BODY AND SOUL
After a seachange to Byron from Melbourne, launching a building and design company with her partner Josh Barker and welcoming their little boy Sunny in February this year, Elyse Knowles has learned a lot about stealing those rare moments of self-care.
The model and Klorane ambassador spoke to bodyandsoul.com.au about the wellness rituals she swears by, what makes her feel "calm and in control" and the little daily practices that keep her mental health in check.
What are the simple things you do for self-care and to look after your mental health?
I wake up and and go outside into the fresh air before I do anything else. My favourite mornings involve watching the sunrise and walking the dogs at the beach. I come home, make a hot chai and a big breaky ... and just try and be present.
Loads of walking and early nights are also very sacred to me. They always will be as they keep my mental health in check.
Why are these important to you?
I feel happiest when I've done the above things. I feel calm and in control.
Vitamin D, fresh air, natural light - these are the aspects of life that I saviour and absolutely honour. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world and I will never take the simple parts of life for granted. Simplicity is bliss.
Do you have any wellness rituals you swear by?
Taking a daily extra dose of Vitamin C has helped my immunity over the last few months. While I am breastfeeding, I'm trying to ingest as many nutrients as possible hoping that Sunny also reaps the benefits. Vitamin C keeps my vitality up and I feel great knowing I am defending my immune system with nature's best.
What’s the most extreme thing you’ve done in the name of health and wellness?
Well it doesn't feel extreme to me personally, but I don't drink coffee or drink much alcohol ... so in this sense, I feel as if I'm avoiding a few daily habits that while they're not terrible, there are better alternatives. Chai, smoothies and water for me!
What does a typical week of exercise look like to you? What’s your approach to fitness?
My weeks change a lot at the moment so there isn't much consistency. Sunny is at the stage where his naps are shorter as he's teething. This means my time is very much dedicated to him. Having said this, I'm loving my weight training in the backyard. I aim for 3 times a week as well as daily walks with the dogs and the pram.
How has your hair and beauty routine changed since becoming a mum?
It's changed a lot over the past 6 months. When we first brought Sunny home I would desperately crave a long, warm shower. Washing my hair became a luxury as Sunny was feeding so much day and night, my time was limited (still is!). I now cherish any time to pamper myself. When I have an extra 10 minutes, I use Klorane’s Nourishing Mask with Mango to look after my hair. It smells amazing, replenishes moisture and helps untangle those nasty knots!
What is your ultimate beauty or haircare hack to save time and energy?
Dry Shampoo is a game changer in my world! Freshening up your hair can make you feel like a new human. My personal time is heavily reduced these days with little Sunny being my number one, so I lean on Klorane’s Dry Shampoo for a "feel good me moment".
FULL ARTICLE HERE https://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/mind-body/elyse-knowles-on-the-selfcare-rituals-that-are-very-sacred-to-her/news-story/886de6095aca2c72ff6b0c57fa508fbf