Running List, Vol. 01
Fiction, shpilkes, red light mask, etc.
Happy Monday to all who celebrate. It’s been a minute since we had a proper catch-up here, and I have a lot on my mind: things I’m loving, things I’m slowly integrating, things I’m just excited about for no particular reason other than they’ve made my life feel a little better lately.
There’s something really nice about a list that isn’t a protocol or a recommendation or a five step morning routine. This is just what’s actually in my life at the moment, for whatever it’s worth to you.
Reading, listening
I’ve fallen back in love with fiction and I forgot how good it feels to read something just because you want to, not because you should. Yesteryear, God of the Woods, Husbands and Lovers, The Correspondent, and Strangers have all been hard to put down. I’ve been reading like crazy lately because I’ve been knocking back incredible stories like these. Currently reading Whistler by Ann Patchett, which just recently came out, more thoughts there to come.
On the podcast front: Dianna Cohen, one of the founders I admire most in this space, finally has a podcast and it’s a must listen! She built an incredible universe with Crown Affair (I’m biased because it’s also the only thing I use on my hair) and she brings that same energy to every conversation she has.
Wellness *free edition*
I’ve been on a bit of a free wellness kick lately, which feels like a nice little rebellion against the million dollar supplement stack we’re apparently not going to survive without.
Eating breakfast before caffeine (late adopter, I know!). Breaking into a random jog mid walk to get my shpilkes out (if you know me, you know this word, and if you don’t, add it to your vocabulary immediately). Meditating throughout the day instead of just as a morning checkbox, specifically Yoga Nidra before bed, which has been a game changer for falling asleep quick (I use Open for all of the above, code SOPHIEAXELSON gets you 30 days free). And no screens during meals, even when I’m eating alone, which felt strange for about three days and now feels completely normal.
Wellness *costs money edition*
My ice roller was a non negotiable during travel. The Homebody Digital Studio has been getting more use than I expected, working out in my backyard in the sun has become one of my favorite things, and it’s been pushing my own strength in a way that’s making me a better teacher.
I traveled without my red light mask and my skin told on me immediately. Less general glow, and my perioral dermatitis flared back up around my nose. Here’s the one I use, I was skeptical for a long time and now I will tell anyone who will listen.
Buying
Summer Fridays lip stain!! I have an aversion to those lip stains that peel off, something about it deeply scares me, and this one doesn’t. Goes on like a sharpie, stays put, and I need approximately 100 more colors.
If you follow me on TikTok, you know I’ve been deep in my Depop, Ebay, Poshmark shopping for vintage activewear (with much success). Working on a thorough shopping guide for you there!
Teaching
My love for teaching keeps growing and I’m still learning every class I teach, which I think is the whole point. The Newport studio has pushed me creatively in a way I didn’t expect, working with loyal groups of four means you have to keep finding new ways to challenge people who already know what you’re going to do next. And the Digital Studio has been challenging my own strength and stamina in a way that motivates me to show up stronger.
What I’m loving on the reformer lately: heavy triceps, opposing spring obliques, unilateral inner thighs. On the mat: heavier arms, working toward my tricep pushup on toes, resistance band glutes and core.
My wellness right now looks like doing less, and it's feeling really good. For a long time I chased every recommendation I saw online and it stressed me out more than it ever helped me. Traveling, getting out of my routine, paring things down, it's pushed me to turn inward and actually figure out what works for me versus what I just thought I was supposed to be doing. So don't take this as a list of things you should be doing. Take it as a recommendation to do less, spend less, and turn inward to find what actually resonates and what feels sustainable for a happy and full life!!