My Non-Negotiables

Elevated wellness practices for the every day

Last week, a friend asked me what my top three wellness non-negotiables were — and honestly, it was the hardest question to answer. I’ve layered so many small rituals into my days that each one feels essential in its own way.

I’ve always been a wellness girl through and through. My dad was one of those OG Whole Foods, co-op, soy-milk-and-herbal-remedy parents (before it was cool), so experimenting with new health habits is practically in my DNA. I’m not afraid to order random items on the internet, test it for a week, and send it right back if it doesn’t work. Over time, I’ve refined my routine down to what truly moves the needle.

So, without further ado, here are my tried, tested, and true wellness non-negotiables, ranked by importance.

1. Meditation & Breathwork

My number one. I mix Melissa Wood Health and Wim Hof breathwork with a stillness meditation everyday. Lots of movement, deep exhales, humming, swaying… all the woo-woo, and all worth it. I crave this practice and when I need fresh air, I love the MWH walking meditations. For a more structured option, A swears by the Sam Harris Waking Up app.

2. Lymphatic Drainage

I think a lot of us are stuck in our minds most of the time, rightfully so, because we have so much going on. So this one is about tapping in to the body. I start with the De La Heart body brush, then use their body paddle paired with OSEA’s Undaria Body Oil. Trust me, you don’t need a professional lymphatic massage if you have these tools at home. It boosts circulation, moves toxins, sculpts the body and just makes me feel alive.

3. Sleep (and Protecting It)

I am not a functioning human without eight solid hours. Call me an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person), but deep, uninterrupted sleep changes everything.

• I love my Oura Ring to track sleep quality

• I’ve taken Magnesium glycinate every night for years and it works better than any supplement or powder you will find.

• Legs up the wall for 10 minutes before bed — reverses blood flow, supports digestion, and leads to deeper sleep

4. The Omnilux Face Mask

This LED mask works. It depuffs, clears breakouts, evens tone all in 20 minutes. My skin has never been better when I use it consistently.

In the same category: The Skinny Confidential Mint Ice Roller, Cecily Braden Lymphatic Brush, and the classic ice face bath (you know the drill).

5. Warm Lemon Water & Matcha

Every morning starts with warm lemon water followed by Pique Sun Goddess Matcha. I’m a matcha snob and their matcha is the only one that blends seamlessly and is truly ceremonial grade, quadruple toxin-screened for mold, pesticides, and heavy metals.

I’ve also taken Seed probiotic (code HANNAHB for 15%) for years and it’s one of the few that actually works. A healthy gut = a sharp mind.

6. At-Home Pilates

Gone are my two-a-day, high-intensity workout class days. My body and wallet are much happier for it. This is lower on the list intentionally, because I used to be much more strict with myself but these days, I do 30 minutes of Melissa Wood Health and aim for 10,000+ steps daily and feel so energetic. I’ve tried other at-home classes but Melissa’s method and gentle practice brings me back every time. It’s also only $5 for your first month with a referral!

7. Journaling

I’ve always journaled, but now it’s part of my daily rhythm. I like pairing it with a morning reading practice like a passage from Journey to the Heart or A Course in Miracles (the Made Easy version). It’s also a nice antidote to screen time in the morning. Writing by hand taps into a different part of the brain and I think we all need more of it.

8. Infrared Sauna Blanket

My newest obsession. I was skeptical at first because its not a traditional format and it sounded sticky to me, but the HigherDose Sauna Blanket is incredible and perfect for Chicago winters. It gets hot (like, 45 minutes of full sweat hot), and the benefits are undeniable: detox, improved circulation, glowing skin, and deep sleep.

I could go on but I’ll save more elevated essentials for another time! You can also find a few extras on my ShopMy wellness edit. x