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Self-care takes on countless forms. It can be embodied through the stillness of watching the sunset, sweating it out in a hot yoga sesh, or cooking your favorite protein-packed meal with your partner at the end of a long workday. But with so many ways to experience wellness, why is it so hard to incorporate into our daily routines? For answers, I went straight to the source and asked my favorite female founders to share the wellness rituals they swear by.

Between juggling careers, families, and social lives, it can be challenging to put aside time to prioritize ourselves. But it feels so sweet when we can squeeze in those blissful moments of self-care. This is where the importance of a balanced lifestyle comes into play.

Featured image from our interview with Mari Llewellyn by Michelle Nash.

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Like many, I save countless wellness tips and vow to make positive changes, only to slip back into old habits. Through it all, I’ve come to understand the challenge of cutting through the noise to find practical, sustainable rituals that truly make a difference.

That’s why I went in search of game-changing, easy-to-apply founder wellness rituals. These habits and routines come from leaders who truly practice what they preach. Leaning into these simple yet effective wellness rituals can help pave a sustainable and intentional road to a healthier lifestyle and bring more moments of joy into your life.

Morning or Evening Walk

Walking, whether to clear your mind in the morning or to unwind in the evening, provides a precious opportunity for introspection, fresh air, and easy movement. It’s a simple yet effective ritual you can squeeze into your routine. Even 15 minutes does the trick! 

“Walking is one of my absolute non-negotiables. It’s not just movement—it’s a ritual that resets my mind, fuels creativity, and keeps my body balanced. I try to walk every day, whether it’s a long stroll through nature or just stepping outside between meetings. It’s such a simple but powerful way to support longevity and well-being.” – Tata Harper, founder of Tata Harper Skincare

“My morning walks make my day, and I look forward to them every morning! Nothing beats an AM walk to Pilates combo!” – Mary Ralph Lawson, co-founder of Daily Drills

“I take my dog for a walk every morning and get a coffee before starting my day. It’s peaceful and quiet, allowing me to have a moment to myself to breathe and move my body before the chaos of my busy work day!” – Ariana Ferwerda, co-founder of Halfdays 

“I started incorporating evening walks into my daily routine a few months ago. It’s such an easy way to get some fresh air and feel relaxed after a long day, especially when I can’t fit in a full workout.” – Kiley McKinnon, former Olympic skier and co-founder of Halfdays 

Spend Time in Nature

Sometimes, you just need to touch grass—literally. There’s something to be said about the grounding and serene qualities of the outdoors. Whether it’s enjoying your morning coffee on the front porch, taking a weekend hike, or simply leaning into the beauty of a big breath of fresh air, spending moments in nature can help you feel centered and rejuvenated. 

“One daily wellness ritual I cherish and can’t do without is spending time outdoors. Whether it’s a few minutes working in my garden or a post-work walk, I prioritize getting fresh air and connecting with nature to stay grounded amidst life’s busyness. Taking these moments for ourselves is crucial for maintaining balance throughout the day!” – Sophie Axelson, founder of Homebody Studios

“Recently, I got a new pup and he’s made me get outside with my bare feet in the grass first thing every morning! I love this little moment and am very thankful for summer sunshine!” – Mary Ralph Lawson, co-founder of Daily Drills

Stay Hydrated

Bottoms up, ladies. Hydration is key to maintaining overall health and well-being. Starting your morning with a glass of water and staying hydrated throughout the day can improve energy levels, aid digestion, and support radiant skin. (Exactly why my emotional support water bottle never leaves my side!)

“Simple, but always a big glass of water before I drink coffee. If you make it a habit, your body will adjust and you’ll wake up super thirsty, encouraging more hydration.” – Dale Stabler, co-founder of Sweats and the City and ORRO

“I can’t live without electrolytes! They give me energy and a mood boost amidst running my all-women’s gym, my family-owned farm, and being present with my family. (While helping reach my daily water goals.)” – Brook Voortman, founder of Salty Fitness Studio

Incorporate Daily Movement

Engaging in movement, be it a high-intensity workout, embracing the pilates shakes (IYKYK), or a leisurely bike ride, is essential for both physical fitness and mental clarity. Find a form of movement that brings you joy and make it a regular part of your routine.

“Movement! Whatever that may be—a long walk, a Lagree class at my studio, or a weight training session with a friend. I always aim to find a way to move my body in some capacity. It brings me the most joy!” – Kenzie Wesp, founder and owner of True Form Fitness

“I can’t live without mindful movement. Each day, I make it a point to engage in some form of physical activity, whether it’s Pilates, strength training, walking, yoga, cardio, or stretching, tailored to how my body feels and my schedule allows. This practice helps me maintain both physical well-being and mental clarity.” – Elena LaMadrid, founder of Studio Pilates

“At this stage in my life, strength is everything. I make sure to incorporate weight training into my routine to maintain muscle tone and resilience. And after an intense workout, my infrared sauna is my sanctuary—it helps with muscle recovery, detoxification, and overall relaxation.” – Tata Harper, founder of Tata Harper Skincare

“My favorite daily ritual is exercise, indulging in a combination of spin, barre3, stretching/foam rolling, and walking my dogs.” – Caitlin Walker, founder of Ride Culture and owner of barre3 Bellingham

Prioritize Self-Care

Prioritize self-care to recharge and rejuvenate. Taking time for intentional self-care practices—whether it’s a soothing skincare routine, a calming bath, or a few moments of deep breathing—is crucial for nurturing your mind, body, and soul.

“My most beloved daily wellness ritual is 20 minutes in the sauna. I am constantly on the go, and these 20 minutes are not only SO good for my body but center my mind and almost feel like a meditation. I’ve [also] made face rolling a staple part of my morning routine. It feels amazing, gets my blood flowing, and just shapes my face in a beautiful way.” – Mia Powers, Founder of Core Collective

“I gua sha my face and body every morning. It has made such a significant change in my overall wellness routine.” – Olivia Helleson, founder of Oli Rose 

“On weekends, I enjoy a bath with magnesium bath salts from Better You, followed by a luxurious facial massage using the Pistachio Face Mask. Sometimes, I add a few drops of the regenerating Pistachio Face Oil with Phytomelatonin, an advanced ingredient that helps restore skin vitality and boost hydration. I may also integrate a gua sha for extra results. Afterward, I apply my Rose Body Oil with Ximenynic Acid on damp skin using fast, draining massage techniques. I then cleanse with lukewarm water, tone, and finish with my nighttime duo: Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Serum and Hibiscus Night Cream.” – Irene Forte, founder of Irene Forte Skincare

“Nothing is more important for longevity than sleep. I prioritize going to bed early and creating a restful nighttime ritual because deep, quality sleep is the foundation of health, beauty, and energy.” – Tata Harper, founder of Tata Harper Skincare

Fuel Your Body 

Food is fuel. It’s as simple as that. Filling your body with nutritious, whole foods rich in essential nutrients and protein, can help sustain energy levels, support overall health, and promote a balanced lifestyle. Prioritize nourishing your body with wholesome meals and snacks.

“I always eat a protein-dense breakfast to start my day off strong. Eggs are nature’s multivitamin which is why I love to incorporate them into my daily breakfast—farm-to-table style fresh from my family farm!” – Brook Voortman, founder of Salty Fitness Studio 

“I never skip my supplements, and right now, I’m obsessed with Dr. Mark Hyman’s recommendations. Akkermansia for gut health and Urolithin A for cellular energy—these are some of the hottest supplements everyone should be taking for longevity. The right nutrition goes beyond what we eat; it’s about supporting the body at a cellular level, and that, combined with great sleep, is the key to aging beautifully.” – Tata Harper, founder of Tata Harper Skincare

“While it may not seem simple, healthy eating is worth prepping for. I love the ritual of eating dinner with my family and the opportunity to be creative apart from my work. I regularly grocery shop to decrease food waste and eat based on how I feel. Protein and veggies fill most of my plate while allowing for the occasional cookie. (Oatmeal raisin is my favorite!)” – Caitlin Walker, founder of Ride Culture and owner of barre3 Bellingham

Practice Discipline

When your motivation is at a low, it’s time to lean on discipline. Your planners, already-scheduled workouts, and meal-prepped lunches keep you on-task and productive. By allocating specific time slots for tasks and activities, you can create a sense of structure and purpose in your daily life.

“I’m a big fan of time blocking—it keeps me on track with my schedule and ensures I prioritize the right things in my daily life effectively.” – Olivia Helleson, founder of Oli Rose 

“I always try and follow these rules (every day of the week): going to sleep and waking up at the same time of day no matter what; no exercise right before bed; avoiding stimulants like coffee or foods high in sugar a few hours before bedtime; most importantly, avoiding phones, tablets and laptops, cutting out exposure to blue light, before bedtime.” – Irene Forte, founder of Irene Forte Skincare

Allow for Moments of Stillness and Reflection

Cultivating a strong mind-body connection through practices like meditation, mindfulness, or expressing gratitude can enhance your overall well-being. Taking these moments to center yourself, leaning into gratitude, and supporting a positive mindset can help bring peace and balance into your day-to-day. 

“An essential wellness ritual for me is listening to guided meditations or positive affirmations. Whether in the morning or evening, dedicating five to 10 minutes to this practice helps me stay centered and fosters a positive mindset, enhancing my overall sense of well-being.” – Elena LaMadrid, founder of Studio Pilates

“Starting the morning with meditation and a gratitude journal consistently sets a positive tone for my day by allowing me to center myself and cultivate gratitude from the outset.” – Sophie Axelson, founder of Homebody Studios

“Starting my morning with a heart of gratitude and thankfulness over my protein coffee—it just doesn’t get better than that!” – Kenzie Wesp, founder and owner of True Form Fitness

The Takeaway

Embracing a health-centered life shouldn’t feel like an unattainable goal. Use these simple rituals as inspiration to make wellness feel effortless and rewarding. By honoring your mind and body through attainable practices, you can make time for self-care every day. Here’s to prioritizing a more vibrant and balanced lifestyle together!