7 self-care rituals from the olive team

Celeste Wong drinking a cup of coffee with a view of green hills

7 self-care rituals from the olive team

Celeste Wong, coffee columnist

"Every morning, I start my day by making a cup of coffee (usually a pour over filter coffee, black, or on hot days a cold brew with ice) and take it with me in my favourite cafe concetto tumbler cup on a hike for at least an hour, either near water or in the forest. This ritual grounds me and serves as my form of meditation. During my walk, I process problems, generate ideas, and sometimes take notes if inspiration strikes. This time is essential for me, and without it, my day feels off balance. Sipping my coffee as I walk is a cherished part of this daily routine."

Check out Celeste's guide to the best on-the-go coffee makers for alfresco coffee moments.

Alex Crossley, digital editor

"I am lucky enough to live next to one of London’s swimming reservoirs. If I’m feeling stressed I pop out and do a 500m lap then warm up at home with an oolong tea in my favourite Moomin mug. The ritual of boiling the kettle, brewing the tea and pouring from my Japanese tea pot is very calming. Whenever I can I drink it outside on my small balcony, even if it's cold I wrap up warm and enjoy the fresh air."

A reservoir in London with a man carrying a kayak

Isabella Keeling, deputy health editor

"I have lots of tricks for when I’m in need of self-care. One is walking in Bushey Park, near where I live, and listening to the noises of nature. I can’t explain why, but looking up through the leaves of the big oak trees when they’re dappled with sunlight completely calms me. There are birds swooping and singing, deer and rabbits on the paths – it’s magical! Another trick is curling up on my favourite armchair with a hot drink, a few biscuits and a good book (American Dirt at the moment – if you haven’t read it, you MUST). For those days when I need to bring out the big guns, you’ll find me on the sofa watching You’ve Got Mail for the 1000th time dipping dark chocolate into a jar of peanut butter."

Emily Marten, digital assistant

"When I need a little self-care reset, I make one of two dishes (depending on the season). If it’s cold outside, a warming red lentil dhal with plenty of turmeric, ground cumin and coriander, tinned tomatoes and coconut milk. If it’s the summer I’ll make a vegan Caesar(ish) salad with kale, torn tofu baked with nutritional yeast, garlic and onion powder, roasted paprika chickpeas, chunky sliced cucumber and toasted seeds, all covered in a creamy dressing with Dijon mustard, EVOO, some leftover aquafaba from the tinned chickpeas, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, miso, maybe a little tahini and plenty of salt and pepper. Both dishes make a world of difference to my mood."

Vegan Kale Caesar Salad Recipe with Aubergine Bacon

Gurdeep Loyal, trends columnist

"When I’m in self-care mode, the first thing I do is light an incense cone – usually one with a smoky-sweet campfire fragrance which I find very relaxing. I then make a really indulgent hot chocolate using a matcha whisk – I love the process, and find it very soothing. First I add very dark cocoa powder and a little brown sugar to a mug, then a splash of full fat milk. I whisk to smooth paste, then add orange zest, a pinch of nutmeg and sea salt. It’s topped up with hot milk – and occasionally a little brandy. I sprinkle a little extra cocoa on top, change into a hoodie, put on an Erykah Badu album, and enjoy on the sofa.”

Ben Curtis, creative director

"Pouring a drink, grabbing a basket and walking round the garden is my favourite thing to do on a fair evening. There is still a thrill to picking something that I’ve grown, whether that’s a vase of flowers or a plate of tomatoes and basil. Being in the garden lifts my mood instantly and I try and make time to enjoy it without thinking about what needs doing next."

A plate of fresh produce including tomatoes in all shades of colours

Janine Ratcliffe, editor

"Self care for me is all about good sleep habits. Going to bed really early (sometimes pre 9pm!) after a hot bath, relaxing oils in the diffuser and clean sheets and PJs is just bliss. I read that the hours you can get to sleep before midnight are worth double the ones after, and however stressed I’m feeling a really good long sleep seems to make everything better."