WHAT WE FOUND

Emma Halldén embodies bikram yoga, and has been teaching Bikram Yoga for 6 years. Taking her first bikram class 11 years ago - she immediatly fell in love with the practice. She terminated her gym card and went all in on her new found love - that quickly turned into her profession as well. This fall she took on the the challenge to do 100 days of bikram, currently on day 80. Wow! For Soothe, Emma shares a glimpse of her physical, mental and spiritual routines; SELF CARE A walk to the studio, a 90 minute Bikramyogaclass, and time for a conversation with my colleagues and fellow teachers at the studio after class. There is almost nothing that beats the energy this feeds me. YOGA WEAR High waisted tights or shorts. Preferably both the top and bottoms in black to hide the uneven sweat stains in the begining of class. BEAUTY Let's ___MOISTURIZE! Since I usually shower three times a day (maybe I teach two classes, then practice myself) I've become extremly aware of what products really moisturize my skin. So yeah, big on moisture, creams and lotions, not so big on makeup. ALWAYS IN YOUR GYMBAG Electrolytes! CHALLENGE Right now.. My own challenge of trying to complete 100 days of Bikramyoga in a row! I just completed day 80, so I'm getting close! PODCAST Omg, can't survive a Tuesday without Det Skaver podcast. Also, crazy about Normal Gossip, it always makes me laugh. BOOK Currently reading the Bikramyoga dialouge to brush up on my teaching. MANTRA Just breath. FAVOURITE QUOTE If you can be anything in this world, be kind. CRASH COURSE BIKRAM; BIKRAM Bikramyoga is based on Hathayoga. A bikramyoga class is always 90 minutes, in 40°c, two breathing exercises and 26 postures. There is no music, the teacher does not demonstrate. It's just you, on your mat, focusing on yourself in the mirror. You listen, and move, listen and move. ASANAS (series of poses) The standing series is around 50 minutes, and the floor series around 40 minutes. We start class with a breathing exercise to warm up your body from the inside out. Then we do a warm up. Then there is a water break and some more challenging balancing standing poses. When we go to the floor series, we always start with a 2 minute savasana. We always joke about the floor series being 'the real yoga', but really that's where a lot of the magic happens. Everyposture prepares you for the next, that's whats amazing about the Bikramseries. We always finish class with a breathing exercise that cools down the body from the inside out. And then the final and most impostant Savasana. EQUIPMENT Just your mat, a towel, and a water bottle. That's it. ADVICE FOR FIRST TIMERS Just do it. It's fun, it's just yoga. When you come your very first time, your goal is to stay in the room for the full 90 minutes, everything else is a bonus. WANT TO TRY? The studio is located in central Stockholm. You don't need to book anything before taking a class, we don't even have a booking system - there is always space for you. If it's your first time at the studio, show up on time, talk to the teacher at the check in, ask all the questions you got, get changed and ready without stressing. After your first class nothing will ever be the same. Bikram Yoga City, Olof Palmes Gata 11, Stockholm. BY: ELIN TRANBERG

Nicole (@nicclarkemitchell) and Sascha (@saschaolive) are the highly accomplished instructors, former ballerinas, TEDx speakers, recognized movement specialists, pilates lovers and besties from Australia that recognized the need for an inclusive fitness community online and decided to make their vision a reality. In April of 2022 they launched House of Sculpt - an online based platform for at-home pilates classes, and have since then built a huge community through their unique approach to fitness. In this exclusive conversation, we delve into their passion for pilates, the highs and lows of their career, their view on wellness and body image and the dreams they have for the future. Get ready to explore the stories behind their impactful venture to reshape the fitness industry and at the end of the article you will find a super rare and exclusive offer if you too would like to join their community. I have and trust me - there is none like it! BY: ALVA POLETTI We would love to know more about your background. What did you do before you decided to start House of Sculpt? Nicole: I’ve been a registered Classical Ballet teacher for almost 15 years. I still teach a lot of Classical Ballet although Pilates has been a huge part of my training as a dancer. Pilates has supported me through all my era’s and I do not see it going anywhere! Sascha: Before HOUSE OF SCULPT, I was studying Neuroscience and Psychology, and teaching Classical Ballet on the side. Although Pilates has always been a pivotal part of my training as a dancer and has been my main form of exercise in adulthood. Source: Kaitlyn Bosnjak (@justfilm_) for House of Sculpt (@thehouseofsculpt) In your words - what is House of Sculpt? Nicole: An opportunity to connect and grow. A place to challenge ourselves, break down our mental limitations and try new things. Sascha: A community of like-minded people who value authenticity, connection, challenge and mastery. A place to have fun and feel good! How did you come up with the concept for House of Sculpt? We created something that we felt was missing. There was so much toxicity in the industry and we couldn’t find classes that felt equal parts fun and challenging whilst also shifting the focus away from appearance. Starting a business is no walk in the park. What are some unforeseen challenges that you have had to face when becoming self-employed? Nicole: There is so much sacrifice.. time, energy, headspace, money, sanity! But it is absolutely worth it. The learnings and the lessons outway the bad every single time.  As I grow, our business grows. I never feel held back by a ‘job’ title or position because I can be of service to my community in any way they need. Sascha: As someone who was used to so much structure from school and academia, I definitely struggled with the lack of formal routine when you run your own business. It really is all up to you! But there is a beauty in that too – you can formulate your week however you wish. It is also incredibly challenging to wear all the hats in the business. Nic and I not only teach Pilates, but are also video editors, marketers, lawyers, administrators.. the list goes on! What is your vision for House of Sculpt? Nicole: To allow people to reframe what exercise means to them. To enable people to see challenge as an opportunity to grow and movement as a means to empower themselves. Sascha: To change how people feel about themselves and exercise. To show people that movement is a privilege and a tool to enhance their life. Source: Harry Studios (@rightleftstudios) for House of Sculpt (@thehouseofsculpt) What is the best and worst thing about your job? Nicole: Worst: Waking up at 4:30am? Best: Reminding people that movement is there to be enjoyed. Simple but powerful. Sascha: Worst: Definitely the early wake ups. Best: Making people feel good everyday! How do your teaching/instructor styles vary from each other? Is there a good and bad cop? Nicole: My style changes as I change. I feel I am a bit of a sh*t talker but also have an extremely technical eye and an uplifting energy. I want people to feel comfortable enough to get out of their head and into their body, comfortable enough to explore the idea that it’s in the hard things, the challenges, the moments during that bloody side plank where you really want to give up, that progress and change happens. Sascha: I would describe my style as high-energy, detail-oriented and motivating. All my classes are dynamic and follow a seamless, creative flow so that people feel challenged and rewarded. Nicole and I have quite a similar class style but it is through our personality and different energies that we can uniquely motivate or connect with our community. We have talked about your career journey, now let’s talk about your personal and wellness journey. How has that looked like for you? Have you had any mental or physical health struggles in the past that you feel like sharing? What did you do to feel better/get where you are today? Nicole: I am sure I can talk for many women when I say my relationship with my body and what it represents has been an interesting journey since I was young. I have a completely different headspace now to when I was younger but the journey is in no way linear. It’s taken a lot of work, self reflection, pushing back against my beliefs and questioning everything. The industry has conditioned us to be obsessed with the way that we look and shown us that our value is in our appearance, but when I really sit with that, it’s so-bloody-boring. This obsession with self and appearance only distracts us from true joy, fulfillment and connection. Life is so much bigger and more beautiful than a few kgs here or there. I owe a lot of my recent growth to my meditation practice, a supportive, like-minded community (HOUSE OF SCULPT) and I am constantly reading and listening to content that challenges harmful wellness ideals. Sascha: I used to struggle with my body-image and only saw my worth through what I looked like. I felt I needed to be ‘perfect’ all the time and would implement that perfection through exercise and diet. When I felt that I deviated from that perfection (e.g, miss a day of training or didn’t stick to my diet), I would sabotage and go the other way. This kind of ‘all or nothing’ thinking was really damaging to my mental and physical health. It all started to change when I began falling in love with Pilates as a way to feel good, rather than a means to alter my appearance. When you value movement for how it makes you feel and for its positive effects in other aspects of your life, it reframes how you value yourself. Out of all the forms of exercise, what made you fall in love with pilates? Nicole: It’s precise, beautiful, supportive and somewhat limitless. Sascha: It is technical yet freeing, challenging yet beautiful and serves you for every life chapter. What does a perfect morning routine look like to you? Nicole: Slow, steady. Even on my earliest days I leave time to be slow. Meditate, coffee and a cuddle – non negotiables. Sascha: Watching the sunrise over the water and indulging in some feel-good movement! What does SOOTHE mean to you? Nicole: It means being realistic and kind to myself. It means prioritizing the things I know are best for me and feeling enough peace and space within myself to be able to share and provide that for others. Sascha: SOOTHE means to show myself love and protect my peace so that I can be the best version of myself. When I am my best self, I am able to show up wholeheartedly for my loved ones and give back to my community. If you are not following your own classes what do you like to do to workout? Nicole: Yoga, running and we have a great PT that we do together which is so fun! Sascha: Yoga, dance and the personal training I do with Nic! What mantra do you tell yourself in the mirror on the days you feel unmotivated to show up for yourself - mentally and physically? Nicole: I ask myself how am I going to feel after I do ‘the thing’. Usually amazing… so I just need a lil’ kick in the bum. Sascha: My friend told me that whenever I struggle with self-care or doing important tasks I should tell myself “I am doing this because I love myself”, and it turns out it really works! If you had to pick a favorite class out of all of your classes which one would you choose and why? Nicole: Oblique obsession 4. It’s the perfect mix of length, strength, creativity and control. I felt really good filming this class and I feel even better doing it. It’s my current go-to. Sascha: Rotate & Radiate 1. This class is my all-time faveeee class. It incorporates lots of yummy rotation, is incredibly challenging and feels oh-so-good! As if taking time out of their bussy day to let us pick their brains wasn't kind enough, Nicole and Sascha are offering all our readers an exclusive membership discount. I highly encourage you to use the code 'SOOTHE' for 20% off your first month at House of Sculpt Online* and commit to making pilates part of your routine in 2024. *Discount is for new members only.

Gothenburg based stylist and DJ Christine Friberg fills her feed with a mix of travels, self-care, humorous astrology quotes and sexy looks. Here's her top 5 spots in Gothenburg right now (save for your next visit!); 1.Hagabadet (Spa and fitness) My home away from home- Hagabadet. This oasis placed in the charming old district of Haga is my everyday sanctuary. This is were I come for my yoga practice, but also to relax and enjoy the many variations of pools, saunas and treatments they offer. With a wide range of different yoga practices, very skilled and talented instructors, I would say this is the place to go for any style of yoga. Their gym is also equipped with the latest machines and has everything you need for a great workout.t. 2. Trädgårdsföreningen This lush and green city garden is the perfect place to get a little break from the city life. Escape into the tropical green gardens in the palm tree house and let the scent caress you. I love to come here to just read a book, meditate, eat lunch or just walk around. 3. JOS No matter if you’re looking for the best smoothies, bowls or salads, Jos is definitely the place to go. Enjoy your lunch in their fresh and airy environment or bring it with you to the next place on my list. 4. Senso Lounge When I need some pampering I head over to my favorite salon - Senso lounge. Get your hair done by their very skilled hairdressers, a hot stone massage or even reiki healing and cranio sacral treatment. 5. Vackra Liv Situated in my favorite part of Gothenburg, Majorna. You’ll find this sweet little yoga studio and show room of Vackra liv. Not only can you find the brands whole amazing collection of yoga wear and mats, with the best grip and the most beautiful designs, but you can also participate in different yoga classes as well as sound healing, breathwork and get treatments such as massage and so on. See you in GBG! <3

In a world of main characters, few are the protagonists who know how to play right the secondary roles BY ESTEBAN G VILLANUEVA Society has imprinted in us the concept of being the main character. Especially in modern times, the propaganda around honing one’s main character energy is as powerful as ever. After all, who doesn’t want to be the hero of the story? Regardless, what society has failed to showcase is the magic, allure, importance and relevance of secondary characters. And here’s the thing, while we all are main characters in our own stories, we’re secondary characters in hundreds, if not thousands, of other’s tales. Now, as for secondary characters, being (a good) one is harder than one thinks; even when we’re constantly surrounded by proper examples of elite secondary character behavior. We all know them — an aunt or uncle, who saved us from family matters and thought us alternate ways to live; an unknowing mentor, who guided us and showed us the ropes of our trade; a friend, who consoled us when a broken heart shot us down; a neighbor, who held the door open when we were carrying in too many things; a coworker, who saved us a chair in the morning meeting; a random stranger, who did a random act that changed for good the course of a random day. And you see, that’s the difference between being good secondary characters and just being bystanders in other’s stories. When we look back at heroic, iconic, and legendary main character storylines, most (if not every time) we’ll find that the end result was possible thanks to a small, yet pivotal, interaction, action, or “help” from someone, perhaps random, in the main character’s story. A small gesture, a casual comment, a quick errand created a whole new storyline where the happy ending was possible. Some might call it the Butterfly Effect, others might call it destiny, some might call it fate, but either way, it was changed due to a small act, played by a small character, in a secondary role. As for the act itself, much like moral, the nature or intention of the act is relative and in most scenarios has no ulterior, grander, or bigger motive behind the natural course of action one would naturally take. If something were to be done with ill intention or knowing that it will facilitate the main character’s quest we’re entering villain and fairy godmother character territory — a tale for another time. For secondary characters' sake, the essence of the act and decision to do whatever action is meant to be made is partially related to the short impact or relevance in the secondary character’s life the action itself has. Holding the door open, catching the dog who broke loose from their leash, hailing a cab for that person who has no free hands. Very much Christmas movie meet-cute moment — but without the developing storyline after. These are characters that we might only see once and never again, characters that are only around for seasonal happenings, characters that will be revisited only in very specific scenarios. No matter that, without them, the story would not be the same. Now, back to the main concept (ironically), if what one wishes is to be a good secondary character, there is only one thing one can do: care. Care enough to wait one second, and hold open the door; care enough to react, and catch the dog; care enough to stop walking, and hail the cab. What takes us one moment, one action, one nothing, might just be what the main character of another story needed to succeed.

Start by saying this out loud to yourself: My strength does not lie in the dumbbells, nor my endurance in the treadmill or my muscles in the leg press. The movement lives within me. I am power. I am resilience. I am determination. I take action. Now. Source: @emitaz Although we love to <3 the gym, it's important, as with everything else, not to become too dependent on it. First of all, if there is something the pandemic in 2020 taught us, it is that everything can be taken away in a second and the more we have practiced adapting to new circumstances, the less resistance we will experience when it becomes necessary. Second of all, the number of people who blame their sedentary lifestyle on not "having the time to go to the gym" or exercise being to expensive, is scaaary. Lastly, life happens and sometimes making it to the gym might seem or actually BE impossible (yes- having an unlimited supply of energy and enough time to workout in the gym daily is a privilege. Earning enough money to buy food and cover your rent is equally as important as moving your body and must sometimes be prioritized). When such situations appear, try to remind yourself of the mantra above. Then you can check out these workout channels on YouTube for a quick at home burn! SOOTHE APPROVED YOUTUBE WORKOUTS Pamela Reif Her channel is great if you are in a rush and want a quick but effective workout (10-20 mins). Most of her workouts are around are high intensity but she also have a few lower intensity options as well. Move With Nicole I you want to try pilates this is a chanel for you! Her workouts are low intesity but high impac. She is a great teacher and her videos are so aestetically made. Love to feel the slooooow burn! Growingannanas Anna Engelschall is one of the biggest fitness youtubers out there and after trying one of her workouts you will understand why. She focuses mostly on full body, no equipment and high intesity workouts that are around 30-60 minutes, but she does also have some great dumbbell workouts. If you feel like comitting she has a great assortment of "30-day-challanges". Madfit As a former dancer and lic. personal trainer Madeleine's channel is the go-to channel for stretching and lower intesity workouts that will make your muscles burn. Her videos are around 10-30 minutes. I highly recommend her dance workout routines if you are in need of a mood boost! Travis Elliot This guy made me fall in love with yoga through his youtube channel and having been to yoga retreats all over the world without understanding the hype - that says alot. His sessions are 1-2 hours long but his focus on breathwork makes the time fly by. It is as much of a spriritual experience as it is a physical one but don't let that fool you - the sessions are hard core and you will sweat! Yoga With Adrienne This is the best channel to end this list with since doing yoga together with Adrienne is like watching a feel-good movie while drinking a cup of hot chocolate. Although some of her workouts are tough you will find yourself smiling all the way through and leaving the mat feeling warm and grounded.

For someone who essentially writes and talks for a living, this article took a worrying amount of time to write. BY ESTEBAN G VILLANUEVA Like every creator, I like to think I have a particular creative process that I unconsciously follow before my creations — these be concepts, words or articles — come to life. The way I see it, I set myself a mental goal, a certain idea or an article I must complete. Then, I let it simmer in the back of my mind. Sometimes it's minutes, sometimes it’s days, sometimes it's even weeks, just simmering in the back of my mental universe. Then, when I least expect it, bits and pieces of the articles come into my mind. Sometimes it’s a word, sometimes a sentence, in the good cases, a whole paragraph. This is perhaps where I should take a pause and write whatever I just thought about down somewhere, at least a voice note, but a dear friend once said, “if I can’t remember it later, it wasn’t good enough”, so I let it be. On the fortunate days, I’ll be able to complete my mental tasks within a work’s schedule, on others, like today, it’s way past the middle of the night and like a sand clock losing grains, I’m challenging Morpheus by burning the last of the midnight oil as I write these exact words. But what can I say? It’s one of those days. Now, onto the piece itself. As I was briefed, this is an introductory piece. A presentation, a welcome into my space within this marvelous universe that is Soothe. Sounds easy, right? Well, in my experience, introductions are some of the hardest texts to write. For most of you, this is the first time you’re reading me — thus, my only chance to make a good first impression. Do I go the professional way? Where I dazzle you by flaunting the merits of my career? After all, I am the Nordic Beauty Director for Spalt PR, one of the biggest and most prestigious communications bureaus in Scandinavia, and I am the former Beauty Editor of Vogue Scandinavia – as well as the first ever male beauty editor in Vogue history. Pretty cool, right? I could even mention how before that I was Head of Research and Strategy for a Communications Bureau in America and Brand Manager and Digital Coordinator for New Balance in Central America. Just a couple things in my resume. Or perhaps, I go the more personal way? Maybe here I might have a chance of making you laugh or relate with my story? You know, that cliché one where at the end of the day I’m just a latin boy who dreamed of fancy magazines, big corporate offices, moving abroad, starting a new life and finding what makes him happy. The story where I give a slight innuendo, but fail to confirm, that perhaps at this very moment there's a certain someone no one has heard about before in my bed waiting for me to go back to sleep — but I obviously refuse, as this exact time (1.35am, not time of publication) was when genius struck and I just had to write down the words that came to mind. To be honest, I can think of two or three more ways I could go, but I won't. At this point, it’s late, this article should’ve gone live a week ago and I’ve decided to tell you the first, true and most personal story. The one my friends get, the one that Carrie would write to her “dear readers” from her apartment in Manhattan and the one that perhaps, maybe someday, my grandkids will tell to their friends. My name is Esteban and there’s one thing — and one thing only — I’m good at, beauty. On a technical level, I’m a beauty editor. I spend my days writing articles, press releases, communications strategies and organizing the occasional beauty event here and there. Beauty is the one thing I understand, I love and I’m good at. You could say my job is literally just beauty ( and also bad dad jokes, but you’ll experience that later). On a personal level, I can confirm beauty is who I am and the mere reason I live. Dramatic, right? But true. For me, beauty is a tangible thing, a being that sits with us at the table, someone with thoughts, opinions, things to say — one only must make sure to listen. I want to be that person who listens. When I was younger, perhaps a bit too young, I promised myself I’d become a Vogue editor. At the time, I had to clue even how magazines worked nor what type of editor I’d be — but I knew I wanted to be one. Years passed, and by what can only be explained as manifestation, hard work and divine help, I ended up becoming said Vogue editor — a beauty editor. But reality was that within my life, beauty wasn’t something I necessarily planned, besides my love for it, it had just always found its way to me. I’d never seek for her, but she was always there. In retrospect, she was really always there. From middle school to college, to my first job to my dream job, she was always there, somehow supporting me, keeping me company, validating me and somewhat protecting me. Always there — and when I realized that was when I vowed my life to her cause. This is where I might lose some of you, where you let the thoughts of “he’s crazy”, “what’s wrong with him?” and, “weirdo” comes into play and clouds your mind — but to be fair, I am crazy, there’s a lot of things wrong with me and I am arguably weird, but I also know I’m right, I love beauty and I exist to make sure everyone can feel loved by it too. And (dad pun incoming), that’s the beauty of it. Beauty loves everyone. Beauty is that red lipstick you put on when you’re feeling nervous or in need of an emotional pep talk, beauty is the scent that brings you home into the arms of that one person you call safe space, beauty is the eyeliner you draw on to hide how you really feel from those unworthy of your emotions and beauty is the connection between two drunk girls in the bathroom in the middle of the party sharing makeup tips. You know, your long-lost bestie, the one you’d hide a body for but probably will never see again (queue the laughs). Beauty is knowing you can just be pretty, no matter what others, or society, think pretty is. As long as you feel pretty, you are pretty. Now, I’m aware this has gotten way too long and I might be way too deep in my Bradshaw fantasy, so I’ll just say one more thing: welcome. Welcome to a modern temple for all things beauty. Welcome to a safe space where everyone is pretty and the society’s rules are meant to be challenged, bent and broken. Welcome to a place where beauty is a thing and a being, not just a standard. Dear reader, welcome to my island, please make yourself at home.

December comes with mixed emotions for many of us. It's "the most wonderful" time of the year - but at the same time filled with expectations on how things should be, and should feel. It's a challenge being human, navigating through the holiday seasons - trying to stay grounded and focused while keeping up with everything going around outside of us. Here's 20 gentle reminders of things you can gift youself - to be more present and remember what truly matters. 1.Catch the daylight Even if it's just for a few minutes! 2.Try a new, warming breakfast Here's a suggestion from Soothe editor Alva. 3.Go to breathwork 4.Create your meditative space at home 5.Explore home scents Awake your senses with a calming incense or candle. 6.Practice gratiturde Listen to a gratitude meditation and take some time to think of what you appreciate in life. 7.Call a relative 8.Create a 2024 vision board Manifest all your dreams, visons and goals for the new year - and feel the excitement and motivation to get to work. 9.Sauna / IR-sauna / A warm shower Warming up from the inside is so soothing on cold days. 10.Set an intention for your holidays A clear intention can help you stay focused on what really matters - for YOU. 11.Explore your human design chart If you haven't already - expolore your human design chart, and get a deeper understanding of yourself. 12.Reflect on 2023 Take some time an refelct on your past year. What are you proud of? What has been challenging? What are you grateful for? 13.Mealprep for the week ahead Release stress through preparing healthy meals and snacks for your week ahead. 14.Research books to read Find a book to wind down with during the holidays. I will read/listen to 'Grow a new body'. 15.Clean your beauty bag / bathroom shelf 16.Meditate - even if just for a moment Try a 3 min meditation in the middle of the work day, and notice the difference. 17. Send someone an appreciation text and wish them a happy holiday 18.Declutter your phone Erase images and curate what accounts you're following on instagram. Ask yourself - is the accounts I follow aligned with the energy I want? 19. Ask for support / Support others Remind yourself that you don't have to manage everything yourself. 20. Prepare a New Year's quiz to play with your family or friends.

Trusting your intuition means listening inwards and doing what feels right. This way of living is often associated with a soft, feminine energy - trusting your internal signals is more important than following a strict, pre-planned routine (i.e masculine energy). To be completely honest, I don't even know if "Intuitive Self-care" is a thing, I might have just coined a new term haha, but I feel like it incapsulates what I am trying to preach in this article. Photo: @juliahetta for @officialbyredo featuring @lejonhjarta All of us have both masculine and feminine energies within and "Intuitive self-care" does not necessarily exclude strict exercise regiments, hard work and routines, rather, it's about knowing when, and when not, to tap into that masculine energy. Allow me to put forth an example: Lately, my social media feed has been flooded with people doing workout challenges, detoxes and diets in preparation for the new year. There is a reason to why my algorithm is showing me all of this content and it's because I genuinely like it and find it motivating - in the phase of life that I am currently in. I feel like I have reach a point when I am aware of my triggers to the extent that I know when I can and cannot, should and should not tap into that masculine (i.e strict, disciplined, tough) energy. However, even though for the past two months I have tended to lean more into my masculine energy I know that won't last forever. In fact, I know that I can wake up tomorrow and feel a sudden urge to live more intuitively and trusting that urge is what Intuitive self-care is all about, according to me. In this article I will share the daily practices that have helped me become better at listening to my bodys natural signals, hence strengthening my "Intuitive self-care" muscle. It has allowed me to challenge myself with strictness and discipline without punishing myself when my body tells me to soften. FEEL YOUR FOOD This one is all about presence and appreciation. Whenever I am in the grocery store I take the time to carefully select the ripest tomatoes, the finest piece of meat and the best quality yogurt. Instead of grabbing the products with the tip of my fingers and throwing them in the basket, I gently hold them in the palm of my hand, appreciating them as if I had just foraged the fruit or catched the fish myself. When cooking at home I try to do the same, by taking my time, grounding my own spices and washing my greens thoroughly. NATURE NURTURES There is no question that spending time outside is benefitial for all aspects of our health. Apart from helping me get my daily dose of vitamin D, natural light and oxygen, morning walks in the forrest have also helped me to destress, which has allowed me to take the time to actually listen inwards. When I am stressed I find it much easier to just rely on routine. Seeing the shifts in nature and the animals that live on this palnet along side us has also tought me to live more authentically human - as the animal we are. Just hearing the birds sing reminds me that they don't feel guity for eating an extra berry or more seeds, they don't track how many wing beats they do in a day or measure how fast they fly. At the same time they don't consume more than they need for fuel or sleep the entire day. I am reminded that if they can live intuitivly to the core, then so can I. THE RIGHT LIGHT Living intuitivley also means listening to when your body needs rest. In order to not trow of my circadian rythm, I rely on ligh. I turn on my lamps as wuickly as I wake up in the morning to emulate sunlight in these dark, winter times and turn of the lights early in the evening to wind down. I try to use candles as my only light source after 8pm. TASTE THE WATER Similar to to the firs point in this list, this one is about presence. Even water has a taste if you pay attention. If you can learn to taste the water you will appreciate food so much more. This in turn will make you feel more satifyed after a meal and help you to not over eat. Note - if over eating makes you feel GOOD then who am I to judge? Do whatever keeps your boat afloat but for me, over eating and binge eating only caused a lot of anxiety and stomach ache. MAKE USE OF YOUR BODY LOTION Feel your body and it's natural, perfect shape. Applying body lotion every evening is one of my favorite acts of self love. FORGET EVERYTHING I JUST SAID The most beautiful thing with self care is that that it's individual. There is no ONE practice or habit that will magically teach you to listen to your body. If there was there wouldent exist thousands of meditations, diets, routines, workouts tand self help books that claim to have the answer. These are some of MY favourite practices but I encourage you to find your own. Take care <3

At our first Matcha Mocktail Mingle we partnered up with Nutrilight to offer our guest Red Light Thereapy as they were sipping on their green drinks. Here are some reasons why we at SOOTHE are obsessed and why it might be soemthing you want to incorporate into your Self Care routine. Or why not gift yourslelf or someone you care about a red light lamp for the home this Christmas. Image Source : Shawn Paul Tan Cellular Energy and Mitochondrial Function: Red light therapy is believed to stimulate the mitochondria in cells, promoting increased production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the primary source of cellular energy. Improved Circulation: Red light therapy may enhance blood flow by promoting the formation of new capillaries. Improved circulation can contribute to better oxygenation and nutrient delivery to tissues. Reduced Inflammation: Research suggests that red light therapy has anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial for conditions involving chronic inflammation. Wound Healing and Tissue Repair: Red light therapy is used to support wound healing and tissue repair. It may stimulate collagen production, aiding in the healing of skin and connective tissues. Joint and Muscle Health: Athletes and individuals with musculoskeletal conditions use red light therapy for potential benefits in reducing pain and inflammation in joints and muscles. Skin Health and Anti-Aging: Red light therapy is employed in dermatology for its potential effects on improving skin tone, reducing wrinkles, and promoting overall skin health. It may stimulate collagen synthesis and support cellular repair. Mood and Sleep Regulation: Exposure to red light may influence circadian rhythms and melatonin production, potentially contributing to improved sleep quality. Some users report positive effects on mood and overall well-being. Neurological Benefits: Ongoing research is exploring the potential neurological benefits of red light therapy. Some studies suggest neuroprotective effects that could be beneficial for conditions like traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative disorders. Non-Invasive Treatment Option: Red light therapy is non-invasive and generally considered safe when used as directed. It offers an alternative or complementary approach to traditional medical treatments for certain conditions. Athletic Performance and Recovery: Athletes may use red light therapy to support performance and expedite recovery after intense training sessions. It may help reduce muscle fatigue and soreness. Shop : HERE While red light therapy shows promise in various areas, it's important to note that more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and optimize its applications. Additionally, individual responses can vary, and the effectiveness of red light therapy may depend on factors such as the specific parameters of light used, duration of exposure, and individual health conditions. Disclaimer: Before incorporating red light therapy into your routine, it's advisable to consult with healthcare professionals, especially if you have specific health concerns or are taking medications. By: HANNAH ANDERSSON

It's December and we have officially entered the coziest month of the year. This is the season of glistening lights, gratitude, Mariah Carrey and of course - food. As with all our Christmas content we firstly want to acknowledge that this season can also be perceived as tough, lonely and cold to many. The constant presence of food can be challenging for people with a history of eating disorders, the emphasize on family can highlight loneliness and the focus on gifts can cause anxiousness in those experiencing economic stress. We understand and we have felt it ourselves at points in our life. That is hy we wish to remind you that we are just a DM away <3 SANTA SOOTHE'S PORRIGE That being said, we now want to share our SOOTHE version of the traditional swedish dish called "Tomntegröt" (Santa's Porrige). It's filled with good fibers, healthy fats, protein, vitamins and antioxidants. And it feels like a warm hug from within. INGREDIENTS (2 PORTIONS) 2 dl of fibre oats 2 organic eggs 4 dl of water A pinch of cardamom A pinch of cinnamon A pinch of himalayan salt TOPPINGS Your choice of milk Pre-heated frozen lingon berries Manuka Honey OPTIONAL: Peanut butter for extra protein and fats Mix fibre oats, water, cardamom, cinnamon and salt in a pot. Bring it to a simmer and stir while you cook it on low-medium heat. Remove from the heat once it has thickened into a porrige and let it cool for a minute. Meanwhile, mix your pre-heated lingon berries with a generous dollop of Manuka honey. Set aside. Once the porrige has cooled down a little bit, add the eggs and mix thourouly. Put the stove on low heat and continue to stir until the eggs have blended seamlessly with the rest of the oatmeal. The result will be a super creamy and thick consistency. Top it off with some warm, frothed milk and lingon berry "jam". If you feel like you need an extra boost of protein and fats you can add a spoonful of peanut butter. Best served in the company of lit candles and and Christmas tunes.