CHELSEA BAPTISTE IS A HOLISTIC HEALTH COACH, FITNESS INSTRUCTOR AND FOUNDER OF WELLNESS BY CHELSEA
Jennifer: What are you currently doing and how did you get into this field?
Chelsea: Health and wellness has always been a passion of mine. After graduating from college, I accepted a job in beauty PR in New York City. After two years in this role I felt unfulfilled and knew I wanted to explore the world of wellness. I decided to fully pursue my passion and build my own practice to help others reach their health goals. I made the decision to get my health coaching certification and dive a little deeper into holistic nutrition. I currently create individualized programs to help my clients achieve their wellness goals. My services not only offer a holistic approach to nutrition but also to a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
In addition to health coaching, I am currently the Director of Training for the FireBeat class at POEYoga. Movement is a key component of wellness for me so being able to help create and develop this class has been a special experience.
JS: How do you balance a busy career as well as healthy personal life?
CB: For me, staying organized really helps so I use a weekly planner that I write everything in. Every day is different and I am always trying to find a good balance but learning to say no has helped me find a happy medium.
JS: At the beginning of the day, how do you prepare for a good day and at night, how do you wind down before bed?
CB: Most of my weekdays begin around 5:30AM so it is important for me to be really organized the night before to avoid feeling frantic and rushed when I wake up. I love reading in bed at night and usually drink a glass of warm water mixed with a magnesium supplement powder called CALM from natural vitality.
The best way for me to prepare for a good day is taking a few moments when my alarm goes off to think of a few things that I am grateful for. I am a firm believer in having positive vibes, it can set the tone for your whole day.
JS: What does your daily wellness routine look like?
CB: I am a creature of habit so I have a few things that I consistently do as part of my wellness routine. I start most mornings with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and my daily probiotic. I have started to make meditation a part of my routine, even if it is for 5 minutes because I truly see the effectiveness when it becomes a habit. A good sweat is a staple in my daily wellness routine. Movement has always been something that makes me feel good and it is the ultimate stress reliever. Lastly, WATER! I drink 4 liters of water each day, it is the easiest and cheapest thing you can do for your health.
JS: In such a busy and fast-paced city, how do you find time for yourself during the day?
CB: I think self care is so important and often overlooked. Whether I have a super busy day or a lot of free time, I always try to incorporate some form of it – some days that means a cupping/acupuncture session and others it means a face mask and catching up with a good friend.
JS: Any tips to avoid burnout?
CB: It sounds cliche but listen to your body! I myself am still learning to do this as I am someone who feels like I constantly have to be running around. Learning to slow down, scan my body and listen to what it needs helps me avoid burnout. Taking care of my mind & body allows me to show up wholeheartedly for the people in my life.
JS: What are three things you could not live without?
CB: This is so hard! Here are 3 foods I can’t live without – nut butters, avocados, dark chocolate
JS: What book/podcast are you currently reading/listening to?
CB: I am big podcast girl – MindBodyGreen, Goop, Almost 30, That’s So Retrograde, Bulletproof Radio
JS: What is the best advice you’ve been given?
CB: What other people think of you is none of your business