The “Wellness Girl” Routine That’s Actually Low-Key
May 15, 2025
5 min read
Let’s get one thing straight: I love a good wellness glow-up as much as the next girl. I’ve pinned the oat milk matcha shots. I’ve followed the 10-step skincare routines. I’ve saved the color-coded morning checklists with soft girl sunrise vibes.
But I’ve also… quietly un-saved them.
Because here’s the truth I had to admit to myself (and now, to you): chasing the “That Girl” wellness routine left me more burnt out than balanced. For a while, I felt like if I didn’t journal for 15 minutes and dry brush and do 45 minutes of hot yoga before 7 a.m., then I wasn’t doing “self-care” right. Which is wild.
So I decided to start over—from a more grounded place. A place where wellness feels actually well. Not performative. Not punishing. Just quietly sustainable.
This article is a peek into my low-key wellness routine—the one that fits into real life, not just my Instagram highlights. It’s not revolutionary. But it works. And more importantly? It feels good.
Morning Mindset Reset (That Isn’t Over the Top)
Mornings can set the tone for your day, but that doesn’t mean they need to be perfect to be productive. My mornings used to feel rushed and chaotic until I learned one simple thing about habit-building—start small. Instead of overwhelming myself with a million morning practices, I focus on just two non-negotiables:
- Hydrate intentionally. (Okay, this isn’t revolutionary, but hear me out.) I keep water by my bed and drink it first thing in the morning, before even scrolling through my phone. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of sea salt for a mini electrolyte boost, but plain water works just fine. It feels like I’m telling my body, “Hey, I got you.”
- Set a 5-minute mood. Whether it’s putting on my go-to playlist, opening a window to feel real air on my face, or simply drinking my coffee in silence, I lean into whatever feels calming or energizing that day. That tiny pause helps me check in with myself before shooting off into work or errands.
The goal here isn’t perfection—it’s presence. I’m learning that the best morning routine is the one that you can actually stick to and enjoy.
Moving My Body, My Way
The wellness world loves to glamorize 6 a.m. yoga and marathon training plans, but for me, movement is all about what feels good—not what looks good on social media. Some days, it’s a spin class with my favorite instructor who feels like my hype girl. Other days, it’s literally just walking to grab coffee and listening to a podcast. And you know what? Both count.
The key is to treat movement like a gift, not a chore. I stopped punishing myself with workouts I hated and started asking myself what would make my body and mind feel better. I lean into joy with exercise—sometimes that’s dancing around my apartment, other times it’s stretching on the floor during a Netflix binge. It all counts.
Nutrition That Doesn’t Scream “Diet Culture”
Can we agree to end the era of highly restrictive eating? Food is fuel, yes—but it’s also pleasure, comfort, and connection. My nutrition philosophy is simple: balance over perfection. Instead of forcing myself to choke down bland salads, I’ve honed in on meals that taste amazing and make me feel energized.
Here’s an example of my “low-key lunch”:
- A big ol’ plate of roasted vegetables with olive oil (hello, brain-healthy fats!).
- A protein I love, like salmon, chicken, or crispy tofu slices.
- Something fresh, like greens with a lemon-tahini drizzle for flavor.
- Always a fun addition, like crusty bread with butter or a square of dark chocolate for dessert.
It’s not about cutting things out; it’s about adding more of the good stuff that makes me feel nourished. Oh, and yes, I still eat pizza on Friday. Life is all about that 80/20 balance.
Mental Wellness On My Terms
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this—mental wellness doesn’t have to mean hour-long meditations or tackling 500-page self-help books. For me, it looks like small, meaningful shifts. Here’s what’s working for me these days:
- Boundaries with my phone. I have a “no scrolling before bed” rule that’s honestly changed the game for my sleep quality. (Pro tip: Leave your phone in a different room and use an actual alarm clock.)
- Journaling, but low-pressure. I write down one thing I’m grateful for each night. That’s it—no fancy templates, no overthinking.
- Therapy is queen. Seriously, having a therapist in my corner feels like a superpower. If you’re considering it, take this as your sign.
Taking care of your mental health doesn’t have to look a certain way—it just has to work for you. Give yourself permission to experiment and find what resonates.
Self-Care That’s Actually Caring
Here’s the truth about self-care—it’s not always face masks and spa days (although those are lovely, don’t get me wrong). Self-care, for me, is about doing the little things that future-me will thank me for:
- Booking that doctor’s appointment I’ve been putting off.
- Doing a 5-minute tidy-up so my space feels calm, not chaotic.
- Saying no to plans when I’m running on empty.
It’s cozy socks, clean sheets, and letting myself rest without guilt. It’s learning to talk to myself in a kinder voice. It’s seeing self-care as a necessity, not a luxury.
Because Glow-Up Culture Doesn’t Have to Be So Exhausting
At the end of the day, being a “wellness girl” is about crafting a routine that feels approachable, not aspirational. It’s about building habits that bring joy, not adding stress. It might not include sunrise yoga on a private yacht (although, if you’re offering, I’m open to invites!), but it’s rooted in feeling good in your own skin and mind.
And here’s the best part. You don’t need permission from anyone to define what wellness looks like for you. Whether you’re sipping green tea, sneaking in 10 minutes of pilates, or binge-watching your favorite rom-com while eating chocolate-dipped fruit, you’re doing it right. Wellness is low-key. Wellness is yours. Now go own it.
