Why she's inspiring: Not only does she play the most scrappy, badass female heroine to hit the screens in 2018, but she's also bravely fought back against body shamers on social media, who said she wasn't a "real woman" because she doesn't have curves.
Badass quote to prove it: "'Real women' are all shapes and sizes, all ethnicities, all levels of brave. I am a 'real woman' just like every other woman in this world."
How to channel her at home: Steal Daisy's five-minute workout routine! (That's right, you heard me.) Though Daisy had to exercise for four hours a day to train for playing Rey, she isn't a huge fan of cardio - or, more specifically, running. So, what does she do? She sprints for five minutes on the treadmill, of course! Next time you're feeling lazy or just need a quick burst of energy, I dare you to try Daisy's five-minute gym routine for a healthy pick-me-up.
Gal Gadot
Uhh...who? Stunningly strong Israeli actress who graced your screen as Wonder Woman in 2k17.
Why she's inspiring: Before becoming an actress and model, Gal Gadot served in the Israeli army (yes, really). To train for the role of Wonder Woman, she did two hours in the gym, two hours on horseback and two hours of fight choreography every. Single. Day. For six months! Plus, she's an outspoken proponent of better roles for leading ladies in Hollywood.
Badass quote to prove it: "I feel that I've got the opportunity [as Wonder Woman] to set a great role model for girls to look up to a strong, active, compassionate, loving, positive woman, and I think it's so important."
How to channel her at home: Chug a gallon of water! Gal is known for drinking a gallon of water a day to rev up her metabolism, giving her the energy she needed to do her own stunts (while five months pregnant!) during the filming of Wonder Woman. My best tip for staying on top of your water drinking? Mark a gallon jug of water with times to hold yourself accountable for finishing it.
Karlie Kloss
Uhh...who? Long, lean Victoria's Secret model, entrepreneur and advocate for girls.
Why she's inspiring: What doesn't Karlie do? In addition to an active modeling career for Victoria's Secret and other high-end fashion brands, Karlie runs her own business, Karlie's Kookies, and works with Girls Who Code to get young girls more interested in pursuing STEM careers.
Badass quote to prove it: "If you believe in yourself and feel confident in yourself, you can do anything. I really believe that."
How to channel her at home: Submerge your face in ice water for 20 seconds - no, really! Karlie did this before the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai to tighten her pores and wake herself up before the big show. To recreate her ritual at home, you can fill a bowl with ice water and submerge your face for 20 seconds - or simply try splashing your face with freezing cold water first thing in the morning.
Kayla Itsines
Uhh...who? Ripped Australian trainer who's known for her core-crushing Bikini Body Guides (and stunning Insta photos!).
Why she's inspiring: Not only can this chick lift more than you and your BFF combined, but she's also a badass girlboss who started her own franchise with her BBG programs. Now, she has her own nutrition guides, product lines and even an app called Sweat with Kayla. You go, girl!
Badass quote to prove it: "Stop waiting for Monday, January 1st or anything else. Start now."
How to channel her at home: Download the Headspace app and use the SOS meditation anytime you feel stressed or anxious - Kayla told Well + Good that she recently started meditating with this app when she's overwhelmed or carsick and trust me, it's a life-changer!
Anna Camp
Uhh...who? Aca-mazing actress and singer who's starred in Pitch Perfect, Good Girls Revolt & more.
Why she's inspiring: Anna plays everyone's favorite hardass in Pitch Perfect, proving that, as Tina Fey would say, bitches really do get stuff done. Not to mention, she was a part of the short-lived, hopefully-gonna-be-renewed-because-of-staff-changes-at-Amazon television series Good Girls Revolt, where she helped bring the first-ever sexual harassment lawsuit to life on the big screes, n.
Badass quote to prove it: "I think that the audience wants to see women being put into real situations, where they can relate to them, rather than seeing some glamorous woman in a Bond film."
How to channel her at home: Start your day with a mindful moment outdoors rather than with a scroll through your Instagram feed. Anna reportedly banned herself from using her phone for the first 30 minutes that she's awake, instead choosing to enjoy her morning coffee on the porch with her husband and dog. (Can I get an "Awwww?")
Emma Watson
Uhh...who? The brightest young witch of her age and real-life Disney princess. What more can I say?
Why she's inspiring: Oh God, don't even get me started...*takes deep breath* In addition to her decorated career as a young actress, Emma is an ambassador to the U.N., an outspoken advocate for women and their sexuality and a voice for animals and the environment. And that's just scraping the surface.
Badass quote to prove it: "Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both men and women should feel free to be strong."
How to channel her at home: Take a bath. Emma has at least one bath every day of her life - but if she could, she'd probably spend her whole day in the bathtub. As she puts it, "Nothing terrible is going to happen in the bath." So, turn up the hot water, pour in some of her favorite Epsom salts and give yourself some "me-time," girl! You deserve it :)
Ingrid Nilsen
Uhh...who? Out-and-proud beauty and lifestyle YouTuber (not to mention the actual goddess who inspired my haircut).
Why she's inspiring: A couple years ago, Ingrid made headlines with her real and raw coming out video, which has received millions of views. Since then, she's become a huge advocate for not only the LGBTQ community, but also for women and racial minorities - all while juggling her own thriving career as a YouTube beauty guru and entrepreneur.
Badass quote to prove it: "I am proud of who I am and I am not going to apologize for who I am anymore."
How to channel her at home: Watch the news while eating your breakfast. Ingrid likes to use this time in the morning to catch up on current events - which explains how she always manages to stay #woke despite her busy schedule. Short on time in the morning? To take a note from Ingrid, you can sign up for The Skimm, a brief daily newsletter that sums up the morning's news in quippy soundbites.
Taylor Swift
Uhh...who? Singer, songwriter, fashion icon, squad goals and everything you could possibly aspire to in this crazy world.
Why she's inspiring: In addition to writing real, raw songs that any girl can relate to, Taylor was named one of 2018's Silence Breakers by TIME Magazine. After being sued by a radio host who was fired for sexually harassing her, Taylor countersued for a symbolic $1.00 and won her case. YASSS, girl!
Badass quote to prove it: "No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind."
How to channel her at home: Stow away your scale, delete your calorie counter and treat yourself to the things you love! While Taylor tries to eat healthfully during the week, she hates feeling deprived, and she would never be caught dead on a crazy-regimented diet. So, hop in the Starbucks line for a Taylor-approved pumpkin spice latte and savor it mindfully, appreciating all the wonderful tastes this world has to offer. You've earned it, babe!
Karena Dawn
Why she's inspiring: With her BFF and business partner Katrina Scott, Karena built the Tone It Up brand into a franchise complete with fitness tours, DVDs, books, merchandise (now stocked in Target!) and even the Studio Tone It Up app. That's not to mention her personal story of triumph over addiction and mental illness through running and fitness!
Badass quote to prove it: "I wanted to use my life experiences to inspire other women to go after what they want and show them that - just like I learned - they're capable of anything and everything."
How to channel her at home: Read The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, one of Karena's favorite books. It talks about self-destructive beliefs that prevent us from being happy, and how keeping four distinct principles in check is the key to everlasting joy. To even further channel Karena, read it in the morning just after waking up for a few moments of self-care to kickstart your day!