I know I’m not alone in feeling that, once I started getting my life on track, this (just picture me gesturing vaguely) happened. One of these things? My daily care routine. I’d slap half a dozen products on my face before walking the two blocks to the A train from my Brooklyn apartment, folding myself onto the overcrowded car, getting stuck a few times, then making one transfer before re-emerging in NoHo to start my day. Now that my commute is but an enthusiastic traipse down two flights of stairs, (and often back up one when I feel like having a more formal day at my desk instead of the sofa or dining room table) I stopped having quality time with my skincare products for a bit—and it only got worse from there. Who would have thought that cutting out one morning ritual would have a ripple effect?

Once I realized that this current normal would drag me back down into an unkempt, unmoored version of myself after working so hard to stay on top of my physical, spiritual, and mental wellness, I knew I had to get back into it. With a few concessions, of course.

01. Skincare

I’m sticking to my guns and saying that water is the most important part of a skincare routine. Aside from that though, and as much as I’d love to say that I didn’t feel a different between my non-product days and my product-ful days, I did. While I feel like a lot of people can get away with not using anything on their skin—or at least seriously paring back their product usage—I could not. I am dry, dry, dry and once I started using products again, I felt life fill me again.

Out of necessity at first—because most of my skincare is still in Brooklyn—I adopted a simplified version of my skincare routine. Once I realized that I’ll be here in Philly for the long haul (or at least until it’s safe to freely travel between both spots again) I invested in a few pieces. Not a ton, but enough to make me feel like me again.

Morning

• Water rinse

• MALIN + GOETZ Advanced Renewal Moisturizer

• Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster

• Skin Regimen Tulsi Oil

• Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Cream (all over)

Simple, right? I do that in that exact order. Afterwards, I keep it fresh with Nécessaire Eucalyptus Deodorant. On days when I need a little extra boost, I’ll also spritz some fragrance. Ever since I decided that I’m going to have to be my own daddy, D.S. & Durga’s Burning Barbershops has been a favorite. It plays really well with the eucalyptus, as well. Oh, and of course, MALIN + GOETZ lip balm and Aesop hand balm throughout the day.

I know this seems like a lot, but I cut my existing regimen in half. Why did the other half even exist? This one works just fine.

Evening

• MALIN + GOETZ Grapefruit Cleaner

• Skin Regimen Detox Night Mask

And that’s it.

02. Hair & Makeup

This one is even simpler than the skincare. I wash my hair approximately once a month, and brush and style with a styling wand when necessary. I use Davine’s SOLU Salt Scrub for shampoo (it smells heavenly) and NatureLab Tokyo Smooth Conditioner. (Also smells heavenly.) I let it dry naturally and hit it with R+Co Foil Frizz & Static Control spray when it needs help. In the summer, I’ve always sort of let it do its thing. I’m certainly not going to try to change that right now.

For makeup, which I probably wear 2-3 times a week these days, I continue the theme of keeping it simple:

• R+Co Magic Wand Brow Gel

• Chanel Joules Contraste Powder Blush

• Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

03. Body

Full disclosure, I’ve recently started intermittent fasting, which for me, means only eating between 12PM-8PM. I’ve found that it helps me to stay on-track during the day, focusing on my morning meetings and then creating a clear divide when I take time for lunch. Some staples in my diet have been:

• Soft-boiled eggs

• Kimchi (if you’re going store-bought, I really love Hex Ferments’ Miso Kimchi)

• Turkey Andouille Sausage

• Bok Choy

• Avodado

• Spinach

• Strawberries

• Dried Apricots

• Pistachios

• Greek Yogurt

• Honey

I’m usually more adventurous than this but adjusting to this new life after walking an average of five miles a day on top of training in Krav Maga three or four times a week has been a huge challenge, even still. Once I found out what keeps me feeling good, tastes great, and doesn’t mess with my energy, I decided to stick to it and I’d say that I end up eating most of these every single day. I also enjoy a glass of red wine or sip some Limoncello a few nights out of the evening. I’m currently working on a bottle of The Prisoner’s Saldo Zinfandel. Oh, and the occasional small vanilla cone with rainbow jimmies from Mr. Softee—I’m only human.

In addition to this, I’m working out. During the week, I do body weight exercises, there are a lot you can find to see which feel best for you but this one is a good place to start. I’ve fallen off the wagon a bit after we had a death in the family but for a while—and starting again this weekend—I was doing two YO BK pilates classes a week. Highly recommend these, but they will kick your ass. I also invested in a striking pad so I can practice striking. (Now if only I could find a sparring buddy.)

04. Mind

This has been the most difficult. As you can see, I’ve started writing again. I’ve also recently read Sir Thomas Browne’s Urn Burial—and I’ve got Inger Christensen’s The Conditions of Secrecy. I’ll let you all know how it is.

As I continue to adapt here, I’ll be sharing my tips and findings. For now though, I’ll focus on drinking enough water. It’s definitely more difficult than it seems.

As we continue to stumble through this period of time, remember to be kind to yourself: you’re literally creating a new life for yourself from scratch and that’s no small feat. If you’re struggling to find a routine, take mine as inspiration and make it your own. Lean into what works, fix anything that doesn’t. After all, sometimes that’s all we can do, no?

xo, e.m.