A former corporate executive on the art of self-care

A former corporate executive on the art of self-careA former corporate executive on the art of self-careJoanna Andreaeis a certified Holistic Health Coach, a Guided Meditation teacherbei, and the founder and CEO ofWandering Wellness. After leaving her high-stress, corporate job, she began focusing her career on her true passion - personal wellness and self-care.Its changed literally everything, says Andreae about hercareer switch. These days, instead of having to push and struggle towards outer goals and achievements, I focus initially on what I need in mind, body, and spirit, and through that flipped line of thought, Im able to magnetize much more of what I want towards me. Its such a beautiful and profound shift and, I think its only believed once its experienced.We sat down with Andreae to learn more about her thoughts on wellness and the importance of self-care for professionals. Heres what she had to sayWhy joga and meditation? Why notlage sohonigweinhing else to take care of o ur inner selves?Its a busy persons dream. When we combine yoga and meditation- and especially Kundalini yoga, my favorite personal practice- were literally using lessons that have been passed down for thousands of years about how to have a deeper experience of truth and freedom in our bodies. We are spiritual beings having a human experience, not the other way around. I think yoga and meditation are the best ways to remember that fact.Additionally, theyre much better for the nervous system. I love a good, sweatyworkouttoo and will try a spin class or go for a run when Im really craving it, but in our busy modern lives our systems are so fritzed and fried already that actually, more often than not, we need practices that cool us down instead of ramp us up.What type of clients do you work with?I work with people who are struggling to feel worthy of taking care of themselves, worthy of their dreams, and who want to feel empowered when it comes to taking care of their lives. I work with people who want to experience more joy and more energy in their daily life and who have forgotten the vibrant excitement it is to be alive on the planet today. And I feel so honored to dothis workI work with clients in person in Washington, but also digitally all over the world. Its amazing to help people connect the dots when it comes to healing. I believe its possible to live a life of so much fullness and happiness and depth, and when that clicks for people, there is nothing better.What have you learned through working with so many different people?That everyone wants to be happy. That everyone wants to feel good in their bodies. And that truly were so much more connected and similar than we think.It makes me sad to think were somehow inculcated with the information that were less-than at some point in life, but its so inspiring to teach practices and tactics to turn things around. Its never, ever too late.Youvetraveled all overand worked with people from all over the world. Are professionals in DC especiallystressed?Hmm, yes. And no, comparatively. I was just in NYC for some training and I met up with an old friend who used to live in Washington and now lives in the Big Apple. And its rough Shes under so much pressure and stress these days.There is so much fear of missing out - with career, with relationships, with friendships, even with restaurants. I think city life leads to a much more pressurized experience. Because of that pressure, I firmly believe that we cant afford NOT to take care of ourselves.Stressis an epidemic for DCers and other city dwellers and is all the more reason to be especially careful, loving and disciplined in that process.What are some signs that someone is not focusing on self-care?Everyone has their little tell. Whether its getting sick, or feeling anxious, or not sleeping well, our bodies are constantly trying to tell us whats going on through feelings and emotions. And instead of pushing them down, if we decide to listen and care about their direction, we can course-correct before we go too far down the path of self-neglect.Nevertheless, I believe its never too late to start taking better care of yourself. Truly never. I have clients age 24 all the way to age 65, and some are just learning what it means to slow down and be kinder to themselves through self-care. Its always possible to do that.Whats one tip you can share with readers to start taking better care of themselves right this minute?Breathwork. There are few things more powerful than starting to control and utilize your breath. Most of us breathe way too shallowly, all in the upper chest and never in the belly.This article first appeared onCapitolStandard.