In our busy and often hectic world, consciously seeking ways to relax is essential to stay well-balanced. The question is: how do you do that? We ask experts to share their tips & tricks with us. This time we interview Veerle Dobbelaere, life & mental health coach at Ademruimte Academie.

What drives you in your work?

"I am an expert in people. In my professional life, I focus on people and their thoughts, feelings, behaviors and stories. As an actress, I developed skills like observing, listening, mirroring, working with your breath, using your body as an instrument.... skills I daily use as a professional life & mental coach." Veerle's motivation are people and their stories: "I am driven to touch people and set them in motion. I love ' the mensch', in all their unexpected desires and actions".

How do you notice you’re in need of relaxation?

"By now I know my body very well, tension mainly builds up in my neck and shoulders. In addition, when things become too much and too busy in my life, I notice that I have trouble sleeping, I sleep well but too little."

What do you do when you notice this?

Veerle: "Breathing is my superpower, and in combination with meditation it takes me to the only moment that really matters, which is NOW. I also experience that beauty brings comfort, so a walk in nature, visit a theatre, a museum, the movies, read a book with warm words,... It refills my heart with gratitude and re-energizes me."

Do you have a set self-care ritual?

"Everyday I start with 15' meditation, followed by some body exercises. I always end with three sun salutations and then go for a walk with my dogs."

What has conscious breathing brought you?

As an actress, Veerle already got to know the power of breathing: "Both for playing characters as for managing stress and nerves, we used breathing techniques."

What do you like about breathing with moonbird?

Veerle: "I had the pleasure of being able to test a moonbird from the first batch and believe that it is a valuable tool for people who do not yet automatically use their breath as a tool to control their body." We're glad to hear that!

What is your motto in life?

"It's always NOW. Which means that no matter what has happened in the past, there are always opportunities to change something if you would like to."