In today’s fast-paced world, the balancing act between professional success and personal well-being is a challenge faced by many, especially working parents. The pressures of excelling in one’s career while raising well-adjusted children often leave little room for self-care. As a full-time travel editor and mother of two, I find myself constantly navigating these pressures and seeking insights from others who share similar experiences. One such individual is Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, a model, actress, and entrepreneur who recently launched her clean beauty brand, Rose Inc. Fresh from her trip to the Maldives and the birth of her daughter, Rosie shared her wisdom on the importance of self-care, the lessons she learned from her travels, and the rituals that help her maintain balance.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s career began at a young age, skyrocketing her to fame as one of the most recognizable faces in the fashion industry. Born in Plymouth, England, in 1987, she was discovered at the age of 15 and soon after signed with a top modeling agency. Rosie quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a sought-after model for high-profile brands such as Victoria’s Secret and Burberry. Her striking beauty and elegant demeanor made her a favorite on runways and in fashion magazines worldwide.
Despite her professional success, Rosie has always been candid about the challenges she faces in balancing her career with personal life, especially after becoming a mother. In our conversation, she emphasized the importance of listening to one’s body and creating well-being rituals that are sustainable. “For me, it means trying to find the best version of yourself,” she explained. “It’s a quest that is evolving constantly, but I define wellness as that striving to find the healthiest you, mentally and physically.”
Rosie admitted that her perspective on wellness has changed significantly over the years. “In my 20s, I didn’t even think about wellness. It sounded… crunchy? Or like it was something older people pondered,” she said with a laugh. “But I was young and things were easy. At that age, you hop out of bed feeling great, and you have the free time to go to the gym every day because you aren’t juggling crazy deadlines and endless commitments.” However, her outlook shifted in her 30s, particularly after having her second child and experiencing postpartum issues.
“It was maybe three months after I gave birth to my daughter, and I was stressed out and having headaches all the time. I felt uncomfortable in my own body,” she recalled. Seeking relief, Rosie visited a day spa where a therapist suggested alternating between hot and cold treatments. Initially skeptical, she decided to give it a try. “Childbirth was fresh enough in my mind that I figured freezing water couldn’t be that bad. And I knew I’d have bragging rights. It was amazing! I’m a cold convert,” she declared. This experience sparked a newfound appreciation for cold therapy, which she now incorporates into her daily routine by ending each shower with a blast of cold water.
Rosie also spoke about the importance of small rituals and routines in maintaining mental and physical well-being. “These little things, these routines and seemingly small rituals, matter. They can make a big difference in how you feel, mentally and physically,” she said. As someone who has always been active, Rosie credits her mother, a fitness instructor, for instilling a love for exercise in her from a young age. “If I can get to the gym three times a week—and do some weight and resistance training and pilates—I’m very, very happy,” she shared.
When it comes to diet, Rosie takes a balanced approach. “I’m not super rigid about anything. I have noticed that I feel better when I drink a lot of water and don’t eat a ton of gluten or sugar,” she explained. The only supplement she consistently takes is a probiotic, which she finds beneficial for her overall health. While she acknowledges the benefits of meditation, she admits that finding the time and focus for it is challenging. “If I could add one thing to my daily routine, it would be meditation. But at this point in my life, when I try to meditate, I just fall asleep,” she confessed with a smile.
Rosie’s recent trip to the Maldives provided her with valuable insights into the importance of self-care and the healing power of travel. The serene beauty of the islands and the opportunity to disconnect from the demands of daily life allowed her to recharge and reflect on her well-being. She emphasized the significance of taking time for oneself, especially in a beautiful place, and the positive impact it can have on mental health.
“For me, the Maldives trip was a reminder of how essential it is to listen to my body and prioritize my well-being,” Rosie said. “Traveling to a beautiful place with a good friend can be incredibly healing. It allows you to step away from your routine, clear your mind, and come back feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.”
As a new mother and a busy entrepreneur, Rosie understands the challenges of maintaining self-care amidst a hectic schedule. However, she believes that integrating small, meaningful rituals into daily life can make a significant difference. Whether it’s a cold shower, a visit to the gym, or a moment of gratitude, these practices help her stay grounded and connected to herself.
In launching Rose Inc., Rosie has also found a way to channel her passion for wellness into a brand that reflects her values. Her struggles with acne and her commitment to clean beauty have driven her to create products that are both effective and gentle. “Having a line of clean beauty products is more than a passion project, it’s a personal mission,” she stated. Rosie’s dedication to ingredient research and her focus on non-comedogenic formulations ensure that her products meet the highest standards of quality and efficacy.
Through her honesty and openness about her journey, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley continues to inspire others to prioritize self-care and well-being. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-awareness, and the pursuit of balance. In a world where the demands of professional and personal life can often feel overwhelming, Rosie reminds us that taking care of ourselves is not a luxury but a necessity.
As I concluded our conversation, I felt a renewed sense of motivation to incorporate more self-care practices into my own life. Rosie’s insights and experiences serve as a valuable reminder that, no matter how busy we are, finding time for ourselves is crucial. Whether it’s through travel, exercise, or simple daily rituals, taking care of our well-being allows us to show up as the best versions of ourselves in all aspects of life.
