In 2024, during SOPHIA MAE DAY, we launched our very first magazine, offering unique insights into the world of SOPHIA MAE. Among others, with psychologist and writer Kelly Weekers.

We regularly emphasize the importance of self-care and creating personal moments that are completely yours. However, there is a good chance that you do not know exactly how to integrate this into your daily routine, let alone where to start. Curious about Kelly's tips? Read an exclusive excerpt from the interview.

Self-love

‘‘Actually, everything starts with daring to embrace a feeling of self-love. For me, this means paying attention to yourself on a deeper level, and goes further than just standing in front of the mirror and stating how beautiful you are.

An easy exercise to give yourself more space and love is to ask yourself: what do I need now? This can be something physical, such as taking a bath with a nice bath bomb and filling the room with candles, but it can also be abstract, such as promising yourself to set more boundaries. The key is to be as kind to yourself in everything you do as you would be to someone else. Step one in feeling self-love is to find yourself important and valuable enough to take good care of yourself.‘‘

It doesn't have to be all at once

‘‘Of course this is easier said than done, I am very aware of that. People often say: you just have to believe in yourself or say how beautiful you are, but of course that is not how it works. Because how are you supposed to do that?

A good exercise is to schedule a fixed moment for yourself every day that is completely for you. This does not have to take three hours, start with half an hour that you fill in completely the way you want.‘‘

Misconception

‘‘A big misconception is that you have to turn your whole life upside down if you want to start taking better care of yourself. This is absolutely not true. You also have more time than you think; for example, just look at your screen time: you could easily spend part of that time creating more conscious moments for yourself. Remember that small steps can make a big difference in your mental health and happiness in life.

Do you find it difficult to listen to yourself? Ask yourself: how would I care for someone else in the same situation? What advice would I give them? Often we know better what we can do for someone else, than what we can do for ourselves.’‘