‘The rituals I keep anchor me’: IMAGE’s Hannah Monaghan shares her wellness routine
When it comes to wellness, for IMAGE's Hannah Monaghan it's all about rituals that are small, simple and anchor her in the everyday.
As someone who is always pushing myself, wellness is something I’ve had to make a very intentional effort to prioritise. In the past, it was the first thing I sidelined. However, I’ve learned that when I’m kinder to myself, everything else becomes easier. These days, the rituals I keep – small and simple as they are – anchor me.
Movement and mindfulness
Last year, I got a puppy called Davey, and he has become the heart of my wellness routine. There’s something so grounding about starting and ending my day with him. We go on three walks a day: one before work, a quick lunchtime loop, and a final evening stroll. Those moments have turned into little pockets of calm that I genuinely look forward to.
On the weekends, it feels almost sacred: a slow wander, a coffee, a sweet treat, and absolutely no headphones. Just the two of us, the fresh air, and the space to breathe. No matter the weather, those walks have been my most dependable form of movement and a source of real joy.
I’ve also fallen in love with reformer Pilates. There’s such comfort in the slow, deliberate movement, the kind that makes you feel connected to your body again. I’m lucky to have a few gorgeous studios nearby (Platinum Pilates, Saint Studios, and Reformation), and I love choosing which one to visit depending on the vibe I’m craving. It feels like an act of kindness to myself each time I show up.
Soothing self-care
Self-care has become an integral part of my wellness routine. When I take the time to care for myself properly, I notice such a difference in my mindset.
I aim to have a ‘wellness evening’ at least once a week, where I do the full ritual: a hair mask, a face mask, ice rolling (a skin-tightening, energising practice), and an ‘everything shower.’ Every so often, I’ll treat myself to a facial, too. I have my daily routine that sets me up for the day, but these deeper moments of care really ground me.
Evening wind-down
As someone who struggles with switching off, having a quiet evening is essential. I always start with a wholesome dinner and a warm shower, followed by a cup of tea and plenty of water from my Stanley. I try to swap my phone for an hour or two of reading, which helps pull me out of the endless-scroll headspace. I recently got a Kindle, which has been a game-changer, although I’m still buying physical books too; you just can’t beat them
I also find writing a to-do list helps ease my mind for the next day. I’m a big list person, and I swear by the Head Plan journals for helping me organise my thoughts and ‘make it happen.’
Down time
With the evenings so dark, I can get overwhelmed with the creeping feeling that there isn’t enough time to get everything done. That’s why carving out proper downtime to relax with the people I love is essential. A cosy movie night in, a slow browse around the shops, or a wholesome coffee date can make all the difference in between the mayhem.
In the end, my wellness routine isn’t about perfection or productivity; it’s about giving myself the time and space to feel grounded, present and genuinely well. These little rituals remind me that taking care of myself is not a luxury, but a quiet commitment I get to make every day.
The IMAGE Wellness Project is sponsored by Activia and Irish Life Health. Visit our IMAGE Wellness Project Hub to follow weekly updates, including interviews, videos and podcast episodes with leading wellbeing experts.







