Author, lifestyle blogger, and animal rescue activist Katherine Schwarzenegger is often recognized for her famous last name; she’s the daughter of Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The 28-year-old’s also a prolific writer, currently working on her fourth book, which will be on forgiveness. (Previous topics included animal rescue, body image, and career advice.)
“When we were growing up, my mom had my siblings and I write in a journal about the trips we would take and the different experiences we would have,” she says. “I hated doing it when I was younger; when you’re eight years old, the last thing you want to do is write in your diary about your day. But I’m so happy that I have those diaries and I’m able to look back on what was in my mind what I was eight, or 14, or in college. Writing has always been a really big part of my life.”
When she’s on a writing project, Schwarzenegger wakes up early, takes her dog on a walk, comes home for coffee, and writes for four or five hours before taking a break. In the afternoon, she’ll take meetings or work on other partnerships.
And while Schwarzenegger enjoys spending time with her tight-knit group of family and friends, she’s learning that self-care also means carving out time for herself. “I love doing things for others more than anything, so sometimes I put my own self-care on the back-burner,” she says. “But when you’re not taking care of yourself, that shows in all areas of your life.” She’s started setting aside time during the day to check in with herself and make adjustments as needed.
Ahead, Schwarzenegger shares the tips and tricks that keep her moving forward, in this week’s “Shortlisted.”
Power Mantra
“What would Beyoncé do?”
That question definitely gets me through and knocks me back to reality!
Skincare Essential
Melanie Simon Skincare’s Serum C been a total game-changer product for me.
Can’t-Miss Podcast
I love Lauryn Evarts & Michael Bosstick’s The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast.They cover so many different topics, but it’s always something I’m interested in and want to know more about.
I also think The School of Greatness with Lewis Howesis incredible. You feel like you get to know whoever he’s interviewing on a really personal level. Between these two, I get a good dose of lighthearted fun and the more serious and meaningful.
Happy Place Outfit
I definitely over-wear my Helena Quinn silk bathrobe. It’s so incredibly comfortable and feminine; I ended up buying them for my mom and a couple of my girlfriends.
Currently reading + listening to
I just started reading You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz, which I’ve heard great things about. And I’m currently listening to Kacey Musgraves’ new album, Golden Hour. I don’t usually listen to that kind of music, but I really like it.
Productivity Hack
Definitely drinking coffee every morning. I also hand-write certain ideas out and type them later. It takes more time, but it helps me think things through in a different way than I would otherwise.
Most-Opened App
Instagram. In the morning, I use it to post or connect with people and then in the afternoon I just browse. I try not to jump on first thing after I wake up though, because I think that can give you anxiety that sets the tone for the rest of your day. I try to only look after I’ve been up for 45 minutes or an hour.
Good Hair Secret Weapon
Drybar has this spray called Triple Sec that works really well for me. It smells so good you can use it instead of perfume.
Flats, Sneakers, or Heels?
It’s so incredibly hot in LA right now that I’m definitely in slides. Ancient Greek sandals are so comfortable; I own a lot of their stuff.
Self-Care Method Of Choice
Spending time with my family, because they make me laugh and feel loved and happy. We have dinner together every Sunday, so that’s one of the ways that I practice self-care.
Bonus: GIF That Describes You
I use Bitmojis way more than GIFs.
