We recently connected with Ilia Kavoukis and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ilia, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
I’m all about self-care!
In my daily superhero self-care routine, I kick off the morning by rising early, relishing the quiet calm before the day’s hustle.
**Energy Boost without Coffee:**
– Early wake-ups, water gulps, and a dash of morning exercise – it’s like creating my own superpower serum without the need for a caffeine IV drip.
**Positive Vibes, No Charge:**
– Forget paying for positivity; just crack open an inspirational book. It’s like a mental espresso shot, minus the jitters. With the morning vibe set, I dive into some inspirational reading, letting wise words shape my mindset for the day.
**Stress-Busting Jedi Moves:**
– Following that mental warm-up, I shift gears into Qi Gong, a series of movements that sync breath and energy, helping me feel centered. Ever tried dodging stress like Neo dodges bullets? I use meditation and Qi Gong – my daily Kung Fu practice against the stress monsters.
**Biceps, Yoga, and Kale (Not in a Smoothie):**
– Next up is a date with the weights for resistance training, a robust session that’s all about building physical resilience. This is the part of the routine where challenges are met head-on, and small victories are celebrated. Resistance training for biceps that could rival superhero arms, yoga for the flexibility of a contortionist, and eating kale like a champ – because who needs a cape when you’ve got these? I do 20 minute round of Yoga for a more laid-back but equally valuable practice in flexibility and mindfulness.
**Smoothie Mixology – Not a Cocktail Party:**
– The morning smoothie isn’t just a blend; it’s a concoction of superhero fuel. Drink up, and you might just start seeing capes around. I’d be happy to share my secret recipe.
**Tech Timeout – Cue Dramatic Music:**
– Holding off on the electronic devices until the grand finale – it’s like a superhero saving the best powers for the climax. No beeping gadgets interrupting my morning groove. This distinctive feature of my routine is the deliberate delay in engaging with electronic devices; they remain off until the routine is done. This conscious choice helps maintain the sanctity of my morning rituals, keeping the digital noise at bay and preserving a sense of calm that lingers throughout the day. In this practical routine, each step contributes to a well-rounded and balanced start to the day.
**Slumber Shenanigans: Yes, a snooze fest:**
– I can’t talk about sleep when mentioning Self-care! In the wild circus of self-care, sleep is the grand finale – the superstar elephant doing back flips. It’s not just a snooze; it’s my superhero cape, my secret weapon against the chaos. Quality sleep isn’t just beauty rest; it’s the ultimate stand-up comedian, making me wake up feeling like the headliner of my life. So, I embrace the absurdity of my nightly escapades – the most entertaining act in my self-care extravaganza!
Well, here it is – my personal superhero morning ritual. Why just tackle the day when I can superhero-land on it, armed with superpowers and a side of kale? Bam!
Alright, buckle up for the comedy show of self-care and why it’s the VIP pass to being a top-notch ninja in life:
1. **Zen and the Art of Not Freaking Out:**
– Ever tried solving problems with a brain that’s more tangled than earphones in your pocket? Self-care unscrambles that mess. Because who needs a brain meltdown when you can have a zen garden up there?
2. **Calm Mind, Expertise Unleashed:**
– Self-care is like a magic spell for your brain. It turns chaos into clarity. Forget wizardry; all you need is a good night’s sleep and maybe a cupcake. Presto! You’re a decision-making genius.
3. **Drama Queen No More:**
– Stress is so last season. With self-care, you’re basically the superhero who dodges drama like it’s a game of hot potato. Drama? Nah, pass it on to someone else. You’re too busy being awesome.
4. **Body by Self-Care:**
– Imagine your body is a temple. Now picture that temple doing yoga, eating kale, and getting enough beauty sleep. That’s the secret recipe for a body that’s ready to party, work, or Netflix binge—whatever floats your temple.
5. **Happy Hour, All Day Long:**
– Engaging in self-care is like having a personal happy hour. Whether it’s playing air guitar or hula-hooping, the more fun you have, the more epic your output. It’s a win-win, or should I say, a fun-fun?
6. **Creative Circus in Your Brain:**
– Who needs a circus in town when you’ve got one in your head? Self-care clears the ring for creativity to strut its stuff. Expect mental acrobatics and maybe a few clown wigs (metaphorically speaking).
7. **Emotional Rollercoaster Upgrade:**
– Managing emotions with self-care is like having a backstage pass to the emotional rollercoaster. You’re not just riding; you’re choosing the tracks and maybe even throwing in a loop-de-loop for fun.
8. **Burnout? Not in This Rom-Com:**
– Preventing burnout is your rom-com twist. While others are starring in their own burnout drama, you’re sipping a mocktail and laughing because you’ve got the balance thing down to an art.
9. **Pillow Power: Slaying Zombies, Dominating Days! “Sleep isn’t just beauty rest; it’s brainpower charging. Skipping it turns us into the office zombie, not the productivity ninja. Embrace the pillow for world domination rehearsals!”
So, here’s the scoop! Self-care is more than a routine; it’s your personal comedy show for mastering life. Take center stage, provoke some laughter, and witness self-care transform you into the humorist of success.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My Story: I was your typical first-gen Greek-Canadian, raised by a money-obsessed dad who swore by hard work for success. His mantra? “Money is everything!” and “No secret to success, just hard work!” Hated it. Seriously, hated it. I wanted to follow my heart, enjoy work, not hustle endlessly.
His rigid mindset brainwashed me. I lost touch with my heart, made decisions solely for cash, took jobs I despised, and married for money, not love. Surprise, it failed miserably. Health tanked, stress soared, unhealthy habits formed.
At 44, my marriage exploded, prompting a soul-searching moment. I asked, “Why is my life a disaster?” The answer hit hard—I’d ignored my heart, lived by Dad’s “Money is everything” rule. Every cash-driven decision, coupled with low self-esteem, led to chaos.
Realizing this, I dove into inner work, healing myself. Now, after study and soul-searching, my mission is clear—empower women to live joyfully, abundantly, and peacefully, making a positive impact by following their hearts! Ilia’s passion for holistic health and wellness extends beyond her professional training and certifications. She is also an avid yogi, finding solace and strength on her mat. Through her own practice, she has experienced the transformative power of yoga and encourages her clients to find their own practice.
What Ilia is focused on these days:
In addition to her love for yoga, Ilia finds joy and tranquility in walking. She believes in the healing benefits of nature and utilizes walking as a form of meditation and mindfulness. This practice allows her to connect with her surroundings and cultivate a sense of inner peace.
Meditation plays an integral role in Ilia’s own self-care routine and she inspires her clients to do the same. With a deep appreciation for its ability to reduce stress and promote overall well-being, she teaches various meditation and energy techniques to help individuals find inner calm and clarity amidst the chaos of everyday life.
Ilia’s diverse background in alternative healing modalities, coupled with her personal practices of yoga, walking, and meditation, allows her to approach her coaching with a holistic and comprehensive perspective. She is dedicated to guiding women in finding balance, harmony, and wellness in every aspect of their lives. With Ilia as their coach, clients can trust that they are embarking on a transformative journey towards a life filled with peace, fulfillment, and vibrant well-being.
The most exciting and relevant aspect of Ilia’s story is her personal transformation. From being entrapped in the “Money is everything” mentality imposed by her father to breaking free and discovering the power of following one’s heart, Ilia’s journey is a powerful narrative of self-discovery and resilience. Her realization, prompted by a marriage breakdown at 44, serves as a turning point, leading her to inner work and a mission to empower women. The connection between her personal story and her passion for holistic wellness creates a compelling narrative that resonates with many facing similar struggles. It’s a story of breaking free from societal expectations, embracing personal values, and finding a path to joy, abundance, and peace. Presently, she winters in Carmel, California, and embraces summers in the idyllic Southern Quebec countryside alongside her devoted partner.
Recently I collaborated with my talented photographer daughter to craft a unique Creativity Journal. This journal, a blend of daily affirmations and thought-provoking prompts, is adorned with captivating images captured by my daughter’s lens. My insightful commentary throughout transforms it into a dynamic tool for nurturing creativity. Our collaboration fuses affirmations, prompts, and visual artistry, creating a powerful resource that inspires people to embrace and enhance their creativity daily. It’s a testament to the synergy of wellness and artistic expression, fostering a vibrant community of individuals on a journey to unlock their creative potential. Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3wzfzrn
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three superhero qualities shaped my journey: the ability to bounce back like a cosmic rubber ball (resilience), a treasure hunt for the real me (self-discovery), and a secret stash of wellness tricks (holistic wizardry). For fellow journey-troopers, my advice is this: bounce back from setbacks like a cat with a spring in its step, explore life like it’s a cosmic scavenger hunt, and sprinkle wellness magic everywhere. Remember, life’s a comedy, not a drama – laugh a lot, trip a little, and always carry a pocketful of resilience, self-discovery, and wellness wonders!
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When life throws its cosmic curveballs, I summon my resilience superpowers – a bounce-back ability that rivals a trampoline-wielding acrobat. It’s like dodging asteroids in a space circus! For self-discovery, I embark on a treasure hunt within, exploring passions and values like an adventurer on a quest for the perfect avocado. As for wellness, my secret arsenal is a stash of holistic tricks, a magical bag of well-being wonders. Picture me in a wellness cape, sprinkling serenity like confetti!
Now, when overwhelm knocks, I bounce back like a resilient ninja, raid my inner treasure trove for joy, and unleash wellness magic. It’s a cosmic comedy routine! I prioritize self-care – yoga, walking, meditation – the holistic trifecta that turns chaos into a wellness carnival.
For those teetering on the overwhelm abyss, I suggest adopting the superhero stance: bounce back, embrace the quest for joy, and wield the wellness wand. Life’s a celestial carnival, and we’re the acrobats. Laughter is the best anti-gravity device – grab it, twirl, and soar!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iliakavoukis.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iliakavoukiswellness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virtualwellnessguide
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilia-kavoukis-085555a/
