A Wellness Coach’s Guide to Resetting After Summer

My love for movement, people and the outdoors began early. You would often find me riding my bike around the neighbourhood, full of energy. I went on to study psychology and business, eventually entering the corporate world. But after years in a high-pressure environment, I experienced a toll on my mental health, which led me on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Last year, I became a certified Health and Life Coach, driven to help others make healthier choices and reconnect with their inner light. Wellness looks different for everyone, but there are core pillars that benefit us all. 

I think it’s essential to align your workouts with the seasons. Summer is a great time to slow down while still maintaining movement. Whilst in Dubai, I usually focus on indoor training at the gym or in classes. However, if I’m travelling, I take full advantage of the outdoors: walking, hiking, running, or joining outdoor classes. It’s also a perfect season to check in with yourself and see if there’s something specific you want to work on. 

Start by setting realistic expectations – if you took it slow during the summer season, September is the time to refocus. Commit to small, achievable goals in week one. Build momentum by layering in more gradually. Put support systems in place: schedule workouts, book classes or work with a coach. Lastly, set your intentions, visualise doing them, act and celebrate small wins. 

A typical day for me starts around 6:00am with body tapping, a glass of warm water, 15 minutes of meditation and a spot of journaling. I then either hit the gym or teach a fitness class. By 9:00am, I’m into my marketing role at Himalaya Wellness, usually with a well-balanced breakfast – eggs in some form are my staple. My pre-workout favourite is yoghurt with honey or fruit. Lunch is typically protein, veg and carbs, picked up from my go-to spots like Flavour Fields, Toss & Co or Circle Café. Work wraps at 6.00pm, after which I see my life coaching clients. Dinner is light around 8.30pm, often with a bit of reading, and lights out by 10.30pm. Weekends are reserved for movement, unwinding, good company and good food.

My supplement roster is minimal and personalised: multivitamins, magnesium and folic acid, probiotics, all based on my doctor’s advice. Magnesium is a must, and I highly recommend it for all women. But above all, sleep, hydration, and a balanced diet are the most important recovery tools. Recently, my partner’s been making us watermelon and salt shots for extra hydration before runs as well. I have also been enjoying Loam blends, its lion’s mane and cordyceps mushroom powders are great.  

If you’re looking to reset physically and mentally, there are a few things you can do straight away. Limit social media at least for a day to reduce stimulation and help regulate your nervous system. Go for walks, they support detoxification and stimulate both brain hemispheres for clearer thinking. And lastly, journal your thoughts and reasons for wanting a healthy reset. Find accountability through a friend or community, starting with small, attainable goals.  

Three non-negotiables in your daily wellness routine should be a morning meditation, journaling, and no phone or TV when rising and before going to bed. Also, try to hydrate throughout the day (stick to water and herbal teas).  

My favourite spots in Dubai for wellness sessions include Breasy for breathwork and beach yoga, Shimis for indoor yoga, and Studio Republik or a bit of everything under one roof. And if you’re into sound healing, I highly recommend a session with Letizia. It’s truly magical.  

Short on time? No problem – here is my go-to workout for a quick full-body circuit. Three sets of each superset: 

3-minute warmup on the ski or bike machine + mobility 
Pull-ups + reverse lunges 
Bench press + close-grip lat pulldown 
DB shoulder press + goblet squats 
Core exercise finisher 

If I am looking to ground myself, the first thing I do is clean my space – this is such an underrated wellness hack. I then like to burn incense, scan my body, and journal about what I’m feeling and why. When journaling, these are a few of the prompts I use: What emotions have been most present for me lately, and what might be fueling them? In what areas of my life do I feel most aligned with my values right now? What genuinely brings me joy, and am I giving it enough space in my life? What am I avoiding, and why?  

My rituals came from years of trial and error – reading, and learning from amazing leaders in meditation, fitness and neuroscience. Some of the most impactful books I've read include The Daily Stoic,  Mindset,  Atomic Habits,  A Monk’s Guide to Happiness, and Man’s Search for Meaning. 

I believe in a balanced approach to eating. Strict diets rarely last, and your intuition might not guide you to healthy habits. That is why self-awareness and understanding cravings are key. Sometimes a sugar craving is your body telling you that you need rest, connection, or comfort. Eating at regular times and syncing with your cycle is also essential for women. My go-to snacks usually consist of yoghurt with honey and peanut butter. Handfuls of berries, nuts and raisins, and when I want something a bit more indulgent, cereal with almond milk.  

When it comes to dining outside, you will often find me at these delicious spots in Dubai. Paus and Orto (I love that you can bike to Kite Beach from there), Bkry for arguably the best croissants in the city, and Akhu Manoushe, my go-to Lebanese spot for a satisfying carb refuel. A Normal Day also serves up some tasty and creative dishes. 

My workout wardrobe usually rotates between Nike for training, Lululemon for yoga, pilates, and dance, and Asics or On for running shoes. One thing you’ll always find on me, though, is my Oakley sunglasses. Occasionally, I’ll also wear my WHOOP band, which gives some insightful data. 

Dubai is my favourite city in the world to work out in – it also provides the most scenic backdrop for my morning class I teach at Breasy. However, for a more adventurous outdoor workout environment, I would say Sri Lanka is beautiful as you are constantly surrounded by nature.  

What completely transformed my approach to wellness was asking myself, “How would the highest version of me show up right now?” – and then choosing to act accordingly. I paired this mindset with mental rehearsal, visualisation, and consistent morning and evening rituals to create lasting change. Over time, I have learnt to always remember to notice and appreciate every good thing in life. Practice gratitude like a religion and focus on all possibilities. 

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