Shobha Philips is the Founder of PROCLAIM, an eco-conscious line of inclusive nude intimates made in Los Angeles. Shobha started her popular brand out of frustration–there was a noticeable lack of nude bra options on the market that matched her deeper skin tone. So, she set out to make her own brand, one that prioritized diversity and sustainability. In addition to offering inclusive sizes and colors, PROCLAIM products are made from recycled polyester–which saves three plastic bottles from going into a landfill, per bra. Shobha shares that “being an entrepreneur has been the most stressful and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. Practicing self-care has been the key to having the energy and mindset to keep going between those highs and lows.” Lucky for us, this founder shares these self-care secrets below. Plus, in partnership with Boxed Water, we also asked Shobha to share how she incorporates sustainability into her wellness routine. 

Bad habits you’ve cut from your daily routine?

  1. I cut out soda a few years ago, mostly because I realized I didn’t even like it that much and just drank it out of habit.
  2. I gave away my TV when I moved to LA last year and have not missed it at all.
  3. I stopped bringing my phone to bed at night. This was a very hard habit to break but has made a big difference in helping me sleep better.

 

Good habits you’ve added?

  1. It’s not always feasible in LA, but I try to walk places whenever I can.
  2. I like to keep a pot of hot water with lemon handy to sip on as I work. It’s an easy, mindless way for me to get that H20 in throughout the day.  
  3. I started listening to classical music when I’m in the car. It helps me feel more relaxed in LA traffic.

 

How do you think about the environment or practice sustainability in your self-care routine?
I think it’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to implement every sustainable practice you read or hear about all at once. I try to focus on one thing every month, whether that’s remembering to keep reusable straws around, or bringing my own jars to the bulk aisle at the grocery store. Implementing changes gradually makes it easier for these practices to become a habit.

How do you take care of yourself throughout the day?
Whenever I feel myself getting frustrated or stuck during the day, I stop what I’m doing and take a walk outside, even if it’s just for a few minutes. It helps me to clear my mind and get a different perspective on a situation.

Are there any activities you do to help de-stress?
Being active helps me de-stress, so I run or do yoga whenever I can. After a particularly busy week when I have lots of meetings or events, I love staying in on a Friday or Saturday night and painting. It feels good to use that unconstrained, creative side of my brain and as someone who is naturally an introvert, I value that alone time as a time to reset.

How many hours of sleep do you get a night?
I usually get 5 to 6 hours of sleep a night. I’d definitely like to get better at going to bed earlier so I can get closer to 8 hours of sleep.

Do you have a favorite wellness trend?
I tried celery juice recently and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the taste.  While I won’t be juicing every day, it is something I’ll try adding to the mix every once in a while.  

What is your favorite healthy food? How do you incorporate it into your diet?
I have a bowl of oatmeal every morning with sliced almonds. It’s quick and easy and I have found it keeps me satisfied for several hours so I can focus on work.