Radiance + Ritual: Meet Jenee Day, The Mom, Author, Podcaster, and Wellness Advocate

With so many different approaches to self care, wellness, and spirituality at our fingertips, how do we know what works? One of our favorite ways to learn about new practices is, of course, to see what our friends are doing, and how it’s working for them.

That’s what Radiance + Ritual is all about.

Radiance + Ritual is an interview series that takes a deeper look at individuals in our community who are living in their glow—what wellness rituals they practice, what self-care looks like to them, and what routines help them achieve their best self.

Meet Jenee Day.

Jenee Day is the author of Fear Itself: How Battling Anxiety Brought Me Inner Peace and the host of the podcast The Fear Itself, which aims to de-stigmatize mental illness and let those who suffer know they aren’t alone.

She is a tremendous wellness advocate for people struggling with anxiety and mental health disorders after suffering from some of the same issues. She’s also a mom and an all-around inspiration to us. We were delighted to chat with her for this edition of Radiance + Ritual.

What makes Jenee such an advocate is that she has a remarkable ability to relate to her audience, such that someone listening or reading, truly feels heard and understood. This helps her reach people and help them in a much different way than most clinicians do.

We are proud to support Jenee as a mental health advocate and hope to work with her on these very important topics in the future.

Introduce yourself! Who are you, what do you do for a living, for fun?

My name is Jenee Day. I am a mom, podcaster, and wellness advocate.

Most of my work is centered around mental health and more specifically, anxiety.  As someone who used to struggle with anxiety and did not have success with conventional treatments, I think it’s important to have authentic conversations and to “pull back the curtain” on mental illness.

With my podcast, I’m able to use what I have learned in my own healing journey to share with others. I tend to focus on personal responsibility in finding solutions and natural remedies within that space.  My goal is to reach others who might be struggling and to let them know that they are not alone, they are understood, and there is hope beyond their pain.

I love being outside and connecting with nature. Hiking, playing in the ocean, running around in the grass with my kids. Those are the times I feel most like my authentic, free self.  I try to incorporate outside time into each day, no matter the weather.  Even standing in the rain can be therapeutic!

What is your wellness philosophy?

I believe wholeheartedly in healing from the inside out. What we experience in our daily lives is often a direct reflection of what’s going on inside of us, so to heal our lives we must first heal ourselves.

I also believe that wellness encompasses so much more than the physical. We nourish our bodies. We need to remember to nourish mind, heart, and spirit as well.

Something I’ve learned in the past few years is that self-care is not a “treat”. It’s essential to health and well-being. I practice that by taking time out to honor my needs. I allow myself to rest, to indulge in a slice of cake, whatever feels right. Life is about balance, giving and receiving.  Self-care allows me to receive the same attention that I give.

Please walk us through your morning ritual and skin care routine.

I am usually the first in our household to wake up, so I enjoy a bit of solitude in the quiet. The early morning is my absolute favorite time of the day. I feel like there’s so much magic and potential in it.

Typically I start the day with what I call “lazy meditation” – not structured, not too serious.  Just a few quiet minutes sitting in the bed, experiencing gratitude for all that I have and all that will be. I sometimes visualize what I hope to accomplish that day or say affirmations like “I am always experiencing miracles!” It gets me in a good headspace right away.

I keep a bottle of water by the bed, so usually after meditating I reach for that.  I also keep a yoga mat out, so that I can just walk over and stretch out a little to wake up my body.  As I’m doing this I am going over the plan for the day – what child has what appointment, what calls I need to make – which is important for me because it helps me to stay calm even on days when my schedule is full.

Most days I don’t wear makeup, so I want my skin to look and feel clean and fresh. A gentle wash and rinse and a quick oil massage and I am ready to go.

How do you get your glow: internally, externally?

I laugh every day.  This sounds so simple, but I think it is life-changing.

I practice gratitude. I sometimes write down what I’m thankful for, but it’s usually more like appreciating a moment of stillness with my sons, or taking a walk outside and consciously making an effort to hear the birds sing, see the beauty all around.

I like to create, and I like to be adventurous in creating. Art, photography, music, even podcasting – any medium that allows a person to express themselves, to tell a story or honor a memory – is valuable because you’re translating something inside you and intangible into something real and tangible.

Lastly, and I feel like this is essential – I play. This is just an example, but I take fun dance classes at a terrific studio.  I am not a dancer, but it doesn’t matter.  For those 45 minutes I pretend I’m on stage and performing with all my heart. I think adults forget how to use their imaginations, how to play.  Life is so much fun if you allow it to be.

With so many trends out there, which ones are sticking for you right now?

I wouldn’t consider myself a trend-follower, I’m usually the last to know about what’s popular or of-the-moment. I’ve seen a lot of talk lately about the benefit of ice baths and cold showers. There seems to be some good science behind it. I can’t jump into a bathtub full of ice just yet, but I end my showers with cold water. It’s refreshing!

What do you like most about Annmarie Skin Care products and brand?

I was initially drawn to Annmarie Skin Care because they contain simple, pure ingredients. Years later, I continue to use them because they make my skin look and feel incredible.  I’ve also been very impressed with their commitment to sustainability.

What is your go-to Annmarie Skin Care product?

The Neroli Toning Mist is my absolute favorite!  The smell is divine,  and it makes my skin feel alive and refreshed.

What’s one wellness essential you can’t live without right now?

No matter where I am or what I am doing, I always have water with me. At work, at the gym, running errands, wherever. My husband jokes that I am the “most hydrated person” he’s ever met. I think the health and beauty benefits of drinking water are underrated  It helps with digestion, circulation, healthy skin, quality sleep, and yes – even anxiety!