What wellness looks like (for me)
I often hear people say that achieving wellness requires a lot of money—and in some cases, that’s absolutely true. Wellness has become a multi-billion–dollar industry, filled with luxury supplements, boutique fitness classes, and aesthetic rituals that are often more about branding than well-being. It’s easy to feel like staying “well” demands a constant stream of expensive purchases. And while I do believe that investing in your well-being is one of the wisest things you can do, I also believe real wellness is rooted in accessibility. In my experience, it’s the simple, consistent, at-home practices—the ones that cost little but ask for your presence—that make the most difference.
Before I dive into the rituals and routines that help me feel grounded, I want to acknowledge that I am incredibly lucky. I’ve had an easy pregnancy. I didn’t experience hyperemesis gravidarum, and nausea was barely on my radar. I haven’t had gestational diabetes, and there’s been no sign of preeclampsia so far. I’ve also benefited from excellent, largely free healthcare.
I did choose to pay around €800 at a private clinic for a pregnancy package, which included all my appointments, blood work, monthly ultrasounds, and the NIPT (which accounted for the biggest chunk of that cost). However, most of it could have been done for free or close to free with public insurance. My state insurance even reimbursed part of it. When I visited the emergency room twice—once for pain and once for bleeding—and stayed overnight at the hospital, I only paid a couple of euros. The birth itself will be free. Optional paid upgrades include things like private rooms.
I believe happiness is a byproduct of balance
To me, happiness isn’t a goal in and of itself. It’s the natural outcome of a well-regulated body and mind. When your hormonal and nervous systems are at peace—not in constant conflict—everything else flows more easily. So here’s what I actually do to stay “well,” without breaking the bank.
Magnesium in all Its forms
When I was around 20 weeks pregnant, I started experiencing intense lower back pain that wrapped around my belly. It got so bad I couldn’t sleep—I even wondered for a moment if I was going into preterm labor. A trip to the emergency room brought relief in the form of a simple prescription: magnesium.
Magnesium is essential—it’s a cofactor in over 300 enzymatic systems that help regulate muscle and nerve function, blood pressure, blood glucose, and more. It also plays a key role in balancing neurotransmitters like serotonin, which influence mood and stress levels. Now, I incorporate magnesium into my life in every form I can think of. I take magnesium pills, soak in Epsom salt baths (half a kilo per bath), and use magnesium oil spray on my belly. Yes, it’s itchy—but it works.
I also believe in the healing (physical) and cleansing (energetic) powers of salt, especially Epsom. It’s my go-to for grounding and recovery.
Conscious rest
Reading is my version of conscious rest. It’s active enough to engage me, but restful enough to restore me. It quiets the outside world without shutting it off entirely.
Daily walks
My daily walks aren’t long, impressive treks. Sometimes they’re just slow loops around the block. Sometimes I walk to the store for one thing I don’t really need. Other times, I linger under trees, touch leaves, or sit on a bench just to watch the world go by.
I don’t walk to burn calories or clear my inbox with voice notes. I walk to remind myself that I have a body, that the air is real, and that the sky has been there all along, even when I forget to look up. It’s my reset button. A soft ritual. A moving meditation that doesn’t require a yoga mat or silence—just shoes and a door to walk out of.
The key to a long, soul-filling walk? Scenery or a great podcast. Right now, I’m thrilled about two new preorders that just arrived: What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown and Bring the House Down by Charlotte Runcie.
Stretching and movement
If you had an active lifestyle before pregnancy, you can often keep it up—with modifications. Of course, always consult your doctor, especially if you’re dealing with complications like placenta previa, hematomas, or high blood pressure.
During my first trimester, I had a bleeding scare due to a hematoma and had to stop all exercise for a while. Once it resolved, I slowly returned to gentle movement. Daily stretching is now a non-negotiable part of my day.
Meditation
I’m not the most consistent meditator—but I know it works. Even a few deep, intentional breaths can recalibrate your entire system.
Modern life doesn’t always distinguish between being eaten by a wolf and receiving a stressful email. Our nervous systems react the same. Learning to pause, even briefly, is how I teach mine that I’m safe.
Morning pages
Writing is therapy. Morning pages—three pages of longhand, stream-of-consciousness writing—are a chance to meet yourself without judgment. They remind me that clarity comes from showing up, not from already having the answers.
Lymphatic drainage
I do dry brushing and gua sha for lymphatic support, and I always end the day with my legs up against the wall for ten minutes. It’s a simple practice that reduces swelling, aids circulation, and calms my nervous system.
I’ve been eyeing a lymphatic drainage suit (yes, the kind that looks like a giant inflatable sleeping bag). It might be overkill—but then again, maybe it’ll be Fredrik’s Christmas present. Two birds, one gift.
None of these practices are revolutionary. Most are inexpensive or free. But together, they form the foundation of how I take care of myself—especially now, in this season of transformation. Wellness doesn’t need to be aspirational. It just needs to be yours.
