Jenny Holmström’s Self-Care Routine: “To take care of myself, both mentally and physically.”

Jenny Holmström is the CEO & Co-Founder of Coupleness, an app for couples with a mission to make it easy and mainstream to invest in your relationship.

What does self-care mean to you?

To take care of myself, both mentally and physically. I include my close relationships like my partner, friends, and family in this too. All are based on Professor Robert Waldinger’s amazing research “What makes a good life”.

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

Three things, when I struggle to sleep well, when I get snappy toward the people I love around me and when my brain is “switched on” all the time.  

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

I practice yoga or pilates more or less every day with Melissa Wood Health, and I go to heat yoga at least once weekly. Tennis used to be a holy thing for me and a huge part of my self-care practice since I only focus on the present moment while playing tennis. Now with a tedious tennis elbow, I try to find those moments elsewhere. 

Like gardening, I spend at least 20 minutes per day in my garden from April to September. That’s proper self-care. I love doing things with my hands, seeing my plants grow, and being fully present. No headphones or anything else distracting me.

In addition, I aim to talk to one friend or family member on the phone each day and to do something small for my partner. It can be an extra long hug, listening carefully when he talks about his day, or cooking something he really likes for dinner.

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

Definitely when I get sick, like catching the flu. Quite hard to get into the swing of things but when I’m on it again I feel so good. It usually comes to a point when my body and mind just give me the signals I need to get back on the horse again. 

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

Inspiring physical journals, gardening books, and Instagram accounts like The School of Greateness with Lewis Howes. I also turn to my friend Sofia who always inspires me regarding self-care.

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.