Self-care is all about prioritising yourself and your happiness, and we’re so here for it!
Work hard, play hard, rest hard – it’s about maintaining that balance. And self-care is such an important part of it, whether it’s mental, emotional, physical or spiritual. No clue where to start? We chat with entrepreneurs, coaches and consultants about their go-to self-care routines, favourite places in Singapore for relaxation and rejuvenation, and any advice they have when it comes to health and well-being.
Real-life self-care tips and routines
1. Radhika Mayani, founder of Left-handesign
My favourite self-care routine:
The first thing I do is join my hands for a prayer saying sloka for waking up before heading to my yoga class. My husband and I enjoy a cup of coffee after class each day. I also carry a notebook for keeping a diary or to-do list. The morning routine keeps me active and more productive and energetic during the day.
My go-to spot in Singapore when I need to relax or recharge:
MacRitchie Reservoir, especially during sunset when the view is breathtaking with few people around. It has a serene atmosphere filled with lush forest scenery and the sound of birds and monkeys. It’s an absolute favourite to relax and recharge or meditate and live in the moment.
Self-care tips:
Besides being in nature, reading is the most effective form of therapy. Your memory and your senses will nourish your creativity. I ardently follow this habit every day. I also listen to podcasts.
2. Laura Yates, ambassador of joy at The Hummingbird Life and Secret Sunrise Singapore
My favourite self-care routine:
Nature is the heart of my self-care practice. I access it in two principal ways: creating peace and stillness by lying on the grass alone, focusing on my breath and the trees around me; and re-igniting my inner joy with authentic connection and music while dancing barefoot.
My go-to spot in Singapore when I need to relax or recharge:
The two large banyan trees at the top of Fort Canning Park. I could be there all day immersed in the magic of the trees and their wisdom.
Self-care tips:
Self-care is about being, not doing. Develop a level of self-awareness so you know what you need to replenish your energy and return to alignment. Don’t put yourself in a box. Don’t be defined by societal labels. We all need different things at different stages in our lives. Try new things and meet new people, even ones who push you out of your comfort zone. Something unexpected may be what opens your heart and sparks joy.
3. Priyanka Tiku Gupta, founder, certified performance coach and emotional well-being practitioner
My favourite self-care routine:
I practise heart-focus breathing, focusing on my heart and chest area. Self-tapping sessions also help me get to the root cause of stress – to disassociate with or change the perspective of the situation or emotion.
I journal all my thoughts, and I strike out all negative statements. This energetically signals to the universe that this belief is cancelled. I keep writing until it feels like it’s been shared. It also helps me analyse trends or patterns in my thoughts. Finally, I reach out for peer coaching or healing sessions and connect with mentors for their wisdom and guidance when needed.
My go-to spot in Singapore when I need to relax or recharge:
I love going for nature walks and exploring trails and hikes. There’s always something to be discovered. The joy of being present in nature fills my cup. I believe your inner reality reflects your outer reality. If I need a quick pick-me-up, I pamper myself with a wash and blow. I also love Japanese food, so I schedule lunches with my husband and my girlfriends once a month. My favourite places are PS.Cafe, Jypsy and Tatsu.
Self-care tips:
Self-care isn’t selfish. It allows us to maintain balance and continue functioning like a well-oiled machine. We can’t fill others if our cup is empty.
4. Amanda Lim, certified coach, trainer and nutritionist
My favourite self-care routine:
As a fitness and nutrition coach, my exercise and dietary self-care are sorted. But after decades of teaching classes in the sun, two pregnancy weight gains and losses, and the fact that I’m approaching 40, my skin is in need of serious TLC for laxity and pigmentation. Besides my beauty routine, I get monthly facials, a “preventative” level of botox and skin boosters, and take collagen supplements daily to restore my glow.
My go-to spot in Singapore when I need to relax or recharge:
I’m devoted to my facials at Cleanse & Trend, a small woman-owned spot near Plaza Singapura. Owner Louisa customises facials using traditional Chinese techniques and modern technology for incredibly effective results. I’m lucky to be married to an aesthetics doctor who does my injectables, and I love the natural skincare products from local brand Handmade Heroes.
Self-care tips:
Self-care isn’t selfish. There are things we do to stay well, which produce certain results that are worth addressing with self-care like rest and massage. These aren’t indulgences; they’re smart investments in a body that can stay well and injury-free in the future.
5. Swati Singh, founder and owner of Wellness with Swati
My favourite self-care routine:
Self-care is an integral part of my life. It’s my self-love time which I distribute in small chunks of time throughout the day where I connect with myself and disconnect with the external world. A short morning breathing routine sets me up for the day. It’s integral for my mental health and an anchor to ground me. A walk in nature also gives me immense energy to be the best version of myself. I leave my phone behind for no distractions.
Over the last three years, I’ve taken to reading books again. I’ve been enjoying this immensely; it helps me disconnect and get present. I’ve also been pursuing hobbies like water colouring and dancing. This is my way of tuning in and letting my inner child unveil itself. Do things that spark joy for you!
6. Biek Speijk, wardrobe curator and artist at Biekaleidoscope
My favourite self-care routine:
Since I became a mother, self-care routines have changed and time is limited. But my all-time favourite is to go into nature. I can easily implement this with my toddler. The Botanic Gardens, Butik Batok Nature Park, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the beach are my favourites. I also make sure that, during my toddler’s nap time, I don’t do any chores. That break in the day is my time for Netflix or reading a book.
Most importantly, my clothes represent how I feel (and hey, that’s also what my business is about). We need to make sure there’s no clutter that causes guilt or insecurity. The clothes in your wardrobe should be all the options you wear for different occasions in your life. When you align the day’s event with how you feel, you’ve already won. That’s the greatest gift of self-care – in my humble opinion!
7. Anju Cawthra, director of Seasoned Singapore Expat Women
My favourite self-care routine:
On weekdays, I start with a walk in nature, sometimes alone with music or conversing with my dear husband. I enjoy the lush greenery and sunshine. Once a week in the morning, I do outdoor yoga in the Botanic Gardens – it’s my best ‘reset button’ for the week!
My go-to spot in Singapore when I need to relax or recharge:
The roof garden of the National Gallery. It seems counterintuitive for someone who enjoys forest bathing and being in nature, but it’s a rich experience that makes me feel far from my day-to-day life. Despite being in the middle of a bustling city, there’s never anyone around and it’s quiet. Plus, it has amazing views of the surrounding civic buildings!
Self-care tips:
If I’m frustrated and don’t know what to do with myself, I go out for fresh air on a walk around the block. I grab my headphones, tongs, and a plastic bag, and spend half an hour collecting litter in my neighbourhood. It gets me ‘out of my head’ and makes me feel good about achieving something for my community instead of wasting time brooding indoors. It’s a double win!
8. Serene Seah-Ma, founder and director of Freia Aesthetics
My favourite self-care routine:
Self-care is all about inner well-being and what brings a smile to your face. The beauty industry has enlightened me to read between the lines of marketing hype and see the product or ingredients as they are. Having healthy, glowing skin is a confidence booster, and my evening skincare routine is the highlight of my day. The kids are asleep, work is done and I’m in my safe space.
With jazzy soothing music, I light a candle and start my self-care remedy with a deep cleansing ritual that melts my stresses away. My mental state immediately quietens. Next, I choose a mask that’s skin appropriate and leave it to work its magic as I take a warm shower or relax in bed reading a book. When the freshness of glowing, radiant skin greets me, I know I’ve ended the day in the best way.
My go-to spot in Singapore when I need to relax or recharge:
The Green Corridor. It’s scenic, serene and an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Taking a leisurely walk, soaking in the freshness of forest air, being with myself, and having the space to rest… it’s priceless. I do a simple skincare routine of Beauty Drops under sunscreen, wear my visor and head to rustic cafe 1932 for tea. Perfection.
Self-care tips:
Find delight in life’s simple pleasures. Slow down, listen to yourself and be honest. Having that authentic mental space and awareness is important. Between managing a team of 35, a household and two young kids, I often get lost in my purpose, running on an empty tank. Saying no, shutting my phone off during ballet class and enjoying a facial or massage are my ways to escape. In an industry where we thrive on taking care of others, self-care is a life-saver for my sanity.
9. Parul Bansal, CEO of Tides of Tea
My favourite self-care routine:
Self-care is a state of being, not a to-do list. I need to sprinkle moments of care throughout my day. Things like turning on the kettle, playing soothing songs, pouring a cup of tea, closing my eyes and sipping slowly. I write down ideas, thoughts and gratitudes that come to mind when I wake up and before I go to sleep. How I start and end my day changes my day.
When I feel really squished, I go to the beach or walk oceanside at places like Changi Beach Park to feel the energy of something so much bigger than me.
10. Christine Mount, founder and buyers agent at Luxe Coastal
My favourite self-care routine:
Health is wealth. Without health, there’s no wealth! I’m a high-energy person who has learnt to slow down, create space, and simply remember to breathe. My self-care routine is divided into two distinct categories: integration into daily life and structured time out.
Daily integrations need to be simple and consistent. For me, it’s “belly breathing” peppered throughout the day and walking in nature. It’s a simple daily routine – pick three times a day and breathe deeply five times. The benefits are endless – it regulates your autonomic nervous system, taking you from ‘flight or fight’ to encourage the body to relax.
In fast-paced Singapore, I always gravitate to walks in nature, whether it’s a coastal walk around Sentosa or amongst the massive rainforest trees at Mount Faber’s Southern Ridges Trail or MacRitchie Reserve. My favourite time-out experience? Having a massage in nature. My go-to is the luxury of the outdoors at So Spa in Sentosa.
11. Paula Kenneally, founder of UBU Swimwear
My favourite self-care routine:
When I need a time out or a reset, I go to the beach with my husband and our dog, Riley, for a picnic. The beach is usually quiet in the morning. Swimming, playing with Riley and having a simple breakfast all before the sun gets too hot and the beach gets busy… it’s the best way to start the weekend.
My go-to spot in Singapore when I need to relax or recharge:
Anything to do with water, walking and sports are my go-tos for recharging. My favourite places are the Botanic Gardens, where I walk Riley while listening to a good podcast, and Changi Sailing Club. We learnt to sail during Covid and it’s so peaceful and fulfilling. Having a beer and food afterwards, looking out at the water and boats, and watching the beautiful sunsets – you feel like you’re on holiday!
Self-care tips:
Because I work for myself at home, I know I need to exercise in some form every day. Some days, that’s walking the dog; other days, I do CrossFit or play tennis or football. I’m pretty good at working by myself and spending time on my own, but I also need to be around people, so I plan social dates. Plus, I keep hydrated and get decent sleep (it’s a work in progress on the sleep part!).
12. Prionka Ray, psychotherapist, counsellor and well-being consultant at Sequel Counselling & Consultancy
My favourite self-care routine:
I categorise what I do for self-care into three boxes: high energy, introspective and creative. High energy includes adrenaline-pumping activities like exercising and dancing. Nature walks and journaling belong to the introspective category. It’s just me and my thoughts. The Creative category sharpens my thinking and enhances my well-being. This includes creative writing, music, dancing, art, doodling and flower decoration. It’s where I experiment with new ways of thinking and find my flow.
My go-to spot in Singapore when I need to relax or recharge:
The Southern Ridges walk. It’s soothing and meditative – and the view is breathtaking. I feel at one with nature and I go to the food court at Queenstown afterwards for dumplings and an avocado milkshake. This is how the reward system works for my brain.
13. Stephanie Schueller, reiki practitioner at State of Reiki
My favourite self-care routine:
If you’re like me, you’re an entrepreneur, boss, accountant, wife, mother, homework tutor, cook, and nurse all in one person. Are you tired yet? I sure am! Our mental and physical health is so important for us to function in our active lives.
I practice reiki daily to release negative or stagnant energy to balance my body, mind and soul. During reiki, the body calms down to a meditative state ensuring that you can release any tension. Additionally, a walk in nature is where I escape when I need a break from everything. My most recent discovery is the new Rifle Range Nature Reserve. Yunomori Onsen and Spa is another great way to escape and transport myself to Japan.
14. Karin van Vliet, distributor of Super Synbiotics Singapore
My favourite self-care routine:
Self-care is something I struggle with, but this year I’m making it a priority. I go outside for a walk after lunch and this makes a difference to my mental health and stress levels. Whether I walk alone or with my partner, listen to a podcast or catch up with a friend, it’s 30 minutes of me-time. It gives me lots of energy for the rest of the afternoon.
Another habit I started this year? Getting to Happy cards. I select a card every Monday morning with a nice cup of coffee. The card is prominently placed on my desk so I see it every day. That helps me take action or reflect – whether it’s setting an intention, singing my heart out or letting something go.
My go-to spot in Singapore when I need to relax or recharge:
Anywhere in nature. I love going for a bike ride along East Coast or going to MacRitchie Reservoir, the Southern Ridges or Henderson Waves for a walk. It’s great to exercise, get sweaty and let go of any stress!
Self-care tips:
For me, it helps to keep it small and consistent. Choose one thing that’s important and start there rather than try to change 10 things at the same time.
15. Dana Wolf, feng shui and KonMari consultant at Anjia Living
My favourite self-care routine:
Going to the movies! Whether it’s an Oscar-winning movie or an unknown gem, I’m immediately drawn in by the stories and visuals, as if they’re transporting me to a different world. There’s something so special about going to the movies alone – I feel a rush of pure adrenaline shooting through me. After watching a really good film, it sticks with me for days. And no trip to the cinema is complete without a pre-planned delicious lunch. It’s where I can enjoy peace and quiet without interruption.
So, what’s your self-care routine for 2023? Psst: if you want to connect with other business owners, check out Launchpad, a networking platform that encourages connection, business support and community.
