meet joanna czech
How do you make your health a priority?
Based on my history of two diagnoses of cancer, my age, and so on, for me, it’s about eating the proper foods. So intuitive eating and finding balance are very important. Also, an adequate amount of sleep, physical activity, and water. And then comes everything else. Maybe it’s getting a massage, meditation, supplements, or specific medication. Other forms of relaxation for me include reading, doing tons of jigsaw puzzles, and Sudoku.
In this photo, I’m applying my 111Skin Sub-Zero De-Puffing Mask. This mask delivers quick results and I tend to do it in the morning when I have too much salt the night before. With my age and premenopausal stuff, I am much more reactive. But doing this mask makes me feel like I’ve done something for myself. I take care of my whole body and I don’t consider it vanity. Respect, support, protect. Those are my 3 words that I always use regarding skin and everything in my life.
What makes you feel supported and balanced?
I believe in probiotics to balance our digestive system. That’s where it all begins. I take vitamin C and omegas to strengthen the immune system, vitamin D for bone density, skin strength, and mood, and magnesium, which helps my digestive system because I was born constipated. I also take Zinc for my immune system and B12. When I take all my supplements, I feel supported.
Coming from Poland as a 27-year-old and being diagnosed with panic disorders and told to see a therapist, I kept thinking, oh my God. We, as a family didn’t talk about or discuss those things. I was prescribed a touch of Prozac and Klonopin and that’s what kept me going. I was able to cross the bridge again.
“In terms of medication, when it’s necessary, it’s necessary.”
Every day I take blood pressure medication and Synthroid for my thyroid. I don’t touch alcohol. I take a very low dose of Klonopin and Zoloft, and I’ve been taking them for the last 20 years and I’ve never changed the dose. Whatever makes you feel comfortable, sane, and protected, you should do it. And I feel protected with all those things.
What are some of your weekly rituals where you put yourself first?
I love to workout. Without working out, I don’t feel comfortable and I need to have a minimum of three days a week. Also, most mornings, I use my facial massager to depuff. The tool is already cold, but if I want to make it more of a cryo treatment, I keep it on ice. I massage for 3 to 5 minutes and it makes me feel alive.
Being an Aquarius and as a child of my parents, we are very caring, very giving, always worrying about everyone. In my company, we talk a lot about mental health. We are very open and everybody has their own little vices and cocktails. So talking about mental health is very helpful. You don’t feel so alone.
next story — ryan clark