We're thrilled to present an exclusive interview with our Founder, Kerry Aiyash, as she shares her personal wellness routine and tips for maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle without overwhelming oneself. She advocates for authenticity and positivity in wellness practices, emphasizing the importance of finding what resonates with you and brings genuine joy. As she wisely reminds us, sometimes, less truly is more.
Q: Can you describe your morning routine and the activities you prioritize for starting your day on a positive note?
Absolutely! My morning routine is like a ritual for setting a positive tone for the day. It all starts with a moment of gratitude as soon as I wake up and my feet hit the floor. Taking time to reflect on the blessings in my life, from my loving family to my good health, helps me center myself and approach the day with a positive mindset.
After that, I prepare my signature ginger water, which has become a staple in my routine. Not only does it offer incredible digestive benefits and reduce inflammation, but it also gives me an energizing boost to kickstart my day. Afterward, I brew my morning cup of coffee – my perfect little pick-me-up.
However, the highlight of my morning ritual is undoubtedly my bath time. There's something incredibly soothing about sinking into warm, fragrant water first thing in the morning. It's my time to relax, unwind, and mentally prepare for the day ahead. Plus, it leaves my skin feeling soft and nourished, adding an extra touch of indulgence to my morning routine. It’s something I’ve done since I was a little girl.
Q: What types of physical activity or exercise do you incorporate into your daily schedule?
I'm a big believer in staying active. I mix it up between cardio sessions on the elliptical or treadmill and some gentle stretching if I'm not feeling up for cardio. One thing that makes my workouts even more enjoyable is catching up with my best friend every morning while I exercise. We've made it a daily habit to chat on the phone while we each do our own workouts. It adds a fun and social element to my exercise routine and makes the time fly by! I couldn’t live without it–or her!
Q: What products do you usually incorporate as part of your wellness regimen (Morning, Afternoon, and Night), including any skincare items?
I have a few favorite products we sell that I swear by for my daily routine! In the morning, like I said, I start with a warm bath, and I use the Magnesium liquid bath soak which is the most incredible bath enhancer I’ve ever used. Then, as I’m getting ready, I might add a swipe of lip gloss or use some coconut eye gels to brighten up my look, especially during the Fall when the dry season kicks in. Also, I always take a CBD gel cap or Alice Mushroom chocolate in the morning for sustained relaxation throughout my day. In the afternoon, I may grab a nootropic or CBD seltzer every once in a while, for an extra focus and mental clarity boost. Then, at night, I wind down with either a CBD tincture or a sleep gummy to help me ease into a restful sleep. These products are like little natural boosts of goodness that make me feel great inside and out every day.
Q: Do you have any relaxation techniques or practices, such as warm baths, listening to podcasts, or meditating, that you typically incorporate into your routine?
Absolutely! My baths are my sanctuary – they're my time to relax, unwind, and let go of the day's stress. I take them morning and night, and I can’t go to sleep without taking one. Besides that, I take moments throughout the day to pause and reflect on what I'm grateful for, especially when I’m in the car because I’m usually not listening to music. It's like a mini meditation session that helps me stay centered and positive.
Q: Are there any other specific natural remedies you rely on for overall well-being such as herbal teas, cleansing juices, or lemon water?
Aside from my morning ginger water, I try to fuel my body with healthy foods. One of my favorite meals is a barbecue chicken salad – it's not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to keep me feeling my best. The BBQ chicken, the savory black beans, the crunchy tortilla chips, ugh – it’s all just so good.
Q: Lastly, do you have any unconventional or lesser-known wellness practices you've found beneficial, such as cold-water face plunges or dry brushing?
Hmm, not really. While I'm all for trying new wellness practices, I wouldn't say I have any unconventional or lesser-known ones that I swear by. I've dabbled in dry brushing before, which feels nice, but it's not something I do regularly. For me, it's more about finding what works for me and incorporating it into my routine in a way that feels natural and sustainable. I think it’s easy to get caught up in a “25 step” daily routine that you’re constantly trying to keep up with, but I think finding a few things that work for you that yield the most happiness and health is a better center of focus. Simply, sometimes a few really great things are better than a bunch of good things.
Q: How do you typically manage and cope with stress, and are there any specific strategies or techniques you find particularly effective for maintaining your overall well-being during challenging times?
When it comes to managing stress, I'm a firm believer in finding fast solutions rather than dwelling on the problem. My husband always says, "There's a solution to every problem," and that has stuck with me through the years. So, when I encounter a stressful situation, I try to approach it with a solution-oriented mindset.
One of the first things I do is break down the problem into smaller, more manageable tasks. I like to make a list and tackle each item one step at a time, ensuring that nothing gets overlooked or forgotten. Delegating tasks when possible is also key – I've learned that I don't have to do everything myself, and asking for help when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness. I mean, that’s what we have experts for!
Of course, my CBD also plays a big role in helping me manage stress. Whether it's a CBD gel cap in the morning to start my day off on the right foot or a soothing CBD tincture or sleep gummy at night to help me unwind, these all provide me with a sense of calm and balance that's invaluable during challenging times.
But perhaps the most important thing I do to manage stress is to prioritize self-care. Whether it's taking a relaxing bath or spending quality time with my friends and family, I make sure to carve out time for activities that bring me joy and rejuvenate my spirit. After all, taking care of myself is the first step to being able to effectively take care of others.
Q: Is there a mantra you live by that helps keep you balanced?
Absolutely! I always remind myself that "happiness is the highest form of health." It's a powerful mantra from the Dalai Lama that guides me to prioritize joy and positivity in everything I do, which ultimately contributes to my overall well-being. However, happiness isn’t just about maintaining a positive outlook—it's also about acknowledging and processing negative emotions when they arise. I've learned that suppressing or ignoring these feelings can be harmful in the long run, leading to a form of "toxic positivity." This mindset, which urges us to "just be positive" at all times, can dismiss genuine emotions and prevent us from fully processing our experiences. Instead, I've learned to embrace a more balanced approach. I allow myself to feel and express a full range of emotions, in a healthy and constructive way. By slowing down, reflecting, and prioritizing self-care, I'm able to maintain my emotional well-being, ultimately contributing to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Thank you for sharing with us, Kerry!
