By Tyler Martin
I recently had the pleasure of catching up with Maya Basra, a member of the SMU Look staff, to explore her mindful morning routine that empowers her to conquer a full day of school and work. Through her blog “AndWhatAboutIt” and TikTok account, with over 20k followers and 1.1 million likes, Maya shares authentic glimpses into her day-to-day life, emphasizing the specific rituals that contribute to her sense of well-being.
T: What does the phrase ‘when you look good, you feel good’ mean to you?
M: “Of course, my true confidence in myself comes from within. But the next layer of that is feeling comfortable with what I’m wearing. I know that if I am wearing something I feel good in, I will give the best version of myself. For example, I’ll be able to contribute more in a conversation when I feel good about myself, and that starts in my closet when picking out my outfit every morning.”
T: Walk me through your morning routine.
M: “In theory, a fast paced lifestyle directly conflicts with wellness. So the question is how do you slow down and purposefully add balance to your day? I have to be conscious of the essential nutrients I give my body and the practices I implement that leave me refreshed, in order to effectively prioritize self care.
Without fail, every morning, I make sure to tidy my space, take my supplements and do my skincare. Leaving my bedroom feeling better about myself than when I woke up is essential.
Skincare is a crucial part of my morning routine, leaving me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. It’s like starting my day with a clean slate.
I’m a firm believer that ‘when you look good, you feel good’ also comes from the inside out. Taking supplements is a key part of my morning ritual. Recently, I took the next step in my wellness journey and my goal was to have a clear picture of my health. I started with getting my bloodwork done and have since adjusted my supplements accordingly. For me, my hydration packs, my skin supplements and Vitamin C are my go-to’s for that inner glow, aiding my confidence.
Nourishing my body from within is vital, and a healthy breakfast like avocado toast or breakfast tacos is my go-to.
When I miss a step of my morning routine, I immediately feel off. It’s so important for me to keep myself accountable so I am not missing any steps in my routine, because it directly impacts how I feel throughout the day.”
T: How do you get dressed in the morning?
M: “I opt for one versatile outfit to carry me through the day. My days are extensive; I leave my apartment in the morning and am not back until the sun is set.
Working as a marketing intern at Highland Park Village, the dress code is modest yet fashionable, which reflects the location. When building my wardrobe, I focus on the core essentials that I will keep in my closet for years and that will accompany me through my young adult life.
I used to struggle so much wearing my dressier clothes on campus. I wondered, ‘Are people looking at me?’ and ‘Does it come off like I’m trying too hard?’ I had to learn to let that go and not pay attention to what people are saying. The more I embrace my work attire in class, the more authentic I feel.”
T: What are the top 5 staple pieces in your wardrobe?
M: “A blazer, trousers, trench coat, cashmere sweaters, and black heeled boots.”
Maya’s journey demonstrates the truth behind the saying ‘when you look good, you feel good.’ With the carefully curated steps in her morning routine and wardrobe selections, Maya emphasizes the importance of self-care in a holistic and healthy way. Finding a balance between our outer appearance and inner well-being, even amidst our busy lives, is imperative to allow ourselves to feel content. Let’s draw inspiration from Maya and embark on our own paths towards looking good and feeling our best.
All photos courtesy of Maya Basra
