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Never has the relationship between bond, body, and health been more popular in our culture. How you think can affect how you feel. And how you feel can affect your thinking. However, your mind can have a positive effect on your health, too. Having a positive outlook on life might help you better handle pain or stress and stay healthier than someone who is less hopeful. A health practice that combines mental focus, controlled breathing, and body movements to help relax the body and mind. It may be used to help control pain, stress, anxiety, and depression, and for overall health. Examples of mind-body practices include meditation, hypnosis, guided imagery, yoga, and tai chi. Your mind and body are powerful allies. No one knows this better than Tess Annique, a wellness expert, influencer, and model.
When it comes to LA living, no one does it better than model and influencer Tess Annique who has made herself an expert in all things fashion, fitness, and wellness. The budding influencer has garnered over 20,000 followers and counting on Instagram by sharing the ways she chooses to prioritize her mind, body, and health above all else and looking fabulous while doing it. Whether meditating or strength training, Annique never fails to find time in her day to focus on herself and her well-being. Featured in the pages of QP magazine, Annique has established herself as not only an expert in wellness but in fashion. With a prospering career and a fit physique, Annique knows how to make wellness seem sexy.
When Tess had a moment, she spoke to Gemma Magazine about her discipline, fitness routine, and “Wellness With Tess.”
What does “Wellness with Tess” mean to you? Wellness With Tess is a guide to good living. I started WWT to encourage women to live well, live authentically, and make choices that best serve our mind, body, and soul. WWT is a result of my personal experience in health and wellness and the quest to become the best version of myself. WWT is a result of this journey.
I love the idea of focusing on mental, physical, and spiritual health. Can you give us an example in each area of how you apply this?
Of course! Health is so multifaceted. We’re not just talking about lifting weights in the gym. Mental health has been at the forefront of so many conversations, especially after this year. I’ve suffered from anxiety and depression in the past, and have learned tips and tricks to help cope (for example 4-1-4 breathing if you’re feeling very anxious). Physical health is so important. My attitude has changed from “I need to workout to be skinny” to “I need to workout to be strong and feel my best.” I feel so empowered when I move my body in a way that gives me strength. It’s incredible what the human bodies are capable of. I include my workout routine on WWT as well. Spiritual health is vital as it allows us to have a clear mind and ’steady heartbeat’. When we are truly present in that moment. Meditation has helped me listen to this stillness and honor it.
How do you like modeling?
Modeling is fun: it’s creative, expressive, and at times, challenging. I started at age 15. My first shoot was for Cosmopolitan magazine. It’s been crazy to see how the industry has changed over that time, with social media and all. But I’m always very grateful for my experience and the things I’ve learned.
What made you go on a mental cleanse?
I think it’s important to always check in with yourself: how am I feeling? Am I using social media too much? Do I need a break and unplug? I saw this quote recently, “Switch from consuming content to producing content and watch how your life changes.” So now, I’m focusing on producing meaningful content and creating an engaging community.
What do you enjoy when it comes to exercise?
I enjoy being active: taking the dog on a walk, golfing, being outside, in general, makes me happy. But, in terms of working out, I enjoy going to the gym and working out with my trainer. We focus on strength training and circuits. I used to always be afraid of lifting weights because I never wanted to be bulky. That’s not the case at all. Weight training has helped me feel empowered. I enjoy pilates as well. I like to mix it up.
How do you like the California lifestyle?
I’m a California girl, I grew up in Corona Del Mar. We recently moved to Las Vegas and have been here for about a year and a half. I love how health-conscious California is. Vegas is getting more and more healthy options, which I love.
“I’m so proud of my body, my sobriety, and the way I’ve learned to love myself above all else. If what I’ve done was easy, everyone would be doing it. I know that one of my greatest strengths in life is my resiliency and my discipline. You can see those strengths radiating throughout every aspect of my life. I’m so excited to see where that resilience will take me in the future, both professionally and personally.” (Tess Annique)
What does self-love mean to you?
Self-love is living authentically. Not putting up this front on how people want you to be, but living your authentic self, unapologetically.
Tess Annique
How do you think more young girls can increase their self-love (especially in today’s society with so much social media?) I know it’s a challenging topic, but I think it’s so easy to “compare and despair.” If I spend too much time on social media I can easily fall into that trap. “I don’t look like her, I don’t have as nice of things as she has, I’m not as successful as her.” It’s toxic. It’s tragic. And it’s incredibly difficult for young girls to grow up in this space. I think the best thing is for girls to limit their time on social media, to stop comparing themselves to others. To focus on themselves and the things that bring them joy. To cultivate their own self-interests and feel empowered. Growing up is hard enough on its own. The internet doesn’t lend a lot of grace in that regard.
We thank Tess Antique for speaking with us. She’s motivated and inspirational. In order to keep up with Tess on her social platforms:
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