What strategies do you use to maintain your health and well-being?

How I care for myself without getting stuck in the sparkly bubble of “good vibes only”

Oh, that question. So innocent on the surface — but if I answered it with just green smoothies and affirmations, I’d be lying.
Because the truth? Well-being isn’t always pretty. It’s not all incense, vision boards, and eternal gratitude. Sometimes it’s snot, screaming into a pillow, deleting a contact, or walking away from the most spiritually enlightened person in the room because your nervous system said no thank you.

So here’s what I really do to take care of myself:

I feel into my cravings — and not just food-wise. I ask my body, my gut, my bones: What do you want right now? I don’t eat gluten, dairy, or much sugar — not out of some trend — but because I’ve learned what feels like peace in my belly. And yes, I grow my own veggies. It’s not a cottagecore fantasy. It’s grounding. It’s real. The plants don’t pretend.

I let emotions move. I don’t slap a positive affirmation over grief. If I’m sad, I’m sad. If I’m angry, I roar. If I’m tender, I rest. Suppressing emotions is a full-time job I quit years ago.

I move my body in ways that feel good — yoga, dance, stretching like a wild cat. I walk barefoot almost every single day, and have done so for seven years. People stare. I don’t care. The Earth speaks when your soles are bare.

And then — boundaries. Big ones. Loving ones. Sharp when needed. I’ve let go of people, ideas, and entire versions of myself that no longer fit. That doesn’t make me heartless. It makes me honest.
Here’s the thing:

“Healing is not a polished performance. It’s muddy, messy, funny, sacred, and sometimes utterly ridiculous. But beautifully real because it’s mine. And I honour it.”

So no, I’m not always “high-vibe.” I’m not trying to manifest my way out of being human.
I’m here for the full spectrum. For the real.
What does your version of well-being look like when no one’s watching?
Love Stefanie Anna