Need some self-care inspiration? Then continue reading this article. We’re privileged to peek into the rituals of the beautiful and brilliant Jacqueline Lauren Yates. Get inspired.

Tell us a bit about yourself. Where do you live? Where are you from? And what are you creating? 

My name is Jacqueline Laurean Yates and I’m based in northern New Jersey and have worked in New York City for the past decade. I’m a busy journalist by day reporting on everything from fashion and beauty to shopping trends and wellness. I’m also a certified yoga instructor and all-around wellness enthusiast. Whether I’m creating digital content for my day job or coming up with a new flow for an upcoming class, my aim is to inspire, encourage and motivate others to explore the most unique aspects of themselves while also activating the most optimal versions of their being.

Share with us some of the self-care rituals you practice

Daily 

I try to practice daily gratitude from the moment I wake up. I use a journal to write down three things I’m grateful for or if it’s a busy morning I’ll quickly say those things to myself in my head before getting out of bed. This really helps to set the tone of the day and remind me of what’s “going good” in my life. I also have a vision board directly in front of my bed, so it’s something I make sure to look at every day when I wake up.

I use this as motivation for where I desire to be in life and what’s possible if I keep a steady focus. Then, I usually try to be active in some sort of way whether that’s doing a few yoga sun salutations or getting in good HITT-style sweat with my husband. If I don’t have time for either, I at least take a few moments to stretch to get a little good blood flow going. This really helps stimulate and move energy throughout my body.

I also pray every day with an intention on how I’d like to manifest for my day to go. Alternatively, there are days when I hop online to start working around 6 a.m.– not because I’m forced to, but if I’m working on an important story, I desire the uninterrupted time to concentrate and storytell with focused intention. This is also a form of self-care in that it gives me the opportunity to work with a sense of ease and allow the rest of my day to align in a less stressed anxiety-filled way — because the truth is…news never stops and you never know what you might have to stop, drop and work on.

My work week can be very unpredictable. In the evenings, I try to take relaxing baths a few nights a week to really decompress and allow my mind, body and soul to rejuvenate. I love adding bath salts, essential oils, candles and everything from meditative singing bowls to trap music– it really depends on my mood, ha! Podcasts and audiobooks are my jam as well. I usually listen to one or two daily to keep me inspired. 

Weekly

I love to play dress-up at home (even if there’s nowhere to go), give myself spa days and dig deep into whatever skincare routine I’m currently on, look at makeup how-to tutorials, get either a mani/pedi, go to the hair salon, schedule a hot yoga class, have a date night and weekend brunch. These are all things that genuinely fill my cup up and allow me to feel like my best self. It’s important to fill your cup up so you can pour into others from a state of overflow. Exploring my personal style, keep a continual curiosity about beauty in all its different forms, and mindfully moving my body contribute to all the different forms of self-care for me.

Monthly 

I try to sneak in monthly massages as its one of my favorite services ever to receive. It’s a little harder now with COVID-19, but when I can find ways to have it done safely, I do! Whether it’s reflexology or a full body massage, this service really gives me an opportunity to feel well balanced physically and mentally. It’s almost like I can feel trapped energy and blockages throughout my body being purposefully and evenly redistributed. I’ve also been opening up to monthly therapy sessions and I’m enjoying some of the learnings and emotional unlocks I’m experiencing through this.

Annually 

I schedule annual medical/dental appointments to keep up with my health, and I also enjoy travel at least once a year out of the country. Vacation allows me to relax and reset mentally.