Recovery Rituals: How I Prepare, Restore, and Lead Well

Leading a full life—especially one that requires presence, decisiveness, and care for others—demands more than stamina. It requires clarity. It requires regulation. And it requires a relationship with your body that is rooted in respect rather than depletion.

For me, preparation and recovery are not luxuries or rewards reserved for moments of exhaustion. They are rooted in awareness—of what’s ahead, what’s being asked of me, and what my body needs in order to meet it well. They are how I feel good, think clearly, and show up as the best version of myself. They are how I remain steady and grounded as my days move quickly, responsibilities stack, and expectations are high.

I see these rituals as maintenance and evolution—ways of caring for myself so I’m not run down, scattered, or operating from a place of survival.

Preparation: Awareness and Creating Capacity Before the Work

Before a wedding weekend or an especially demanding stretch of work, preparation begins with awareness. I think carefully about what’s in front of me—long days, constant decision-making, emotional presence—and prepare myself so I can move through it with ease rather than strain.

In the days leading up, I simplify. I reduce sugar and increase water and electrolytes to support my body rather than inflame it. I’m intentional about sleep. I get organized so there’s less noise competing for my attention.

Small, practical acts of care matter here too: calming my skin, using pimple patches, being mindful of what I’m consuming, increasing turmeric and cinnamon for their grounding, anti-inflammatory support. Nothing extreme. Just thoughtful adjustments that help me feel well.

I also shift how I move. I lighten up on Pilates right before a wedding, opting instead for walking and stretching. This isn’t about pushing or proving—it’s about preserving energy so I can stay present, alert, and steady through long days.

Preparation, for me, is about awareness and creating capacity. It’s how I anticipate what’s ahead and ensure I can meet the moment fully—clear, present, and steady.

Recovery: Restoration and Reward

After the work is done, recovery becomes an intentional closing of the loop.

There’s often a familiar rhythm to it. Breakfast or brunch in bed—usually the same order I return to each time—paired with water, matcha, and sometimes a mimosa. My phone goes on Do Not Disturb as I let myself scroll lightly or settle into shows that feel comforting and familiar.

I prioritize bodywork: a massage, a foot soak, moments that allow my nervous system to soften and land. I drink herbal and green teas, take baths, and light candles in the evenings. These rituals signal to my body that it’s safe to rest now.

Movement stays gentle here too. I continue walking and stretching, allowing my body to recover without pressure.

Recovery is both restoration and reward—not indulgence, but acknowledgment. A way of honoring the energy given and making space to receive again.

Why This Matters: Awareness as Leadership

Caring for my body—and staying aware of what I need before, during, and after demanding seasons—is part of how I lead well.

When I feel good physically, I’m clearer mentally. I’m more present emotionally. I move through my work with patience, discernment, and good spirits. These rituals allow me to stay regulated in environments that require calm decision-making and thoughtful leadership.

This approach isn’t about perfection or optimization. It’s about sustainability. About tending to yourself so you can continue to show up—not just for the work you do, but for the life you’re building.

In busy seasons especially, preparation and recovery become anchors. They steady me. They ground me. They remind me that care and ambition can coexist—and that leading well begins with how we care for ourselves.