Maintaining wellbeing is a deeply personal journey, and from my perspective, there are numerous ways to nurture the body, mind, and soul.

Living with the chronic condition of endometriosis forced me to adapt my lifestyle and self-care practices. Initially uncertain about where to begin, I explored various approaches over the years, focusing on finding what works best for me while eliminating stress as a top priority.

Today, my routine involves listening to my body, observing my mental state, and making daily adjustments. Here are the five key practices that contribute to my overall wellbeing:

• Meditation and Pranayama: These practices serve as my main anchors for staying present. Establishing a routine with breathing exercises and meditation either at the beginning or end of my day has been transformative. I recommend exploring the techniques highlighted in 'Light on Pranayama' by BKS Iyengar.
  

• Ride bikes: Growing up in Europe, the presence of two wheels has been a constant in my life. I fondly recall my grandmother placing me on a bike when I was under 5, and the sense of freedom is still so vivid in my mind. Today my heart beats for anything on a mountain bike, and commuting to work and around is just part of my daily routine.
  

• Eating well: Since a very young age, I've adhered to a meat-free diet. Coping with endometriosis has prompted additional dietary adjustments. The simplicity of a salad makes me happy, and I enjoy creating a plate that mirrors the diversity of the world. I'm drawn to anything with fresh flavors and the vibrant colors of a rainbow. Avoiding gluten is a conscious choice for me, as it tends to trigger bloating, discomfort, and can impact my mindset negatively. For ultimate satisfaction, nothing beats the experience of stepping into my garden and picking ingredients for a meal. (PS: Pizza makes me happy too)
  

• Yin Yoga: As a complement to my extensive cycling routine, I embrace the simplicity and immediate effects of Yin yoga. It provides balance and relaxation to counter the physical demands of cycling.
  

• Reflection: This is my most powerful tool. Performing a body and mind scan helps me understand how I feel on a given day. Regular reflection aids in making necessary adjustments to my overall wellbeing. Additionally, I find journaling to be another effective method for reflection. Releasing unnecessary thoughts onto a paper clears my head and creates space for the good things in life. 
  

Embarking on this wellbeing journey has been a continuous exploration of what works best for me, and these practices contribute significantly to my overall health and happiness.