What does self-care mean to you?
To me, self-care means not just physical well-being but mental well-being. Having a peaceful mind and finding ways to destress and be mindful, given how incredibly busy our lives are, feels like the most important form of self-care.
2. What are some of your self-care rituals?
Movement is self-care for me. Having found a high-intensity yet low-impact form of exercise in Physique 57, which allows me to stay injury-free, has given me a sustainable fitness regime that can accompany me for the rest of my life. A daily digital detox, which includes consciously putting away my phone in order to focus on my family, is also part of what I deem to be self-care. I am a self-professed nerd am extremely passionate about what I do – I think science is sexy, and I love to read the latest developments in medical research, and keep myself abreast of what’s going on in the world of medical science, public health as well as the health and wellness industries. Keeping my mind alert and fed is also a large part of my self-care.
3. How has your self-care routine evolved and what influenced it?
Age has certainly changed my approach to self-care. Earlier, when self-care may have only been considered the use of topical creams, it is now for me, about what consciously put into my body, the amount of rest I give myself, and the mental peace I try and create. Being mindful and present in relationships with loved ones is also a part of self-care in my view, as this is what helps nourish me inside and out.
4. How has movement played a role in your self-care practices?
As the owner of a fitness brand (Physique 57 India), movement is core to my everyday life. As mentioned, to me, movement is something that needs to be sustainable, which means a workout that cares for your body and meets you at every step of your life, accounting for age, daily life stresses, any injuries, pregnancies, and so much more. I also look for workouts that are science-backed – to me, it’s very important that there is a method to your movement, with scientific evidence behind why a form of exercise is good for you, and a constant emphasis on form.
5. If you had a day to yourself, how would you spend it?
Probably catching up on sleep! Getting in some exercise, and definitely spending time with my husband and children.
6. Despite having a busy schedule, how do you consistently make time for self-care?
I can’t say that I prioritize self-care as much as I should. However as I get older, I’m realizing that self-care is not for vanity – it is for mental and physical stability, for building and maintaining a body that is strong and can withstand sickness, and for building a mind that is able to help you flourish both in your career as well as in your personal relationships.
7. What's your approach to skincare?
Can you share your thoughts on skincare routines and how yours has changed over time. For me, less is more when it comes to daily skincare. I have a curated collection of skincare products that work for me and show results. I would love to explore more options and always be up to date on the newest launches and innovations, however I tend to stick with what works. I’m definitely particular about facials and ensure I get these regularly. But as I mentioned, my approach to skincare has definitely become more about what I put inside my body and not just on it.
- My favourite self-care ritual that’s free is sleep!
- The self-care ritual that's non-negotiable for me is drinking enough water and eating enough food. I don’t calorie count, I eat enough to feel satiated and I never compare my appetite to others—we all have different needs and metabolisms that work at different rates!
- My skincare ritual that feels like self-care is both daily topical Vitamin C and night time heavy moisturizer. If I manage to remember both, it feels like a win.
- I feel most cared for by myself when I am honest about what my body requires at any given time, and I allow myself a chance to recharge, heal, or simply unwind.
- A new self-care ritual I want to try is the 12-step Korean skin care regime – it sounds equal parts fascinating and totally unrealistic for me to do!
- A quote that gets me through a hard day is “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” –Maya Angelou.
