Pilates Insight with Ruby

Instagram: @rubybarkerr

Q: What inspired you to make it a priority in your life?

Health and Wellness has always been a priority to me as I started as a dancer. So naturally, fitness, anything body related, health, healthy eating, nutrition, all that is filtered in through my journey, and that's where I began. More of recent I've got into pilates and understood more the posture and alignment side of things, but also the community. The the benefits after COVID, for me, it was obvious, the benefits of getting out the house and going to an exercise class and meeting people and talking. So it's not just about doing the exercise, but the people you speak to before and after, the connections you make, having that sense of support within a class. Then also my journey through after dancing through yoga and aerial yoga, which really helped me to go more internal and look at my own reflections and the cycles in which I was repeating that I wanted to break, and where my limiting beliefs held and how I needed to nurture myself more to be able to progress in all areas of my life. Wellness to me, is all areas of my life, whether that's business, whether that's relationships, love, money, you know, community, fitness, nutrition. I feel for me, wellness and composite all as all of it. What I have learned along my journey is that you have to do the work inside first to be able to project that throughout all the pillars of your life.

Q: How did you then go from dancing to then be an instructor of yoga and reformer pilates?

The dance industry can be a little bit toxic. For choice of a better word, can be quite influential on your thought patterns. Let's say rather than toxic, because it's got some great sides to it. It led me to have an eating disorder and body dysmorphia, because of all the body imagery pressures that it puts on dancers to look a certain way. As I lost weight, I received more jobs and more gratification. So as much as people were praising me for saying ‘oh, you look amazing’ which I thought was, oh, great. That was actually affirming to me, that my value was based on how slim I was. Now a lot of the work that I do is all about self compassion, being strong, not skinny, and also eating what's the right amount for you and your body, knowing that comparison is the thief of joy, not to compare yourself to somebody else, because everybody's different. Literally, everybody's body is different. It is hard because of social media, but I really feel that it's important to listen to your body rather than to take advice of all these conflicting people on social media.

Q: What is your favourite workout or form of exercise at the moment?

It's becoming like a bit of a cult, like it really is something so addictive about it. And for me, the way I like to teach is that I always like to throw in something a little bit challenging for people, I wanted to keep it fun, and I wanted it to be so serious. And by adding that little extra challenge of something that somebody thought they might not be able to do the way that person's confidences raises by the end of the class, because they've come in, they've tried something that can look terrifying. You go into a room of 10 reformers, and you're like, ah, actually, how that can aid you and support you. And then you discover exercises that you never even knew you were able to do. Then you can take that into your day to day life, like, with a little bit more confidence to be like “Oh, well, I can do that… so what else can I achieve?”

Q: How do you stay consistent with your health and fitness routine, even on busy days?

It's a lot about screen time. I know that if I'm connected to my computer or phone in the morning or in the evening, I'm too wired up, I'm too focused on work, and I'm not giving myself the time that I need to just enjoy. So generally, I won't go on my phone for an hour, an hour and a half in the morning, and then of an evening, I like to try and have like screen off by 8pm but some days, like all of us, some days, it's harder to manage than others, when you've got a lot on so I really like to make sure that I have the beginning and the end of the day for me. Often, in the morning, I'll get out for a walk, I'll make sure I get, my morning sunlight, and then I have, a nice protein dense breakfast, and I spend time with my dog or my boyfriend. I like to get up early and have that little window of this being our time. Then, the chaos starts.

Q: How do you stay motivated to move your body, especially on days when you don’t feel like it?

I always find if I'm in that headset where I'm feeling a little bit like “oh, I don't have the energy for this”. Instead of focusing on what I have to sacrifice or what I have to push myself to do, I focus on the gain of what I'm about to do. So how grateful I am that I get to teach people reformer and that I can inspire all these people and I can reach all these people, or how grateful I am that I get to be self employed and choose my hours. So for me, it's a mindset shift, and often, if I'm feeling a bit bogged down, I just have to check myself and say, Okay, now, “what am I grateful for today?” And you know, what are the things that are going to make me want to get out of bed, because I just feel the more you focus on the negative, the more you get the negative, and the more you focus on the positive, the more you'll attract the positive. But also, as well, knowing when to rest, like that was a big one for me. I was a massive over productive, overachiever, like, had to be doing, doing, doing, and just listening to your body and knowing when to slow down. And if I do fancy a day off, and I've got the time and space to have some time off, and I'm really tired and I'm not feeling 100%, I won't try and force myself to do work unless, obviously, I have to go to a shift. But if it's personal stuff as I'm self employed, I have a retreat business, and I have another business that I'm slowly starting to open, I'll just be like, I'm not in the right headspace, and listen to that and take time for me. I'm big believer in that you can't pour from an empty cup. You have to fill your own cup to be able to share that with other people. Otherwise, what you're producing isn't going to be your best work anyway.

Q: How do you prioritise mental health alongside physical wellness?

I think one, one thing that a great friend of mine taught me, that I used to live with out in Costa Rica, he said any situation that arises, good or bad, it can be the worst situation ever. Just ask yourself - “how does this serve me?” And that will help you to find the positive in any situation, and you really have to dig deep, because it's often the worst situation ever and I think either you're winning or you're growing. If something's not good, you might deem it as bad, but actually, it's just a lesson, and being able to identify how what that lesson is trying to teach you and how it's serving you is, for me, been the strongest piece of advice or question or thought provoking piece of information that somebody's ever given me. People often get in this victim mentality of like, why is this happening to me? Just think - “how is this serving me?” And I think that's helped me stay super strong, because it's being able to really dig deep and find the positives in awful situations.

Q: What advice would you give to someone struggling with balance?

To listen more, listen to your body more, and listen to your mind more. And actually, what helped me was designating time for yourself. So just as you designate time for doing work or designate time for business or running around, doing the shopping, all those things. Designate at least an hour a day to you, to have a walk, to have a bath, to read your book, because they say that that one hour of time is when the most inspiration hits you anyway. That's that time that you're really giving back to yourself. If you're somebody that loves a schedule and loves over productivity. Actually scheduling in! It's almost like you're tricking your own mind, scheduling in that wellness time. If you're not somebody that's as intuitive that can just be like “Oh, I feel like I need some time out”. If you schedule that in, like, and you're someone that likes to stick to schedules, you'll do it.

Q: Where do you see yourself in the future in terms of your health and wellness, while focusing on your company Revive Yoga?

Ideally, they all come to a pinnacle and join at the top to create an umbrella brand under revive yoga. We currently run retreats, revive retreats. The purpose of the retreats is to allow people to have a safe space where they can reconnect to themselves, meet like minded people, chance to travel if they've not got anyone to travel with, so they can travel solo and also like to give people an opportunity to give back to themselves and maybe holiday a little bit differently. We're really trying to create that safe space for people that maybe feel a little bit stuck. They've might of just had a breakup, they're wanting the confidence to change careers, but they're not sure the first step they need to take to do that, or they don't have enough expansive people around them to prove to them that they can do that. I think with the retreats, for me, it's showing people that there are supportive people out there, and there are people rooting for them. And there is another way they can do things. You know, they can go self employed, if they want to go self employed. They can be single if they want to be single and have fun for a bit, they will find a partner if they want to. They can move abroad if they want to. It's just to help break people's limiting beliefs and show them what they are capable of. The short term goal would be hosting like five or six or seven retreats a year, and just build up that momentum for the retreats to allow more people to have access to what we do. Then future, future goals would be to have our own retreat centre whereby we can continually host retreats with reformer access, with yoga access, with mental fitness or well being, coaching, a wellness hub. That we can post from on a regular basis, meaning that it's available to us throughout the year, so therefore it's available to the wider public. That would be the big goal, and I'd love it to be a community of like minded people living and working there, very old school, living from the land and farm to table. I'm all into organic food produce and just creating a community there of individual people supporting each other and working together in harmony to create something really cool and really special to give back. It would be a matter of buying land and starting from scratch and building it ourselves. I quite like the journey and the process of doing something yourself, I just feel it gives you so much more satisfaction and sense of worth and more pride in what you're producing when you've when the foundations are there, it's in the integrity is there. It's you through and through.

Q: Are there any wellness trends you’re loving right now? Which ones do you think are overrated?

I’ve done a lot of research into nervous system regulation, and for me, something that I think is not well enough known that I personally really enjoy, are somatic practices regarding nervous system regulation. Stimulating the vagus nerve. Really simple little things you can do, for example, not moving your head but looking towards the right to stretch the vagus nerve and towards the left, and then a little massage in the inside of your ears, humming, stretching through the neck. These things really help me when I'm feeling anxious or over stimulated. I've had a sudden bereavement in the family, and it's meant that my nervous system has been out of whack, so I've been stuck in fight or flight a lot more than I am in rest and digest. This causes so many issues with digestion, sleep patterns, menstrual cycles, energy levels, brain fog. I think it's really, it’s not the forefront of health and wellness, its more that sort of bridging gap between Science and like health and wellness. What I like about it is the scientific facts that prove what some people would say were ‘woo woo’ techniques such as like yoga and mindfulness and stuff like that. They're actually the scientific proof behind why you're feeling anxious and why you breathe work helps to stimulate, helps to calm you, because it stimulates your vagus nerve. I like to know the why. Why I'm doing things. Just 10 minutes on YouTube Vagus Nerve Stimulation or yoga for this dis-regulated nervous system that can really help me to find calm in the chaos of every day, especially if I'm feeling a little bit anxious, or I've had a bad dream, or something's triggered me. I just need, just need 10/ 15, minutes to me to just stop these thoughts going crazy.

Are there any wellness trends that you think are overated?

There's a lot of information out there on what you should and what you shouldn't eat. I think there's a lot of information that conflicting information out there about what's good for you and what isn't good for you in terms of what you should and shouldn't eat. After years of going around on restrictive diets, no sugar, no gluten, no dairy, candida diet, low FODMAP diet, keto, vegan, I think what I've come to terms with is just like a healthy, balanced diet. It's what we all were originally taught, meat and two veg, like it's old school. It's just basics, 101, what you were taught in school. For me, I'm not a fan of, like, protein shakes and like sort of different products, like protein bars and keto this, use this for this, use that for that. “A whole drink will be completely nutritionally beneficial” - I'm like, okay, maybe scientifically it is but like, you're not going through the process of cooking that food yourself, putting the love in that food, like getting the fibre from the food, which slows down the glucose spikes. It's just so far away from what we are originally. If I'm unsure whether I want to eat something, I think if my great grandparents wouldn't recognise it. You probably shouldn't eat it. Yeah. You know.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their health and wellness journey, what would it be?

Get outside. I don't know why for me, sunlight, not that we get loads of it in the UK. But it is a game changer in terms of mood, in terms of energy, in terms of calming your nervous system with nature. Just get outdoors! And take it back to basics. You know, simple living, clean food, meat and veg, get outdoors, whether its hiking or walking.

Madeleine’s Top 5 Wellness Habits for a Happier and Healthier You

Instagram @move.with.madeleine

Introducing Madeleine: she is a fitness and pilates instructor currently living in London, who grew up in America. She loves all things wellness, and has used movement and nutrition to heal her own body after struggling with health issues her 20s.

Q: What does Wellness mean to you?

To me, wellness is built of 3 pillars: body, mind, and heart - Only when you’re taking care of each of the pillars are you truly ‘well’.

Q: How do you define happiness and health?

Happiness and health is all about living in authenticity. Building the confidence to truly be yourself, living your life to the fullest, not allowing anything to hold you back. Your health goals should always add to your life and experiences, never subtract from it.

5 Habits:

1: Focusing on whole foods

I’m definitely a high-protein girlie but I caused a lot of inflammation and bloating from eating highly processed foods just because they were labelled “high protein”. A lot of us fall into this trap of just grabbing a protein bar on the go, but those 12 grams of protein are usually outweighed by sweeteners, and a bunch of other ingredients that your body hates.

I’m gluten and dairy free due to intolerances (highly recommend getting your tests done! I found out I’m also intolerant to egg yolk and yeast which I never would have guessed) but found the best thing for my body is to get as much protein and nutrients from actual food rather than bars or shakes - It requires a bit more planning, but I really love my grocery trips and time in the kitchen creating colourful, nutrient-dense meals.

I treat it now as part of my self-care, and have a few meals on repeat to take the stress out of it. My body is more satiated, much less bloated, my skin has cleared up, and my sugar cravings have decreased.

2: Daily movement

As a fitness instructor, exercise is a big part of my life. However, I treat it as something I get to do rather than something I have to do. I don’t have a workout split these days, but  usually I’ll do half pilates, half strength training, and a long walk or short run every week. Each day looks different depending on my energy, schedule, cycle, and mood, but some form of movement is non-negotiable. I know that my anxiety decreases, energy and mood are boosted, my mind feels clearer and I always feel more inspired after moving my body. When I’m feeling demotivated, I don’t force myself to the gym, but I will put on some tunes and follow a 30 minute pilates or strength online class at home. I find strength training really cathartic in a way that proves to myself that I am strong and capable of doing hard things. Especially as women it can feel so empowering to lift something heavy. Pilates is a total mind-body connection that feels meditative (while getting that burn!) by connecting breath to movement, feeling my deep core muscles working, focusing on my alignment and length in my body. I lean into whatever my body is needing on a given day.

3: Daily mindfulness

I’ll be the first to say I’m not perfect with a meditation or journaling practice. It’s something I really feel the benefits of when I am consistent, and it’s a big goal for myself this year. I love 5 minutes of journaling in the morning, even if it’s just a mind-dump on a page or planning my day. I’ve been using the Raise 100 Day Planner this year and I love that it breaks down your schedule, your goals, priorities, and what you’re grateful for. It’s been a super easy way to add in a bit of mindfulness and reflection without putting aside too much time. When I do have more time in my morning or evening, I also use the To Be Magnetic guided meditations, which are incredible for unblocking limiting beliefs and helping you manifest.

4: Cycle syncing

Cycle syncing has totally changed my life and I can’t stop taking about it to every woman in my life. In the Flo by Alissa Vitti is like my bible. I spent years struggling with irregular periods, high cortisol, puffiness, irritability, and so many other hormonal issues. I now use cycle syncing to work with my body instead of against it, and my overall health has drastically improved. I switch up my workouts and meals depending on where I’m at in my cycle and have found it not only really beneficial physically, but I also feel so much more connected to my body and femininity now. I love that I’m nourishing my body during its different phases and treating it with respect rather than dragging myself to a HIIT workout or fasting and wondering why I’m so stressed all the time. Once I learned more about my cycle and started living this way, it became like second nature.

5: Lymphatic drainage

Partially due to my hormonal issues and puffiness/bloating, I started getting lymphatic drainage massages. And let me tell you - game changer. I literally can’t live without it now. I see an amazing woman who is now a close friend called Body Sculpting by Zal in London, and my results are insane. My body still holds quite a lot of water retention, especially when I’m stressed, and I find the massages help like nothing else does. Besides getting the massages, I also support my lymphatic system at home by opening my major lymph nodes every morning (only takes 3 min) by gently pumping each area, taking deep breaths, and then jumping up and down lightly. I do this before any sort of gua sha, dry brushing or self-massage, and it really helps your body drain and detox. I can see such a difference in my face from doing this consistently. I also find it meditative and a form of self-care to take slow deep breaths, and connect to my body every morning in this way. I also love to do it in the evening before bed and lay with my legs up the wall for 10 min to help with any swelling in my legs.

Extras:

Q: How does Madeleine prioritise her wellness habits while having a busy schedule?

I’m not a meal-prepper but I do always prep a high protein breakfast the night before to set myself up for success in the morning. I also habit stack, so for instance I know I’ll have an herbal tea in the morning, so while the kettle is boiling, I’ll do my lymphatic routine. While I’m drinking my tea, I’ll do my journal. Sometimes I even listen to a meditation while doing my face massage. I also try to slow down in general, give myself more time (about an hour or so) in the morning, and plan out my day the night before so I know what I can realistically fit in.

Q: Are there any ‘non-negotiable’ habits Madeleine recommends, even on the busiest days?

1. High protein breakfast before coffee

2. Some form of movement, even a 15 min walk or stretching in your living room

3. 7-9 hours of sleep – Prioritising your rest & recovery is as important, if not more important, than your exercise routine. I think sleep is probably the most underrated wellness tool. When you’re not sleeping enough, you’ll have more sugar cravings, be less motivated to exercise and eat well, be more irritable, your digestion slows, etc. So if you can prioritise a good sleep routine it really sets you up to make everything else easier.

Q: What advice would you give people to stay consistent? or for someone struggling to incorporate these habits?

Start by adding one thing for a week. Pick something realistic, and slowly build up a routine that you can stick to. The worst mistake people make is setting unrealistic goals and setting themselves up for failure.

If you can start small- let’s say just the 15 minutes of movement a day. If you can do that for a week, after that week it will start to feel like a habit. You’re learning to trust that you can stick to a goal. Then the next week you keep doing your daily movement, and now maybe you add a 5 min journal to plan your day in the morning with your coffee, then that becomes a new habit after a week. I think we have to build things up this way so they become second-nature. When I first started having a high protein breakfast before coffee, it felt weird. But after a week or two, my body woke up hungry and expecting it, and it is a non-negotiable for me now.

Finding a friend who is aligned with your goals makes life a lot easier as well. If you have a gym buddy, or even just a friend or partner who supports you and is on a similar journey who helps motivate you and cheer you on, it can make the world of difference. Surround yourself with people who are making healthy choices, living the live you want to live.

I also think people need to give themselves more grace and realise that you don’t need a 5am 20-step morning routine or 75 hard challenge to see results to feel better in your mind and body. It’s the small things you do every day, the way you speak to yourself, the way you rest and recover, the little changes you make in your diet, that add up to make the biggest difference. When you skip a workout or lose a step, don’t stress about it. You do your best, and wake up the next day fresh with healthy intentions. Never punish yourself or feel guilty about being human, and remember life is for living.

The Art of Balance: Alexia’s Approach to Yoga and Well-Being

Instagram @alexiaceyoga

Q: What inspired you to begin your journey into yoga and well-being?

As someone deeply fascinated by the art of movement as a form of expression and creativity, primarily through dance, yoga always intrigued me as a way to maintain flexibility, nurture my body, and complement my dance practice. When I transitioned out of school, dance became less accessible, and I grew curious about how yoga could support my physical needs. Initially, my yoga practice was purely physical, a way to stretch and help my body recover from more strenuous exercise. However, it wasn’t until I trained as a teacher that I realised how much yoga was already shaping my sense of purpose, mental health, and emotional balance.

Q: How do you define ‘balance’ in the context of yoga?

In the context of yoga, balance goes beyond physical postures; it’s a way of living. It’s about finding harmony between giving to ourselves and giving to others, resting the body while honouring discipline, and respecting mental health through routine while embracing spontaneity and playfulness. For me, balance means being honest with myself - listening to my body and mind's signals for rest and nourishment. The eight limbs of yoga offer guidance, and I strive to integrate them in a balanced way. This might mean stepping back from physical practice for a week to focus on pranayama (breath control) or dhyana (meditation). Having a history of pushing my body to its limits, I now prioritise nurturing ahimsa (loving-kindness), ensuring my thoughts, actions, and motivations are kind to both myself and others. As I transition from practicing yoga to teaching it, I’m learning the importance of self-care to fill my tank and show up as a teacher with the capacity to give fully.

Q: What are the core principles of your approach to yoga?

My physical practice centres around beginning and ending each session with moments of stillness and meditation. These check-ins allow me to tune into my body, noticing any signals I might overlook in daily life. A slow, steady warm-up is essential, helping myself and my students connect breath to movement through vinyasa early on. I use a structured yet creative class sequence, incorporating intuitive movement influenced by my dance background. This somatic exploration helps me process emotions, release unhelpful narratives, and feel fully embodied. I also prioritise a slow cool-down with backbends, inversions, and plenty of time for savasana to close the practice.

Q: How do you integrate mindfulness into your yoga practice?

Mindfulness is woven into my practice, starting with an awareness of breath at the beginning of class. I guide myself gently back to the present moment throughout the session by focusing on the sensations of my body and using my breath as an anchor. This approach fosters a sense of presence, compassion, and attentiveness.

Q: How does yoga contribute to both physical and mental well-being?

Yoga strengthens the body, enhances flexibility and range of motion, and improves balance. For instance, balancing poses help with physical stability, hip openers release emotional tension, backbends energise and open the heart space, and inversions improve circulation. The discipline of physical practice fosters a sense of achievement and purpose, which supports mental well-being. Incorporating mindfulness into yoga also helps regulate the nervous system, providing tools to manage everyday stress beyond the mat.

Q: How do you incorporate breathing techniques into your practice?

My breathing techniques vary depending on the type of yoga I’m practicing and what my body and mind need. At the start, I bring gentle awareness to my breath in a meditative way without trying to control it too much. During asana practice, I use vinyasa breathing - synchronising one movement with one breath, and redirect my attention to my breath if it wanders. For energy, I might use techniques like bhastrika or kapalabhati, particularly in the morning or during a strong flow. At the end of practice, I slow my breathing with methods like box breathing to relax my system before savasana.

Q: How do you maintain balance in your daily life outside of yoga?

Balance is a daily learning process. When I think I’ve found it, moments of burnout remind me to reassess. As a natural introvert, I need time alone to recharge, especially since teaching and being in the wellness space require sharing energy with others. Balance means blending teaching with my own self-care practices, ensuring I have enough rest and time disconnected from external influences. I aim to nurture my physical body by eating well but also embracing flexibility, finding peace with both nourishing and indulgent choices. The same applies to lifestyle: balance is working hard while also prioritising fun, like enjoying live music or dancing.

Q: How do you stay motivated to stay consistent while incorporating periods of rest?

Consistency is built through balance, and rest is a vital part of that equation. Rest doesn’t always mean stopping entirely; it can look like pausing dynamic movement for gentle stretching or restorative yoga. Mental rest is equally important, which might involve being mindful of what I consume - whether that’s social media, people’s energy, or my own self-talk. Taking breaks from social media is especially helpful when I feel mentally or emotionally drained, as it can be deceptively exhausting.

Q: What are some holistic wellness habits you swear by?

I rely on the basics: adequate sleep, nourishing meals, and hydration. My self-care rituals include journaling, singing, dancing, breath work, infrared saunas, sound baths, hot baths, acupuncture, skincare, cranial massages, and deep tissue or lymphatic drainage massages.

Q: How do you implement these habits into your everyday life?

Rest and nourishment are my foundation. I prioritise eight hours of quality sleep and ensure I eat three balanced meals daily, with snacks to sustain my energy. A nighttime skincare routine paired with journaling or reading helps me wind down after busy days. This foundation allows me to fully benefit from additional self-care rituals.

Q: Do you follow any specific rituals or routines to stay grounded?

I aim for slow morning and evening routines. In the morning, I might tidy my space, light a candle, play music, and take my time with skincare and breakfast. When mornings are rushed due to teaching, my evenings become my grounding time. A hot shower, restorative yoga, breathing techniques, and journaling my thoughts help me decompress and prepare for restful sleep.

Q: What simple daily practices that you recommend for cultivating balance?

Everyone’s path to balance is unique, so I recommend experimenting with curiosity. However, the essentials are: adequate rest, nourishing food, hydration, and reconnecting with your breath are universal. Taking a moment to pause, check in with yourself, and address your physical and mental needs can lead to the regulation and balance you’re seeking.

Emily’s Guide to Wellness

Instagram: @emilyy.schmidtt

Q: What does wellness mean to Emily?

Wellness to me means my overall well being. My mental state, how I feel physically, emotionally, and the way I live my life. I incorporate wellness into my daily life through the types of food I eat, how I move my body, how I spend my time, and how I treat myself.

Q: Can you walk us through your personal journey to wellness?

My personal journey to wellness started with food. I struggled with my relationship with food and my body for years leading to a period of time when I deprived myself from food and proper nutrition. After I started my journey to recovery and healing, I made wellness a priority. I was sure to fuel my body with enough and the right types of food everyday and find things that worked best for me and my body. I began taking supplements and vitamins to elevate my overall well being and boost my energy. I used food medicine, and I started to use physical movement as a way to not only feel better physically but also mentally. I realised that the foods I put into my body, the routines I practice, and the way I treat my mind and body play the biggest and most important role to my well being.

Q: How do you incorporate fitness or movement into your daily routine?

I love to start each day with sunshine! It not only increases my mood but also gives me a burst of energy to start my day! I do push myself to be the best version I can be while also listening to my body and what it needs. I incorporate different types of workouts and movements into my daily life to keep things fun!

Q: How do you stay motivated to achieve all of that?

A big part of my motivation is the environment I am in. Who I surround myself with, the places I go to etc… I love trying new workout classes with friends, holding each other accountable, and making things more fun! I download some of my favourite podcasts and songs to keep me going too. Another big part of my motivation is knowing how good I will continue to feel if I keep pushing myself and working on myself!

Q: How do you prioritise mental health in your wellness practices?

Mental health to me is by far the most important thing. I take my mental health very serious & I put it first. If you don’t feel stable mentally it will manifest physically into your everyday life. I have weekly mental health check ups for myself on Sundays. I like to either journal or sit with my thoughts. I reflect on the week i had and ask myself how I feel. I set my intentions for the week ahead and practice being present. Mentally clearing my head makes me feel better physically. It’s so important to protect your mental heath and peace.

Q: What tools or techniques do you use to manage stress or anxiety?

Stress and anxiety is something I struggled with for so long. Through self help books, journaling, health habits, and surrounding myself with good energy I learned how to take control of my own thoughts and become present. To me, becoming present means freedom from your own negative thoughts and anxieties. You need to understand that YOU are in control over these thoughts even though it feels impossible at times. A lot of the times the thing you may be stressing so hard over becomes a lot smaller once you take a step back, a deep breath, and understand that your worrying and stressing won’t help you in this exact moment. The best thing you can do is become present and know that things will workout and align as they should.

Q: What challenges have you faced on your wellness journey, and how did you overcome them?

My challenges have been staying consistent and learning to be patient and gentle to myself. Everyone’s journey looks different! Understanding that helped me a lot and just allowing myself time to figure out what works best for me, my goals, and my body!

Q: Are there any misconceptions about wellness you’d like to debunk?

Yes. That wellness isn’t perfect! Social media especially makes it look like wellness is all about the perfect morning routine, a Pilates class, a green juice, etc… wellness is what you make it! It’s how you feel mentally and physically and the things you do to get you there! It’s about learning about your body and how it works!

Q: Who or what inspires your approach to wellness?

My mom inspired me more than anything! Throughout my whole life she would always incorporate healthy eating, positive mindsets, etc... into the way she lived her life and the things she taught me. She inspired me to be the best version of healthy self and her positivity has always flowed into my life and how I live! She really helped me learn how to be present and the steps to take to live my healthiest and happiest advice!

Q: What are three simple changes someone can make to improve their overall wellness?

It’s not an overnight thing! Take it day by day. Start small if you need to, in fact it’s best not to rush into things. Spend time getting to know your body, how it works, and what it needs. Start with one change you’ve been wanting to make. Practice it, stay consistent with it and you’ll see the difference it makes in how you feel.

Q: How do you recommend staying consistent with wellness practices?

Allow it to become apart of your routine. Just like you brush your teeth, allow your wellness practices to flow into these routines. Make it something you’re excited to do! Set goals and intentions for yourself.

Q: Are there any books, podcasts, or tools you’d recommend for learning about wellness?

I love the books by Eckhart Tolle to focus on for your mental wellness and wellbeing. I get a lot of great tips from wellness influencers online, and I spend a lot of time journaling because at the end of the day everyone’s wellness journey and what they need can be different! I also recommend learning how to heal your gut, learning about the right types of food you should be putting into your body, seeing a doctor to find out if you should be taking any supplements etc... Be sure not to get overwhelmed! Take it day by day and you will start to reach your goals and feel like the best version of you, you can be! :)

Char’s Journey to Wellness: Insights on Healing and Growth

Instagram: @chardenty

Q: How do you define wellness? What does wellness mean to you?

For me, wellness is about coming home to yourself.

It’s not just about fitness or eating well, it’s about how you care for your mind, body, and spirit in a way that feels true to you. Wellness is deeply personal; it’s about honouring your needs, creating space for healing, and finding balance in all aspects of life.

For me, movement has been a key part of that journey. Pilates, yoga, and even the ritual of lighting a candle have become ways for me to reconnect with myself, especially after experiencing loss. True wellness isn’t about perfection, it’s about awareness, self-love, and giving yourself grace as you grow.

Q: Can you tell us a little about your wellness journey?

My wellness journey started after a heartbreak. I was in a really low place, and one day, my sister’s boyfriend handed me a Vogue magazine and suggested we meditate together. That moment sparked something in me, I started exploring yoga, and for the first time in a while, I felt present. But just a few months later, my father passed away suddenly, and that loss hit me hard. I needed something to ground me, something to keep me going.

Movement has always been my safe space. I grew up in a performing arts school, doing ballet, tap, and jazz from the age of four to fifteen, so movement was second nature to me. But this time, I wasn’t just moving for performance, I was moving for healing. I found comfort in Pilates, yoga, and even candle-making, which required my full attention and became a meditative practice in itself. Journaling also became a huge part of my process, helping me understand my emotions instead of running from them.

Now, I’ve built a wellness routine that’s completely centred around what makes me feel good, what truly works for me. And through this journey, I realised I wanted to help other women heal through movement, too. I want to help women remain present, reconnect with themselves, and understand that while we all have a story, it doesn’t have to define us. We can write our own narrative through the way we care for ourselves, movement, mindfulness and finding joy again.

Q: What were the hardest challenges you came across during your healing process, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges was being at constant loggerheads with my emotions. I wanted to move forward, but my feelings would pull me back. Some days, I felt okay, and other days, it was like I was drowning in grief and heartbreak all over again. It was frustrating because I thought healing meant feeling better every day, but that wasn’t the case.

I overcame this by learning to understand my emotions instead of fighting them. Instead of seeing sadness or grief as setbacks, I started seeing them as part of the process. Movement helped a lot, Pilates and yoga gave me a way to release what I was feeling instead of suppressing it.

Journaling helped me make sense of my thoughts. And, most importantly, I gave myself permission to feel without judgment.

Healing isn’t linear, and once I accepted that, things got easier. I stopped rushing the process and instead focused on what made me feel good in the moment. That shift in mindset changed everything for me.

Q: Are there any specific habits or practices that have been pivotal in your healing journey?

I believe healing comes from a combination of daily practices that help keep me grounded, connected, and present. One key habit for me is making time for reflection, whether it’s through journaling or quiet moments where I just check in with myself. This allows me to process emotions, acknowledge how I’m feeling, and gain clarity about where I am in my healing process.

Another important practice is maintaining a balance between productivity and rest. While it's easy to get caught up in the demands of life—work, family, or personal goals—I've learned that real healing comes when I listen to my body and mind, respecting when I need to rest and when I can push forward.

Additionally, connecting with others, whether it's through conversations with loved ones or surrounding myself with a supportive community, has been essential. No one heals in isolation, and finding people who uplift me has played a huge role in my journey.

In the end, the pivotal habits have been those that allow me to stay present, nurture my body and mind, and stay connected to what matters most.

Q: Can you share a moment or breakthrough in your healing journey where you thought, “Wow, I’m really healing from this?”

The true breakthrough came when I finally accepted where I was in life, both emotionally and mentally. There was a moment when I stopped fighting against my circumstances and allowed myself to fully be present with everything that was happening in my life. I stopped putting pressure on myself to have it all figured out and realised that healing doesn’t look like perfection.

When I understood that life is a cycle of ups and downs, growth and setbacks, it clicked for me. I understood that each phase of life has something to teach us, and it’s okay not to have all the answers. It was in that acceptance that I really began to heal. I wasn’t waiting for the "right moment" to start living or "waiting to feel better." I embraced where I was, and that shift allowed me to move forward with clarity and peace.

Q: How has your mindset shifted as you’ve worked on yourself and prioritised your well-being?

My mindset has shifted tremendously. One of the biggest changes has been the development of empathy and understanding. I’ve found that as I’ve worked on myself, I’ve become more compassionate, not just with others, but also with myself. I understand people on a deeper level now, and I’m much more patient with the process of life, including my own growth.

Prioritising my well-being has also helped me approach challenges differently. Instead of seeing obstacles as setbacks, I now view them as opportunities to learn and grow. This shift in perspective has helped me maintain a sense of peace, even when things don’t go as planned.

Q: What role has community or support systems played in your journey?

Community and support systems have been essential in my journey. When things got tough, having people around who understood, listened, and offered comfort made all the difference. Sometimes, it wasn’t about advice or solutions, but just knowing I wasn’t alone. The people in my life have helped me feel grounded, reminded me that I’m not carrying everything by myself, and gave me the space I needed to heal at my own pace.

Q: How do you think there’s a connection between physical and mental/emotional wellness, and how do you nurture it?

I believe physical and mental/emotional wellness are deeply connected. When I take care of my body, I notice a positive shift in my mind and emotions. Movement, whether it's through Pilates, yoga, or even just walking, helps me release tension and clear my head. It allows me to process emotions that might be trapped in my body, which is why physical activity is such a powerful tool for emotional wellness.

To nurture this connection, I prioritise activities that benefit both my body and mind. I practice mindfulness, whether that’s through deep breathing, meditation, or just being present in the moment during movement. I also listen to my body and honor what it needs, whether that's rest, movement, or something that brings me peace. When I focus on nurturing both my physical and emotional well-being, I create a balance that supports my overall health.

Q: Are there any wellness resources, books or podcasts, that have deeply impacted you and that you would recommend?

I don’t typically read wellness books, but one book that really impacted me was All About Love by Bell Hooks. It made me realise that I didn’t truly understand love, and it helped me unpack my own emotions and what love really means. I’m still in the process of defining what love means to me, but that book gave me a new perspective on how love plays a role in healing and personal growth.

I also don’t listen to traditional wellness podcasts, but I’d recommend The Receipts Podcast. It’s a sisterhood-based podcast, filled with real, raw conversations and a lot of girl talk. It’s kind of like sitting down with your closest friends and discussing life, and it’s definitely helped me connect with myself and others on a deeper level.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out on the healing and growth journey?

My advice would be to be patient and kind with yourself. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s okay to not have all the answers or to feel lost at times. The most important thing is to show up for yourself consistently, even when it feels difficult. Take it one step at a time, whether that's through journaling, movement, or simply taking a moment to breathe. It's all part of the process.

Also, surround yourself with people who support and understand your journey. Community is a powerful tool for healing. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether from a therapist, friends, or people who’ve gone through similar experiences. Remember: healing is not linear. There will be ups and downs, but they are all part of your growth.

Q: How do you find a balance between your daily life, staying committed to your wellness goals, fitness goals, building your company, spending time with your family, being a mom, and continuing your healing?

Finding balance is definitely a challenge, but I’ve learned to prioritise what’s important to me and create a routine that works for my life. First, I’ve realised that wellness isn’t just about physical health, but also mental and emotional well-being, so I try to integrate small moments of self-care throughout my day, whether it's taking a few minutes for deep breathing, stretching, or simply being present with my thoughts.

Fitness and wellness are essential parts of my routine, so I carve out time for movement, whether it’s Pilates, yoga, or just going for a walk. I don’t see it as a chore, but as a time to recharge and connect with myself.

Building my company is something I’m incredibly passionate about, so I make sure to set realistic goals and be intentional about how I allocate my time. I take things one day at a time and try not to overwhelm myself. I also make sure to delegate tasks when I can, so I’m not doing everything alone.

Spending quality time with my family, especially as a mom, is a top priority. I balance this by being present when I’m with them, putting away distractions and truly engaging in the moment. I also give myself permission to have boundaries when needed, to ensure I’m not neglecting my own well-being.

Overall, it’s about being flexible and adjusting when needed. Healing and growth are ongoing, so I remind myself that balance doesn’t always look perfect. It’s about doing what feels right for me and allowing myself grace when things don’t go as planned.

Q: What is one thing you wish everyone knew about healing and personal growth?

I wish everyone knew that healing and personal growth are deeply individual journeys. What healing looks like for you may not look the same for someone else, and that’s perfectly okay. Personal growth is about setting your own goals and honouring your unique path, regardless of how it might appear to others. It’s about understanding yourself and what you need, not about meeting someone else’s expectations. When you focus on your own growth, that’s when you truly begin to glow,because it’s authentic to you. Ultimately, it’s your journey, and only you can define what growth and healing mean for you.

Q: Looking back, is there anything you would’ve done differently in your journey?

Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything. I’ve learned that it’s okay to mess up along the way. The mistakes, the so-called ‘fuck-ups,’ are all part of the process. They’ve led me to a deeper understanding of myself, and those moments of failure often bring the most growth. It’s important to remember that healing and growth aren’t perfect, and it's totally okay to not have everything figured out. Each misstep is a step forward in understanding who you are and what you need. So, it’s all part of the journey, and it’s okay to fuck up.

Q: How do you celebrate your milestones, big or small, on your journey?

For me, celebrating my milestones is all about reflecting and truly acknowledging where I’ve come from. I don’t always make a big deal of it, but I take the time to recognise my growth. Gratitude is definitely part of it, but I also think it’s crucial to celebrate those milestones because they push me to the next level. If you don’t stop to acknowledge where you are, you can’t really see how far you’ve come or know what you’ve accomplished. I like to mark those moments for myself because it motivates me to keep going and level up.

Q: What does the future for your wellness journey look like and what are you most excited about?

The future of my wellness journey is full of growth and new opportunities. I’m excited about hosting more wellness sessions and expanding into corporate spaces, bringing wellness to more people. I’m also looking forward to growing Denty and Co while continuing to explore the healing potential of movement. I’m in the process of getting my Pilates certification, which is something I’m truly passionate about, and I can’t wait to integrate that into my offerings. On a personal level, one of my goals this year is to go on a spiritual retreat, to step away from the noise, reconnect with myself, and fully recharge. It’s all about continuing my journey of healing and growth while sharing that with others.