Wellness is a holistic way of being. It nurtures my mental, physical, emotional and energetic health. It’s much like balance – something we strive for rather than a static state we can permanently occupy. For me, daily wellness is regularly prioritising my needs and keeping my cup overflowing, so I can give more freely to the world around me. It’s about self-care as a foundation for showing up fully in life.

I have priorities when it comes to wellness. Number one is conscious rest. I practise conscious rest by simplifying my schedule when I feel overwhelmed, spending time away from the overstimulation of technology or saying no to energy-depleting activities. Number two is herbal tea. Right now, I’m drinking buckwheat tea which is especially nourishing in the autumn. It helps warm the body, supports digestion and provides a grounding energy that’s perfect for this season of transition. Sitting with tea allows me to pause, nourish and create moments of calm. Number three is mind and mood-balancing supplements like ashwagandha and magnesium, which I take most evenings before bed. Ashwagandha supports me in managing stress and anxiety. Magnesium helps with relaxation and improves my sleep quality. Both help me feel grounded, balanced and better resourced to make good decisions during my days.

My mornings always begin with gratitude. As soon as I open my eyes, I take a moment to give thanks for the new day and the opportunities it will bring. While still in bed, I practise a Kundalini yoga posture called Stretch Pose, coupled with Breath of Fire, a rapid breathing technique that activates my core and fills me with feel-good energy. Before hydrating, I scrape my tongue to get rid of toxins that build up in the mouth overnight. I complete my morning pages and then sit in silence for 11 minutes while breathing low and slow. I also like to move and stretch my body in ways that feel pleasurable. Sometimes it’s a couple of sun salutations, other times a full workout routine. Sometimes I find putting on a playlist and dancing like nobody is watching is exactly what I need to fill my cup in the morning. Throughout the day I take mini breaks between work tasks to ground and recentre. I drink herbal tea, go for walks and practise breathwork to soothe my nervous system, reset my focus and regulate my energy.

For me, mental health is centred around mindfulness and reflection. Morning pages (a form of mind-dumping thoughts onto paper) and silent meditation are my go-to practices to clear my mind and process emotions. This routine helps me start each day with a sense of calm and clarity. Taking the time to pause, check in with myself, and reflect on how I’m truly feeling has become essential for me to avoid burnout and overwhelm. Without this regular practice, I become susceptible to falling back into destructive patterns where stress becomes my norm. Practising self-observation without judgement is key. It’s easy to be hard on ourselves, but mental health flourishes when we can meet ourselves with compassion and understanding, and show up for ourselves with care.