In a world where the boundaries between the digital and physical realms often blur, understanding our mental landscape has never been more crucial. For Rose Eskafi, a journey of personal curiosity and professional discovery led to a profound exploration of psychology and mindfulness. From a childhood marked by frequent moves and a fascination with human connections, to the creation of Still Chill - a platform dedicated to making mental health resources accessible - Rose has delved deeply into the interplay between stress, trauma, and our well-being.

Can you share what initially drew you to the fields of psychology and mindfulness?

I think most people who go into this field have a curiosity about their own personal experience and a desire to help others make sense of theirs. I moved around a lot as a child and found people absolutely fascinating. I’ve always been curious about what connects us, what divides us and the impact of our environment on our mental health. After I studied psychology, I felt like I was left with more questions than answers and I knew there was more to it than just looking at the brain. That’s when I learned about mindfulness and somatic work.

What inspired you to create Still Chill?

Once I learned about the physiological impacts of stress and trauma, both from my studies and personal experience, I wanted to make people aware of it. I’m part of a generation that is chronically online and our relationship with the internet shapes a lot of how we experience this world. Many people lack the resources and tools to support their wellbeing and while the internet can be helpful, it’s also full of misinformation.

We established our company with a mission to make mental health care and education accessible to individuals, organisations and communities that are committed to making a positive social impact on our world. In a time that can feel overwhelming, we wanted to create online and offline spaces where people can gather, relate and learn about evidence-based practices in a meaningful way.

Still Chill represents the calm amidst the chaos.

With over 80 workshops facilitated for renowned brands, what do you find are the most common challenges teams face, and how do you help them overcome these?

Since the pandemic, I’ve seen teams struggle the most with different work styles and resistance to change. These issues create friction, often leading to miscommunication and a breakdown in team dynamics, which subsequently affects progress. To address this, I work closely with teams to build trust and create an environment that encourages open dialogue and recognises everyone's strengths. We use practical exercises and training to teach the team the value of listening to and adapting diverse perspectives. By creating a culture of curiosity, continuous learning and openness, we help teams not only overcome current challenges but also build resilience for future changes.

What are some effective mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques that you often recommend to individuals?

Mindful walking is a client fave! It’s a simple yet powerful technique for stress reduction that involves being fully present and aware while walking. It involves focusing on the sensations of walking, such as the feeling of your feet touching the ground, the shift of your weight and the rhythm of your steps. You can make time for the practice by finding a quiet, safe space like a park or a room, or you can do it on your way somewhere. You engage your senses by noticing the sights, sounds, and smells around you. This heightened awareness helps to anchor you in the present moment, slowing you down, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm. For people using wheelchairs, the practice is similar. Focus on the sensation of the wheels moving, the pressure on your hands, and the connection with the ground.

Can you share what a typical day looks like for you in terms of your own wellbeing
practices?

It’s important for me to be flexible in my routines and rituals, so every day looks different for me, but there are a few non-negotiables that I make sure to integrate and those are mindfulness, meditation and mindful movement; whether that’s climbing, cycling or Qi Gong.

I also speak to my sister for over an hour a day which really helps me process things and I love cooking with fresh ingredients. I’m a huge advocate for naps and make sure to have lots of alone time to recharge. This includes spending time with my skin, my body and my mind. It’s easy to fill your time when you’re a founder and whenever I notice myself feeling wobbly, it’s usually because I am not doing enough of the above.

How do you view the relationship between skincare and overall self-care, and what role does it play in your wellbeing routine?

A holistic approach to self-care views the body as an interconnected system where each part affects the whole. From this perspective, overall well-being isn’t limited to physical health, but also emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects. Skincare, in this context, is seen as an essential component of holistic health because the skin is the body's largest organ and a visible reflection of our internal state.

Taking time to care for your skin can be a soothing and mindful ritual that promotes self-awareness and connection. It’s an ancient way of honouring and taking care of your body, which is a fundamental part of overall self-care.

In my own wellbeing routine, skincare plays a role beyond just maintaining healthy skin. It's a daily practice that allows me to slow down and spend time with myself amidst busyness. The sensory experience of applying creams, oils and lotions goes beyond just aesthetics - it lets me slow down and connect with my body. For me, a consistent skincare routine is a reminder that I deserve good nurturing care.

What nourishing practices, both internal and external, do you find most effective for maintaining healthy skin?

I’m a big fan of holistic systems like Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, which offer so many insights into practices for healthy skin by considering both internal and external factors. I suffered with cystic acne for a long time and found healing through stress management and a diet rich in nutrient-dense foods, leafy greens and herbal remedies.

Meditation helped me become aware of my stressors, unconscious habits and eating behaviours that were inflaming my skin and self-compassion was the internal soothing balm that helped me see myself clearly. I went from being desperate to finding the quickest solution, to slowing down and uncovering what was right for me. I also love using nourishing oils to massage my face and body (either with a gua sha tool or just my fingers) and I am no stranger to a sauna!

How do you practice self-compassion in your daily self-care routine, including skincare?

Having a skin care routine involves spending a lot of time looking in the mirror and that can bring up so many insecurities. Where I used to avoid it in my early twenties, I’ve now learned to embrace my imperfections and use them as an opportunity to practice self acceptance and self compassion.

I make a conscious effort to acknowledge the inner critic but not let it dominate my thoughts. Instead, I remind myself that my skincare routine is an act of love and care for myself, not a pursuit of perfection or result of inadequacy. I focus on what I like about myself and the progress I've made in caring for my skin. This process involves speaking kindly to myself and appreciating my efforts to nurture my body. I remind myself that everyone has imperfections and that they are a natural part of being human. By cultivating a compassionate inner dialogue, I shift the focus from flaws to self-care and kindness.

What advice would you give to people looking to incorporate more mindfulness and self-care into their daily routines?

For those looking to incorporate more mindfulness and self-care into their daily routines, my advice is to be patient and gentle with yourself. Start small, with simple, manageable practices like a one-minute breathing exercise or a brief moment of gratitude each day. The key is consistency; even a minute of mindfulness daily can be more impactful than sporadic, longer sessions. By being kind to yourself and acknowledging your efforts, you'll find that these small practices gradually become a regular part of your routine. Over time, this gentle
approach leads to more profound benefits and a deeper sense of well-being than doing it with criticism and force ever would.

What future projects or initiatives are you excited about?

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