Here at Indy Maven, we believe that self-care is so important, but let’s be real: It’s also one of the first things to fall by the wayside in times of stress, or when life demands pile up.
We wanted to see how some successful Indianapolis-area women find time to nourish themselves—and we are completely inspired by what they shared.
ALLISON ACKERT
ELDOA TRAINER AND OWNER OF PROVIDENCE FITNESS SOLUTIONS, LLC
PROVFS.COM, @INDY_ELDOA
What is one way you nourish yourself?
“As a wife and mom of four, I nourish myself by going for a long run while listening to an audiobook, preferably historical fiction. I try to do this at least every other day. Giving myself time to recharge helps me to better pour into my family and clients.”
Do you have a nourishing morning routine?
“I nourish myself through my morning routine by sleeping as late as absolutely possible! Life starts early every morning in the fitness training and therapy world, so every minute of sleep is a daily necessity.”
ASHLEY MARTIN
OWNER AND CHIEF COMMUNITY BUILDER OF CERULEAN CONSULTING GROUP
CERULEANCONSULTINGGROUP.COM, @CERULEANCONSULTING
What is one way you nourish yourself?
“I take a walk outside. I know it seems simple, but even if it’s just for 10-15 minutes, I’m intentional about using that time to express my gratitude for the sunshine that kisses my skin, the air that fills my lungs, and the body that’s able to navigate the terrain ahead. I use my outdoor walks as an opportunity to ground myself and nourish my mind, body, and soul.”
Do you have a nourishing morning routine?
“To have a calm and refreshed morning I actually start the night before. I keep a notepad by my bed to brain dump everything I have planned for the day ahead. After prioritizing my tasks (because you can never accomplish everything) I lay out my clothes and pre-pack lunch for my family. Doing this makes me feel organized and prepared as I start the day.”
ELLEN NEIERS
DIRECTOR OF PR AT PIVOT MARKETING
PIVOTMARKETING.COM, @PIVOTMARKETING
What is one way you nourish yourself?
“I set aside time for myself every week, even if it’s just blocking off a night after work. No matter how crazy my week gets, I like to have that time to do a mental reset. Sometimes I spend that time with friends and sometimes I curl up with my dog and watch a TV show. It really depends on what I need that week, but I know that I always have that time to just relax and unwind.”
Do you have a nourishing morning routine?
“I’m such a morning person and love having that time to get into the groove of things. Typically, I get up every morning around 5 a.m., take my dog out, and then get my cup of coffee and watch a movie. A little odd—but it’s become my own little ritual before work. Then I get ready for the day and head to work ready and refreshed.”
KAI JOHNSON
CO-OWNER OF THE KALM COLLECTIVE
KALMCOLLECTIVE.COM, @THEKALMCOLLECTIVE
Do you have a nourishing morning routine?
“I wake up an hour earlier than the rest of my family to get a good workout in. I started doing this at the beginning of the pandemic and I can see the difference in what this has done for my mental and physical wellbeing. I get my best ideas when running, so I make sure to stay active. And then after that, it’s a mad dash to get my girls off to school and get dressed and ready to tackle the day.”
KATHY PEDROTTI HAYS
FOUNDER AND OWNER OF PEDROTTI HAYS, INC.
PEDROTTIHAYS.COM, @PEDROTTIHAYS
What is one way you nourish yourself?
“Reading. It’s a real re-charge for me. I read a lot for work which is important and enjoyable, but I really nourish myself by reading light-hearted fiction.”
Do you have a nourishing morning routine?
“I read an article once about techniques that help you sleep, and one was to list in your mind three things you accomplished today, three things you want to accomplish tomorrow, and one memory that makes you truly happy. I do this most nights and then in the morning, I try to revisit the three things I want to accomplish for the day to calm myself and focus. I also make my bed first thing. As boring as it sounds, I know that I will accomplish at least one thing in the day if the rest of my list falls apart!”
KEIANNA RAE HARRISON-WILLIAMS
PRINCIPAL/LEAD DESIGNER, HER HOME DESIGN/HER HOME DESIGN BUILD LLC
HERHOMEDESIGN.COM, @HERHOMEDESIGN
What is one way you nourish yourself?
“Um, red wine? Ok, kidding obvs … I’m following a mostly keto diet.”
Do you have a nourishing morning routine?
“My morning routine is to wake up, pray, thank God, write a gratitude list, drink water, drink coffee, and then GO!”
LAURA GALIETTA
MARKETING EXECUTIVE AND INDY MAVEN BOARD MEMBER
What is one way you nourish yourself?
“Good sleep, clean food, exercise, and surrounding myself with people I love who lift me up.”
Do you have a nourishing morning routine?
“I love mornings and am just so much better in the a.m. than at night. Wake @ 5:30 a.m.; coffee, meditate, read inspirational quotes, watch sunrise, peloton, yoga.”
LAUREN SCHREGARDUS
VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS AT BAR COMMUNICATIONS
BARCOMMUNICATIONS.COM, @AULDLM
What is one way you nourish yourself?
“I think simply taking time for yourself is important. I recently started doing some dry needling and cupping and have always loved acupuncture too. These combined with my workouts are really a great release for me. Women so often forget that to continue to take care of others we need to take care of ourselves. So, ensure you do that first!”
Do you have a nourishing morning routine?
“I start my day (Monday-Friday) with a workout at 6 a.m. It’s early and I don’t always love it, but when I am done, showered, and ready to take on the day by 7:30 a.m., it’s an unbelievable feeling. I’m all about taking an hour for yourself whatever time of day, but for me mornings are best and leave me feeling calm and refreshed for the day ahead.”
MARCIA EPPICH-HARRIS
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF SOUTHBANK THEATRE COMPANY AND PLAYWRIGHT
SOUTHBANKTHEATRE.ORG, @SOUTHBANKTHEATREINDY
What is one way you nourish yourself?
“I find alone time extremely nourishing. I spend a lot of my time responding to the needs of others or responding to the needs of my company. I love being alone with my own thoughts and reading and writing. Sometimes I have to stay up late into the night to get that alone time, but it’s worth it.”
Do you have a nourishing morning routine?
“Haha! What is a calm and refreshed morning? I’m a total night owl, so mornings aren’t my favorite time of the day. However, I will say that I’ve recognized that being grumpy in the morning is a terrible way to start the day, and it doesn’t help my family get up and get going. So I tell myself on particularly tiring and stressful mornings, ‘Don’t take your mood out on anyone else.’ Repeating that mantra over and over helps remind me that I don’t have the right to ruin someone else’s day just because I’m tired. Usually, I can talk myself into a better mood, too, if I realize that I’ve acknowledged the feelings but actively avoided taking it out on others. It feels like a kindness.”
SHAUNT’E LEWIS
VISUAL ARTIST
SHAUNTELEWIS.COM, @SHAUNTELEWISART
What is one way you nourish yourself?
“Continuous learning, reading books and listening to podcasts. I love working out and monthly massages. Self-care is a top priority for me, especially as a wife and mom of four. I have many things on my plate so I must make sure that my mind and body are nourished first.”
Do you have a nourishing morning routine?
“I wish I was, but I am not a morning person. When I wake up I have to lay in bed for at least 30 minutes before getting out of bed. My morning routine is pretty busy getting all the kids off to school, so my kid-free morning starts around 10 a.m. That is when I start my workout if I don’t have any work meetings. After that, I work until the kids get home, and then sometimes work again in the evenings. My schedule is pretty unorganized, but it works for me!”
Stephanie Groves is the Executive Editor of Indy Maven and she looks forward to her evening face washing for four minutes of tranquility.
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