Courtney Love’s Self-Care Routine: “It’s so easy to get off track and start putting yourself second.”

Courtney Love is a Sydney-based Yoga, meditation and breath work instructor, teaching people to calm the nervous system, ease anxiety and live a more peaceful and happy life.

What does self-care mean to you? 

When I think of self-care I think of hard work. Taking steps to become the best possible version of myself both mentally and physically. Meditating, eating nourishing foods, working out and journaling. These are the types of things I consider as self-care 

How do you know when you’re feeling stressed or burnt out? 

I always know when I have taken on too much and am feeling stressed. I start to become irritated easily and my skin breaks out. The moment I notice this happening, I make a shift. 

Do you have a regular self-care routine? If so, what does it look like? 

Absolutely. I am big on morning routines. Honestly, a good morning routine can change your entire day. It’s all about mindset and allowing yourself to start the day in a good headspace. My absolute number one rule is not to touch my devices within the first 30 minutes of waking.

Scrolling through social media, reading or watching the news as soon as you wake, bombards you with negative thoughts. You might think you are being productive by grabbing your phone first thing in the morning, but you actually become less productive and more overwhelmed.  

My mornings look like this. I get up as soon as my alarm goes off, never snoozing. I do 10 rounds of box breathing in bed followed by 15 minutes of yin yoga or a gentle stretch. I make my coffee and drink it in silence. No TV and no phone. By this time my 3-year-old is awake and I start his morning routine. 

Having just 30 minutes alone in the morning with no stimulation, makes the world of difference. 

What bumps you off your self-care routine and how do you get back on course? 

Not setting boundaries and saying yes to too many things. I used to be known for this. It’s so easy to get off track and start putting yourself second. As soon as I notice I am becoming stressed, I reassess and figure out what can’t wait while I focus on me. You can’t pour from an empty cup. 

Where do you go for inspiration, ideas or tools for self-care? 

I am super open-minded. I love to talk to different people and hear how they create space for themselves. I think talking and listening to those around you is much more inspirational than turning to a magazine or Social Media. 

What do you think you need to improve in terms of your self-care practice? 

Saying no before I reach burn-out. There is so much power in settings boundaries but it’s easy to take on more than you can handle. This is something I am still working on every day. 

Before you go…

Self-Care is a content series exploring the different self-care routines and habits of people from all walks of life. Get in touch with us today if you’d like to talk about your self-care routine.