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The Wellness Diaries: How journalling became a lifeline for influencer Emma Kehoe
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Welcome to The Wellness Diaries, a new series where we chat with familiar faces about the habits and rituals that support their wellbeing. First up is influencer and mindful coach Emma Kehoe, who opens up about turning to journaling during a difficult time, creating a daily check-in practice, and the small, grounding rituals that help her feel balanced.
How do you start your day to set yourself up for wellness?
My morning routine is quite sacred to me as it makes me start my day with a sense of calm and ease. I was that woman who used to jump up out of bed at 5.30 am for a HIIT workout and a coffee and go, go, go. Now I start my day with a little more ease, waking up, making myself a cup of tea or cacao and taking a few deep breaths to centre myself. I also journal, and that sets the tone of the day and is so important for me. I also try not to go on my phone for the first hour of the day.
What wellness practices are essential to your routine, things you never skip?
Definitely going to hot yoga. I love it, and it has been the greatest thing for me over the last few years, and I notice when I leave it for a week or two. Yoga has taught me how to connect my mind, body and inner self. Taking time to be more mindful of your own body and learning that exercise can come in all different forms. I also go to the gym and do a low-intensity workout. Before, I used to burn myself out with watching the calories clock up; now it’s more intentional and is for so much more than that.
Are there little things you do each day that most support your mental or physical wellness?
Getting outdoors for a walk is my medicine for the soul. Nothing beats a stroll in the sunshine (when we get it) and breathing in some fresh air.
What might surprise people about how you take care of yourself?
On social media, I might seem a bit extroverted, but I am quite introverted and need alone time to recharge. I love sitting in and sometimes saying ‘no’ to plans as all I want to do is light my incense, my candles and stick on a good movie. I have learned over the years not to say yes to everything, as it burns you out. You have to keep some energy for yourself. Think of your phone, you charge that up when the battery is low or on 0%, but remember, you have to charge your own energy too.
Can you share a time when your wellness habits slipped, or you struggled to stay on track?
My grandmother passed away last year, and she was my best friend and like a mum to me. For about five to six months, I could barely get out for a walk; I didn’t go to the gym or yoga as I physically just couldn’t, and I had to be kind to myself and do what I could. Slowly over time, I started to do one class a week, then add a little bit extra. I’m only really back to a proper routine over the last few months.
Who or what helps you stay well, friends, family, mentors or communities?
Definitely my amazing family and friends, they are the biggest supporters, and my boyfriend, of course, I can’t not mention him. He keeps me grounded and is so calm. And of course, my community, they are just the best people. I just came back from hosting my spring retreat with 15 amazing women, and the love and compliments I received from them put the biggest smile on my face and motivated me to do more and keep going.
Are there any tools, apps, or products that play a key role in your wellness routine?
My journal has become such a huge part of my life. I started it in 2020, when things were at an all-time low for me. Since then, it’s become my safe space, somewhere I can reflect, be honest, and just sit with myself and my thoughts.
I also love using the Calm app for meditation. It’s something I come back to again and again. And product-wise, I’m obsessed with Renao, an Irish brand – their sleep spray is part of my nightly routine, and it’s honestly divine, like resting your head on a lavender cloud. I also love Be Kind incense, another Irish brand. I burn it regularly, and even use it during my workshops.
How do you balance physical, mental and emotional well-being?
I don’t think you can tick every box every day. It’s more about choosing what feels most important in that moment, what’s going to keep you grounded. For me, it’s definitely my morning routine and going to yoga. Those are the things that help me feel balanced. I also go to Reiki every so often, especially when I feel like I need a bit of a reset.
If you could give one piece of wellness advice to someone starting out, what would it be?
Start checking in with yourself every day by asking how you feel and what you need. For example, I do a daily check-in where I ask myself, ‘On a scale of 1–10, how do I feel today?’ I sit with that number and explore why I feel that way. Then I ask myself if I want to shift it, and if I do, what I can do today to feel a little better. That’s when I turn to my ‘feel-good toolbox.’ It might be something simple like going for a walk, calling a friend, having a coffee alone, going for a swim or even just taking a nap. It’s not about doing everything, it’s about choosing what you need in that moment.
You can follow Emma on Instagram at @emmakehoe
To stay up to date on our latest articles, podcast episodes and more, visit the IMAGE Wellness Project hub. Listen to The IMAGE Wellness Project HERE or wherever you get your podcasts. The IMAGE Wellness Project 2026 is sponsored by Boots, Vita Coco, Cocoa Brown and Manhattan.
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