The world of wellness is not one-size-fits-all—here's how to discover the routine that's right for you.
I often get asked, “So how do you define wellness?” or “What does wellness mean to you?” To be honest, I don’t have one overarching answer because the reality is that wellness looks and feels different for everyone. For some, it means a hot bath and a thorough skincare routine with 15 different steps. For others, it’s practicing mindfulness and meditation on a daily basis or just feeling content and happy from a simple morning walk. Wellness is all of these things and extremely personal to each individual’s needs.
My wellness routine involves turning inward to acknowledge, listen to and honor what my body needs at a particular moment in time, and I encourage others to do the same to find what’s right for them. One day I might enjoy catching up with a friend over a glass of wine; other times my body will call for meditation or movement. Personal wellness is always evolving and changing. It’s important to acknowledge that what we found worked last year might look different today, especially in today’s day and age where the word “wellness” is trendy and a billion-dollar-industry kind of word. It’s important to remind ourselves that wellness is not something you can buy online or a magic pill. It’s a practice and something you need to actively participate in. Wellness isn’t going to show up unless you do—and when you do, you’ll find what works best for you.
Another question I’m often asked is, “What are you excited to see more of in the wellness world?” My answer goes straight back to the beginning. One of the main reasons (if not the reason) I founded The Agdal Method was because of my experience in over 10-plus years in the modeling industry of being misguided into believing that wellness had the same criteria for everyone. I was sent to the same gyms, classes, trainers, dermatologists, beauty salons, doctors, masseuses and dietitians as everyone else to reach a perceived singular goal of perfection, and even though at the time it might have “worked” on the outside, it didn’t feel right to me. Looking back now, I can acknowledge that I really didn’t feel “well”—at all.
As I began discovering what works for me, I realized that the lessons I learned could help others on their own personal wellness journeys. That’s why I founded and believe in The Agdal Method to hopefully be that champion to others today. I created the method and community to inspire and encourage you to discover what feels good for you. If I can help one person find the tools that work for them to honor the beautiful mind and body they were given, then I’ve done my job. So what I’m excited to see more of in the wellness world is fewer restrictions and one-size-fits-all solutions and more encouragement and support of individuality, as well as an understanding that wellness doesn’t come in one shape or form and that neither do we, which is the beauty of it all. I am here for that.
3 TIPS TO START YOUR WELLNESS JOURNEY
1.Create a happy morning routine. How you start your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day. Whatever makes you feel good in the AM, do it. I encourage you to try and leave your phone alone for 20 to 30 minutes. Hydrate with water (and lemon if you like). Maybe even play some nice, relaxing music—whatever puts you in the zone for that day.
2.Try journaling—even if it’s five minutes. You can write down things that you’re grateful for, things that you find frustrating or even just a thought you had. Writing things down can instantly make you feel less overwhelmed.
3. You’ve probably heard this before, but nothing changes if nothing changes. If you’re feeling an urge to adjust certain things in your life, try doing it—even if it makes you uncomfortable for a moment. I guarantee whatever it is, you will be surprised by what a difference it makes for just trying.
SNACKING ON
SkinnyDipped dark chocolate cocoa almonds
SIPPING ON
Water with lemon and fresh mint
SLEEPING ON
Slip silk pillowcase
Photography by: FROM TOP: PHOTO BY ANTOINE VERGLAS; STYLED BY JAMIE FRANKEL; PHOTO BY MAE MU/UNSPLASH
