Meet Chris Eder

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chris Eder a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?

How’s Your Self-Care Game? Let’s Talk About Why It Matters!
Self-care might seem like the latest buzzword, but for me, it’s been my secret sauce for decades. My journey started back in 1999 when life threw me a curveball. I was a newly minted Radio & TV Broadcast Journalist in the Air Force, juggling the pressures of learning a new job while leading a small team. Stress was piling up faster than I could handle. A trip to the doctor led to an ADHD diagnosis and some medication, which helped, but I quickly realized that pills weren’t the whole answer.
Around the same time, sciatica pain decided to join the party. A coworker suggested yoga for the pain and meditation for the stress. I figured, “Why not?” and gave it a shot—and wow, it was like finding the cheat code for life. Yoga and meditation didn’t just help; they became my go-to companions, seeing me through everything from career ups and downs to a later diagnosis of PTSD.
The Self-Care Dream Team
Fast forward to today, and my self-care routine is like a well-oiled machine. Every morning, I kick things off before I even roll out of bed. Feet grounded, I take a moment for gratitude (and no, coffee doesn’t count—yet). By 5:10 a.m., I’m in meditation mode, setting the tone for the day ahead. Five days a week, you’ll find me on my yoga mat blending asana with mindfulness—it’s like a spa day for my body and soul.
Sleep? Oh, I don’t mess around with that. For eight years, I’ve stuck to a solid sleep hygiene routine that keeps me recharged. Add in balanced meals (yes, I’m that person who actually eats their veggies), and my wellness foundation is rock solid.
Tools of the Trade
Even though I’m a trained yoga and meditation teacher, I’m all about keeping it simple and accessible. My wife and I often practice with Yoga with Adriene on YouTube—she’s like that friend who always has good vibes. Solo time? I dive into sessions from Connected Warriors, Mission Flexible, or Veterans Yoga Project. For a quick meditation fix, the Insight Timer app has my back. If you’re looking for yoga videos on YouTube, I recommend finding someone who looks like you. In other words, if you’re young and fit, look for a young and fit teacher.
But I don’t just consume—I create! Since 2012, I’ve been crafting mala beads through my business Mala for Vets. I have also been in a few yoga videos. Designing logos and websites for nonprofits is another way I blend self-care with giving back with my design business Chris Eder Design.

Why Self-Care Matters (Like, Really Matters)
Let’s get real for a second. Statistically speaking, I shouldn’t be here thriving. PTSD, ADHD, raising a special-needs child—it’s a recipe for burnout. Yet here I am, defying the odds. Why? Because self-care is my lifeline.
When I’m consistent with my practices, I’m more productive, creative, and grounded. Sure, there are moments when meditation feels impossible or ADHD hijacks my to-do list. That’s when my wife steps in like my personal accountability coach. A few deep breaths or a quick meditation usually gets me back on track.
Self-care also helps me battle Imposter Syndrome. When that little voice whispers, “You’re not good enough,” I counter it with gratitude or a breathing exercise. These small moments remind me of my worth and keep me moving forward.
Lessons from the Self-Care Trenches
Here’s what I’ve learned: consistency is everything. I wake up at the same time every day, no matter what. It’s like brushing your teeth—annoying at first, but you’d feel weird without it. And for anyone starting out, remember: self-care isn’t selfish or indulgent. It’s essential.
Guys, this goes for you too—yoga isn’t just for women, and meditation isn’t about zoning out. It’s about showing up for yourself so you can handle life’s chaos like a boss.
Your Self-Care Starter Pack
If you’re thinking, “Sounds great, but where do I even start?” I’ve got you. Here are a few easy steps:
1. Set an Intention: Pick one tiny habit—like drinking water first thing in the morning or taking five deep breaths before bed.
2. Stay Consistent: Five minutes a day is enough to start. Just show up.
3. Find Your People: Join a yoga class, an online group, or even a buddy system. Community makes it easier to stick with it.
4. Use Technology: Apps like Insight Timer or Calm can help make mindfulness part of your routine.
And remember, self-care isn’t about nailing it every day—it’s about progress, not perfection.
The Ripple Effect
Here’s the magic: when you take care of yourself, it’s not just about you. Your energy, patience, and resilience spill over into your relationships, work, and everything else you do. For me, self-care has made me a better spouse, parent, and teammate.
At work, it’s my secret weapon for handling stress. Yoga and meditation act like a force field against burnout, helping me stay clear-headed and adaptable.
Let’s Normalize This, Shall We?
One of the biggest hurdles is breaking the stigma, especially in environments like the military where “toughness” is the name of the game. True strength? It’s being brave enough to admit you need support and doing something about it.
I’ve had the honor of mentoring others on their self-care journeys. Sharing my story has sparked conversations that challenge outdated beliefs, and seeing others embrace healing practices is beyond rewarding.
Ready to Start?
Self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a radical act of love. So what’s your first step? Maybe it’s rolling out a yoga mat, trying a breathing exercise, or just sitting quietly with your thoughts for a minute. Whatever it is, know this: you’re worth it.
And if you’re ever tempted to skip self-care because you’re “too busy,” just remember—life is better when you take time to refill your own cup. Because let’s face it, you can’t pour from an empty one.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m Chris Eder, and my journey has always been about blending storytelling with the transformative power of mindfulness. With 24 years of military service as a broadcast producer and over a decade of expertise designing on Squarespace, I’ve developed a passion for creating narratives and designs that are functional, inspiring, and deeply meaningful. My experiences with ADHD, PTSD, and the healing arts of yoga and meditation have shaped not just who I am, but also how I approach my work. For me, it’s all about turning challenges into opportunities to empower others to find their own paths to wellness and creativity.

Through my brand, Mala for Vets, I handcraft malas that carry stories of resilience, connection, and healing. Each piece is intentionally designed to inspire and support its wearer, whether it’s the Warrior Mala, symbolizing strength and renewal, or one of my Warrior wrist malas, each created to reflect courage, recovery, or insight. Beyond the products, I’m deeply committed to giving back by supporting nonprofits that bring yoga and meditation to veterans, such as VETOGA, Warriors at Ease, Connected Warriors, Mission Flexible, and the Veterans Yoga Project.

I’m thrilled to be introducing new designs that expand what Mala for Vets offers, including malas and wrist malas tailored to specific needs like determination, grounding, and spiritual growth. These creations, along with my work in crafting websites and logos for nonprofits, allow me to combine my creativity with my dedication to service.

For me, this work isn’t just about crafting beautiful products—it’s about helping others find balance, lead with purpose, and embrace the power of mindfulness. If you’re looking for something made with intention, heart, and a deep connection to service, I’d love to share my journey and creations with you.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities and skills stand out as the most impactful: resilience, creative adaptability, and a deep sense of service. These traits have shaped who I am today and the work I’m so passionate about. Here’s why they’ve been crucial and what I’d share with anyone just starting out:

1. Resilience
Throughout my life, resilience has been my anchor. Whether I was navigating the pressures of a demanding military career or overcoming personal challenges like ADHD and PTSD, resilience kept me moving forward. It’s what allowed me to embrace the hard moments and come out stronger on the other side.
My Advice: Resilience is built over time—it starts with self-awareness and small, consistent efforts. I recommend embracing setbacks as learning opportunities and finding practices that ground you, like meditation or journaling. These simple habits can help you stay steady even when life throws curveballs.

2. Creative Adaptability
My ability to pivot and think creatively has been a game-changer. From combining storytelling with design in my broadcast career to blending yoga, meditation, and mala-making into my work, I’ve found so much joy in exploring new possibilities. Creative adaptability has allowed me to keep growing, no matter the challenges I face.
My Advice: To cultivate adaptability, stay curious, and to be open to trying new things. Experiment, even if it feels outside your comfort zone—you never know where it might lead. For me, it’s often been the unexpected combinations of skills that led to my most fulfilling work.

3. A Deep Sense of Service
Serving others has always been at the heart of what I do. Whether it’s creating malas to support veterans, designing tools to help others heal, or mentoring someone on their self-care journey, I find immense meaning in giving back. Service isn’t just something I do; it’s a part of who I am.
My Advice: To develop a sense of service, start by finding a cause or community that speaks to you. Volunteer your time or share your expertise—small steps can make a big difference. For me, service is about building connections and showing up for others in meaningful ways.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely, I’m always looking to collaborate and build meaningful partnerships. Through Mala for Vets, I’m passionate about supporting veterans and the organizations that bring healing arts like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness to them. If you share this mission or work in a space that aligns with mental health, wellness, or creative arts, I’d love to connect. Whether it’s co-creating a product, supporting a non-profit initiative, or spreading awareness about these critical issues, I’m open to exploring how we can work together.

With Chris Eder Design, collaboration often revolves around bringing ideas to life through branding, website design, and storytelling. I specialize in working with yoga studios, non-profits, and wellness professionals, but I’m always excited to team up with anyone who’s dedicated to creating positive change.

If you’re interested in collaborating, you can reach me directly at [email protected]. Whether you have a specific idea in mind or just want to start a co

Contact Info:

• Website: www.malaforvets.org & www.chrisederdesign.com
• Instagram: @malaforvets | @chrisederdesign
• Facebook: @malaforvets | @chrisederdesign
• Linkedin: @afnbroadcaster

Image Credits

All Images by Chris Eder