Episode Summary: Cultivating Routine and Mental Wellbeing with Nina Westbrook
Introduction
In this enlightening episode of the Naked Beauty podcast, host Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli welcomes Nina Westbrook, a licensed marriage and family therapist, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate. Released on June 20, 2025, this episode delves deep into the significance of cultivating routines for mental wellbeing, balancing personal and professional life, effective parenting strategies, and maintaining self-care practices amidst a busy schedule.
Guest Introduction: Nina Westbrook
Brooke introduces Nina as a passionate advocate for erasing the stigma around mental health. With notable features in the New York Times, Goop, Oprah Daily, BET, and Essence, Nina shares her expertise on platforms like TED Talks. Beyond her clinical work, she is the creator of the Do Tell Conversation card game, designed to spark meaningful discussions on relationships and intimacy, and hosts the Do Tell Relationship Podcast. Nina is a dedicated wife and mother of three, seamlessly balancing family life with her mission to support others in their wellness journeys.
The Importance of Routine
Brooke emphasizes the central theme of the episode: the importance of having a consistent routine. She shares her personal journey of re-establishing her routine postpartum through strength training and magnesium supplements to enhance her sleep quality. Nina echoes the sentiment, highlighting that humans are "creatures of habit," and a structured routine fosters mental stability and homeostasis.
Nina's Journey into Mental Health
When asked about her motivation to study mental health, Nina reflects, "It becomes who you are, and you notice really early on that people have a tendency to want to talk to you and open up" ([02:29]). She describes her natural inclination to be a sounding board, fostering open and vulnerable conversations, which seamlessly transitioned into her professional path.
Therapeutic Practices and Reflection
Brooke draws parallels between her therapy sessions and Nina's approach, noting that therapists often ask probing questions rather than providing direct solutions. Nina emphasizes the role of reflection in personal growth: "We can't grow and improve and become the people we want to be without taking a look at how we got to where we are" ([03:24]). She discusses techniques like visualizing situations from another person's perspective to gain clarity and set future goals.
Removing the Stigma from Mental Health
Nina shares her upbringing in a vocal family that encouraged open discussions but did not engage in therapy. This environment cultivated her assertiveness and communication skills, which are integral to her therapeutic approach. She believes that teaching individuals to advocate for their mental health is crucial in reducing societal stigma.
Maintaining Routine for Mental Wellbeing
Nina elaborates on how a steady routine can significantly enhance mental health. She provides practical tips such as:
- Bedtime Routines: "Turning off that screen. Stop scrolling TikTok. Stop scrolling Instagram. Sleeping with your phone away from the bed" ([06:40]).
- Morning Routines: Allocating quiet time before the day begins to set a positive tone.
- Physical Activity: Integrating regular workouts to boost energy and mental clarity.
Brooke adds that while routines are often implemented for children, it's equally important for adults to establish and adhere to personal routines to maintain overall wellbeing.
Balancing Fitness and Parenthood
Both Brooke and Nina discuss the challenges of integrating fitness into their routines while managing early-morning responsibilities as mothers. Nina shares her experience of shifting her workouts to 5 AM to ensure consistency despite the demands of motherhood: "Once I was finished, I felt better. I felt energized" ([08:33]).
Parenting and Teaching Independence
Nina advocates for instilling responsibility and independence in children. She describes a structured approach where children participate in daily chores, such as organizing their backpacks and assisting with dinner preparations. This not only fosters self-reliance but also strengthens family bonds: "I'm getting a break. In little small places, they're learning and growing" ([16:36]).
Managing Social Commitments and Canceling Plans
The conversation shifts to the etiquette of canceling plans. Nina emphasizes the importance of honoring commitments, especially with close friends, while also prioritizing self-care: "If we're on the calendar, that means it's important to me. So I wouldn't cancel on you" ([13:26]). She advises informing others as early as possible to maintain respect and understanding.
Introducing Nebby: Nina's App for Mental Wellbeing
Nina introduces her new app, Nebby, designed to help users check in with their emotions daily. The app prompts users to log their feelings and provides three actionable tasks to improve their mood. For instance, if someone logs feeling "flat," Nebby might suggest:
- Workout: "Always work out" ([24:17]).
- Connect with a Friend: "Give yourself something to look forward to" ([24:22]).
- Engage in a Happy Activity: "Figure out what you can do today. That's a small win" ([24:28]).
This tool aligns with Nina's mission to facilitate emotional education and efficient self-care practices.
Skincare Routines and Self-Care
Transitioning to beauty and self-care, Brooke and Nina discuss the significance of skincare routines in maintaining both physical appearance and mental health. Nina shares her minimalist morning routine, focusing on cleansing and applying serums with a commitment to using quality products: "If you take care of your skin, you're so young. Take care of your skin" ([29:20]).
At night, Nina indulges in a more extensive routine involving showering, applying creams and oils, and using face masks to relax and rejuvenate: "It's just my full bedtime routine. Lots of oils and products and creams and a face mask" ([31:58]).
The Role of Entertainment in Mental Wellbeing
Nina touches upon her enjoyment of the Real Housewives franchise as a form of escapism: "It's nice to sit back and, like, not have to be a part of it" ([26:13]). She appreciates the blend of drama and fashion, offering a mental break from her own stressors.
Embracing Natural Beauty
When asked about feeling most beautiful, Nina shares a heartfelt moment where her son complimented her natural appearance: "You just are the most beautiful when you don't have any makeup on" ([33:14]). She resonates with the idea of embracing one's natural self, emphasizing confidence and minimalistic beauty enhancements.
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with Brooke expressing gratitude for Nina's insights into routines, mental wellbeing, and self-care. Nina reinforces the importance of finding one's own flow and balancing various life aspects to achieve holistic health.
Notable Quotes
- Nina Westbrook ([02:29]): "It becomes who you are, and you notice really early on that people have a tendency to want to talk to you and open up."
- Nina Westbrook ([03:24]): "We can't grow and improve and become the people we want to be without taking a look at how we got to where we are."
- Brooke DeVard ([08:32]): "How do you force yourself to wake up early? I mean, because kids wake up so early."
- Nina Westbrook ([13:26]): "If we're on the calendar, that means it's important to me. So I wouldn't cancel on you."
- Nina Westbrook ([24:17]): "Always work out."
- Nina Westbrook ([33:14]): "You just are the most beautiful when you don't have any makeup on."
Final Thoughts
This episode of Naked Beauty offers a comprehensive exploration of the interplay between routines and mental wellbeing. Nina Westbrook's expertise provides listeners with actionable strategies to cultivate a balanced and fulfilling life, emphasizing the importance of self-care, structured routines, and meaningful connections.