Lisa is our in-house certified health coach and has been teaching yoga for over 10 years.
She’s extremely passionate about health and wellness, and how each unique individual can incorporate daily practices into their lives to live more fully. So, we thought it was the perfect time to sit down with her and chat about the importance of self-care.
Lisa is chatting with us about something close to all of our hearts—mental health. If we haven’t personally struggled with it, we almost certainly know someone who has.
Why do you think it’s so important to take care of yourself?
It is the most important job of all! The most effective way to take care of others and really contribute to life in the most positive and impactful way is to take care of yourself first. If we’re depleted, we have no capacity to contribute fully—and if we’re sick, we’re no good to anyone.
Where has this self-care movement really emerged from?
Awareness! The arrival of the internet has given us access to so much information about health and wellness. We read stories, see people living in ways that look appealing, and we naturally want a piece of that. At our fingertips, we can discover self-care strategies and alternative therapies that can radically change our lives. It’s very cool when you think about it—and really empowering.
We often talk about the negative impact social media has on mental health, but we shouldn’t ignore how it has also increased understanding and reduced stigma.
What one thing has had the biggest impact on your mental health?
Yoga. Discovering a yoga practice that I loved had the biggest impact on my mental and physical health. Before yoga, I didn't have the right tools to help myself—just lots of negative coping mechanisms like overeating, over-drinking and overthinking.
Initially, yoga helped me get out of my head and into my body. Physically, I became stronger and over time my mind followed. I could handle external stressors with more clarity and ease, and became far less reactive overall.
Do you believe what we eat impacts how we feel emotionally?
Yes and no. Eating junk food all the time can definitely lead to health issues and won’t support an energised body. But food has become so demonised—especially in the yoga and wellness world. We give it too much power.
It’s okay to eat the odd chocolate bar, enjoy a few beers or have that pizza if you really fancy it. Don’t feel guilty—enjoy it.
What foods make you feel your best?
Whole foods—foods that are minimally processed; home-cooked meals; food that doesn’t come in a package or hasn’t been made in a factory; balanced with the occasional indulgence.
I have a sweet tooth, so I try to bake my own treats like cake or cookies. At least then I know what’s in them and can add a nutritional element, like hemp seeds or CBD. Still a treat, but with a little extra boost for the body.
As a yoga teacher, how important is it to be in touch with our bodies, movement and breath?
An awareness of mind-body connection is essential for mental health. Even calling it “mental” health is misleading, as our minds and bodies are intertwined.
Our bodies are always communicating with us. When we perceive a threat, we feel it physically first—our minds process it after. Regularly connecting with our bodies and our breath is incredibly important for personal wellbeing.
How do you like to start and end your day? Do you practise any rituals?
I try to stay off tech for as long as possible—at least until I’ve had my first coffee. I always start with a big glass of water with a squirt of KURK. Then I move my body, even if it’s just a few simple yoga stretches.
In the evening, I step away from screens at least two hours before bed—otherwise I struggle to sleep. Most evenings, I make a herbal tea and read until my eyes feel heavy.
What is one thing you wish you could tell everyone?
I love this quote: “I stopped explaining myself when I realised that people only understand things from their level of perception.”
When this sank in, it created so much freedom in my thinking. It helps me practise compassion and take things less personally. We all come to the table with unique experiences, and we all have the right to our opinions.
If we focused more on our own wellbeing and less on trying to convince the world we’re right, we’d all enjoy life so much more—in the short time we have on this beautiful planet.
