Gentle, yet strengthening has been my antidote. My personal routine includes daily sun salutations and targeted asanas for hip and shoulder opening. Not only has this improved my flexibility and posture, but it has made a noticeable difference in the way I carry myself - on and off the runway. Photographers often comment on how "grounded" I seem in my frame. That's yoga. It also helps with recovery. After a long day of back-to-back shoots, a 20-minute restorative session helps my muscles release tension, improves sleep, and gets me ready for the next day - something even the fanciest spas can't always guarantee.
Behind every beautiful campaign is a sea of self-doubt, rejection, and insecurity. Models live in a world where "not now" is more common than "yes," and where appearance is constantly under microscopic examination. Through practices like pranayama (breath control), dhyana (meditation), and simple mindfulness, I've learned to separate my self-worth from the fleeting nature of gigs and likes. I've learned torespondinstead ofreact. That pause between a breath - that space of awareness - is everything when you're in a high-pressure green room or staring down the lens of a judgmental casting director.
Yoga has also helped manage performance anxiety. Before a major show, they do five minutes of deep belly breathing backstage. It centers them, slows the mind, and replaces fear with focus. In an industry where you're constantly being compared and evaluated, that internal silence is gold.
