Think Winter 2020 - early 2021, in the midst of lockdown life, things were pretty bleak to say the least. While holding huge awareness of my immense privilege that I was safe + physically healthy, not forgetting the gratitude for the safety + wellbeing of my loved ones, I will admit that, like for millions of people the world over, it was a really moment where I needed to find new ways to stay well + on top of feeling good. Enter my introduction to Nadia Josse, cool-French-girl extraordinaire come breath-work practitioner, who upon realising I could actually attend her group classes from home here in Ireland (Nadia’s based in NYC), I booked right in + got my breath-work on. I’ve since attended, either live or on the recording sends out post the session, pretty much every group session she’s held along with some private 1:1s with Nadia who’s approach is kind + gentle with a technique that’s absolutely worth it’s weight in gold. On a personal level, it’s been a really powerful part of my collection of wellness tools over the past few years now + each time I work with Nadia, I go deeper + find that little bit more peace within. Here we speak about her journey into the space, how she sets herself up for success + what she does to get that glow.. (Nadia’s skin is the most glowing I’ve ever seen)
HSF — Nadia, what brought you to begin your journey toward the wellness space + specifically to this beautiful practice of breath-work?
NJ — Moving to NYC was a huge catalyst for me. I had to find an output and a way to ground myself. I found a yoga practice, which slowly led me into Reiki, meditation and lastly Breathwork.
HSF — Have you always been so passionate about your health or have there been challenges that afforded you a fresh perspective on what it means to feel good?
NJ — Yes I always nerded out on health books. I feel like in my 20’s I was trying to find myself. I tried a LOT of different modalities - I was vegan for a little bit, paleo, keto haha. I think my biggest challenge which eventually led me to really lean into a Breathwork practice was fertility and conceiving. I had to manage my stress, regulate my hormones and connect with my feminine energy.
HSF — As you know, I’m a huge believer in your breath-work, having worked with you on a 1:1 level + attending so many of your group sessions but for those new to your work, can you explain the specific modality of breath-work you use in your teachings..
NJ — I teach a method that really focuses on emotional release. David Elliot and Erin Telford were my teachers. It’s a heart opening practice. Some people call is 3 steps breathing. It’s a way to release stuck energy and trauma from the body , reconnect with your truth and strentghten your intuition.
HSF — How has breath-work impacted your life?
NJ — It’s changed my life but more than that it gave me confidence that I had the answers and the power to heal within me. I used to seek healers and gurus. People who would tell me what to do and who I was.
HSF — For those new to breath-work, where or how do you suggest someone to begin?
NJ — Start with one of my group classes and then if you want to go deeper you can do 1-1 sessions or even try on your own.
HSF — Your career appears quite demanding with a lot of travel + big industry events.. yet you manage to make it all look so chic + elegant. What tips can you give for a demanding schedule, especially with traveling between time zones?
NJ — I plan, I do lists. I set myself up for success. I also have non-negotiable in the morning that set up the foundations for my day. I wake up early, I journal, meditate (depending on the days I would do a combo of meditation and Breathwork or one only) and then I exercise. If I’m traveling I’ll adapt and try to do a shorter version of all this. But sometimes that doesn’t work and that’s ok. I get back on my routine and feel great.
HSF — What does your morning +/or nighttime routine look like?
MORNING—
Wake up - make coffee
Drink coffee / Journal
Meditation + Breathwork for 15 to 20 mins
Tracy Anderson Class in Tribeca (my favorite workout) I sweat like crazy and I love it.
Go home - cold shower, supplements (I take Lyma supplement, Cymbiotika Omega, B12 and D3)
Smoothie with plant protein, collagen (love Agent Nateur), Fiber (PaleoFiber), Creatine and L- Glutamine).
And then I head to work!
NIGHT —
I try to wind down early like 7:45.
I do my skincare
I turn on my red light in my room with peaceful sounds (love my Lotfie alarm).
I take magnesium and gaba
I turn on my BioMat and read on it for 20/25 mins.
I get into bed and sleep. I need the room to be VERY cold.
HSF — Let’s talk skin for one second.. yours is always glowing. Who or what are your secrets?
NJ — RED Light! Recently got the LYMA laser which I love. My facialist Cynthia Rivas (in NYC) uses Is Clinical products which I love. She has a very simple outlook on skin - no fluff no extra steps. KEEP IT SIMPLE! I see her once a month. Obviously I use retinol and SPF 365 days a year. IPL lasers and medical peels also helped my skin a lot.
HSF — What one product could you not live without?
NJ — Is Clinical Pro Heal serum and their face wash. It’s the best. I also love Bioderma micellar water. Oh + ELTA MD tinted SPF.
HSF — A quick (but important) note on your style - again, always so chic. What is your personal style philosophy + how do you build out / invest in your wardrobe each season?
NJ — I don’t buy any Zara, Mango or cheap clothes. I prefer to wait and invest in a VERY good piece that will last me forever. My style has evolved a lot over the years. I really want to buy pieces that are not the “trendy” thing and that will last through the years.
HSF — You’re one of the coolest people to follow on Instagram; a style connoisseur + wellness aficionado, all with a killer career + the cutest family. How do you switch off though? Do you find the pull of social media + always being turned on a challenge? Where do you find balance in doing it all?
NJ — I delete instagram from my phone from time to time and I take a break. Right now it is very difficult to be on. It’s taking a toll on my mental health so I only use it to promote my classes and try to stay away.
HSF — On a personal level, what do you hope to impart to those you teach + who’s lives you enlighten with your breath-work?
NJ — I just want for people to realize they can change and they hold so much power within. Breathwork is the ultimate tool for self discovery and self love.
HSF — The last book/ movie/ tv show/ podcast you loved?
Podcast: I love the Armchair Expert with Dax Sheppard. Such great convos.
Book: I’m currently reading the Fourth Wing
TV Show: Obsessed with a lot of shows - the last one I loved was Fleishman is in Trouble on Hulu
Movie: Triangle of Sadness
HSF — Your favourite piece of advice?
It’s not about you. So don’t take this personal.
HSF — Nadia, what has been your proudest moment to date?
NJ — The birth of my baby. Unmedicated, beautiful and chaotic.
HSF — What are you excited about for the future?
NJ — Continuing to teach, launching more online offerings and retreats.
