SPRING RESET

My favorite rituals for an intentional and deeply transformative spring start with mindful movement. The best exercise is the one you love to do. For me, I found pilates and not only did it get me in the best shape of my life, I also look forward to it. Consistency is key, so create a schedule and stick to it! You will feel more calm and have more energy to lead with success.

I am training to become a mat pilates instructor, and I love pairing this with running. Pilates is a full-body workout that improves strength and flexibility through controlled movements. For new runners, take one step at a time, literally, and invest in good shoes. Start slow with 2-3 times a week until you build endurance and stamina to go longer and more frequently. This prevents injury and helps you build lean muscle.

Listen to your body, it whispers, and wear your SPF. Not all sunscreens are created equal. Yet most rely on chemical filters which absorb ultraviolet radiation and can trigger irritation, sensitivity and oxidative stress. My favorites are from RMS Beauty (all-in-one SPF and foundation), LESSE (for the most sensitive skin and the men in your life) and The Skinny Confidential (light tint, infused with caffeine). These are formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, a mineral UV filter backed by decades of clinical research and is unparalleled in its protective performance. Zinc is also naturally anti-inflammatory, and non-comedogenic. It soothes as it shields, making it ideal for daily use.

Make sure you have a gentle cleanser, and a potent serum with your SPF in the morning. If your skin is dry you can use a face oil in the evening. The LESSE Renewal Set delivers transformative antioxidants to illuminate, restore and rejuvenate. This is a complete ritual for balance, restoration, and cellular renewal. The mist comes with me everywhere, and is infused with medicinal mushrooms and replenishing antioxidants, giving the perfect amount of hydration and soothes the skin on warmer days.

I have fair complexion, and I love The Glow Drops from True Botanicals, or blending a little of my highlighter into my SPF for a healthy glow. I always finish with a nourishing lip gloss on top of my favorite lip balm. FitGlow is organic with a subtle natural vanilla scent, and free of the plastic-derived ingredients found in most lip products.

And to my fellow blondes, especially with Scandinavian hair like mine, I have a few secrets to share. Rahua’s Voluminous line and leave-in with uplifting eucalyptus is perfect for fine hair. Pair it with The Agent Nateur Holi Mane and their new scalp mist—infused with Redensyl, a breakthrough in hair care science. It is clinically shown to stimulate dormant hair follicles, supporting natural hair regrowth and reducing hair loss to enhance hair vitality, helping you achieve longer, stronger locks.

I love the calming sensation of mint and lavender, but don’t underestimate the effect of a calm and centered nervous system first. Trusting the process, and addressing what caused imbalance has changed my life. Release control of what you never had control of in the first place. People only change when they're ready to change for themselves. I was critical of myself because I had given the power of approval and my worth to the opinions of other people.

Let them misunderstand you. Let them judge. Let them gossip. And now, let me. Let me direct my attention back to what matters. You will feel peace and relief because for the first time in your life, you're experiencing what it's like to take your power back.

When things seem impossibly dark, bulb flowers are sparks of hope. It takes time for things to bloom. You just have to be patient and nurturing with yourself. There is magic in the mind, you just have to commit to emitting the right frequency. Never doubt your ability to transform your own life.

My highlight so far this year has been my new furry friend, Luca, born on my angel dog’s birthday. Anyone knowing me knows how much Milo meant to me. He watched me grow up during the most transformative years of my life. It’s been a year since I lost him, and it was challenging to go through the grief so far away from my loved ones. Luca means “bringer of light”, and has been a blessing in winter’s decay. I remember daydreaming and looking at the dog treats at Erewhon. That same girl used to think it would be so cool to get into pilates, and maybe even teach one day.

Fast forward, and I’m sitting with the bag of treats, only weeks away from meeting my new family member, currently living in my pilates playsuit about to become an instructor. I also returned to my signature scent from Dedcool after completely stepping away from conventional fragrance. What I love about it is that it is very niche, most people don’t know about it. It’s an intimate scent you can’t smell from afar, and it takes me back to my time in California. Luca has the same scent in his shampoo, and this will now forever remind me of him. In a sense this feels like a return back to myself—an awakening almost.

This season is all about less is more, slow mornings, matcha, spending time in my garden, pilates, ice rolling and reconnecting with my passion for baking and reading. I cannot wait to read the Norwegian ELLE magazines my mom has saved for me, read an actual book, and enjoy the best strawberries on homemade bread and local brie cheese. I am a winter girl, but summer always had a special place in my heart.

And with that, I am wishing you a lovely Spring and Summer ahead. I hope this little guide can inspire you to love and care for yourself with slow rituals rooted in science, simplicity and results.

x Stine