Introduce yourself and tell us what you do!
Hi! I'm Tonya. A Taurus, nature-loving Earthling. I'm passionate about fungi, mind-body medicine and empowering people to become the best versions of themselves! I'm lucky to get to do this through my work. I'm the Founder and CEO of Rainbo, a Holistic Nutritionist and Health Educator.
What are your non-negotiable morning rituals Before Life Happens?
Wake up peacefully - if I wake up with anxiety I know something is off and that I need to start taking extra care and a closer look at what is going on and what actions I need to make right away to shift back into peace. The best part is, it works. Every time.
Drink water
Breathwork
Meditate
Light incense
Cold show (some days!)
Make a mushroom matcha
Put on some vibey music to set the tone for my day
Breakfast
How have functional mushrooms changed your life?
So many ways! Physically, they have made me stronger, more resilient, more calm and able to adapt to stress. Mentally, they support my concentration, mood, focus and they have opened my mind to the healing power of nature and shown me that we, as humans, are a part of this beautiful, chaotic experience of nature, not something separate from it.
What is one piece of advice you could give to someone who is interested in functional mushrooms but doesn't know where to start?
Tune into where you need support right now based on your season of life:
Stress support = Reishi
Sleep = Reishi
Brain health = Lion's Mane
Energy = Cordyceps
Immune = Turkey Tail and Chaga
Antioxidants = Chaga
Gut health = Turkey Tail
What is your favourite functional mushroom tincture and why?
Reishi. This is the first mushroom I used therapeutically which really supported my liver, stress levels and sense of balance in my mind and body. In TCM this is known as the mushroom of spiritual potency.
What other self-care practices do you have that support you in feeling your best?
Getting into nature as often as possible.
Forest walks.
Mushroom foraging.
Exercise.
Kundalini yoga.
Home-cooked meals.
Laughing lots.
Remembering not to take things too seriously :)
How do you end your day?
Sometimes with a bath, reading or journalling. I'm trying to be off screens for 2 hours before bed and getting to bed around 10 pm is an ideal night! Definitely harder to do on some days as an entrepreneur. I'm a big proponent of blue light blockers after the sun goes down and use these when I do have to work later.