Felina Hæstrup is a Living Yolates instructor and psychology student based in Copenhagen, driven by a curiosity about the connection between body, mind and spirit.

Living Yolates combines yoga, Pilates and dance with elements of traditional Chinese medicine and energy work. At its core, for Felina, it is about tuning in: moving with intention, being present in the body and allowing it to feel good.

She grew up with aromatherapy as a natural part of life – as the daughter of Karmameju’s founder, Mette Skjærbæk – with the scent of lavender close at hand and small sensory rituals from an early age.

We talk about meeting yourself where you are – in the day and in life – about Felina’s rituals and habits, and about listening to your inner voice rather than seeking answers externally.

Get under the skin of Felina Hæstrup.

“My journey started when I attended a workshop with Mikkala, who created Living Yolates. I completely fell in love with the movement. I then took their online training while travelling – including in Japan and Seoul – and from there, it all began.”

“Yes, absolutely. Living Yolates has given me a strong sense of body awareness – both in terms of breathing and how we move through life. It helps me in my interactions with others – in facilitating, communicating and understanding the connection between body and mind. I really feel that these two worlds are merging more and more for me.”

“When I really need to recharge, I start by listening to what my body needs. Sometimes it’s simply lying in bed watching films or a bad series – really allowing myself to stay there.

And when my energy starts to return, it might be going for small walks, doing gentle yoga, reading, eating nourishing food. All the small everyday rituals that help rebuild energy, so I don’t just push myself and end up completely depleted again.”

“One habit I’ve adopted, which might sound very simple, is becoming more aware of my breath.

When you’re rushing through life – cycling, being busy, feeling stressed – tuning into your breath and slightly extending your exhale can activate the parasympathetic nervous system. It’s something I’ve learned to truly regulate myself throughout the day, so I don’t come home completely stressed and overstimulated.

Another thing is that a few years ago I started journalling – not so much to document everything I do, but to create a routine of writing down what I’m grateful for and what will make the day feel good – a kind of daily affirmation. It’s been such a beautiful way to land in the morning or evening and remind myself: ‘I actually have a really lovely life.’”

“It has to be dry brushing – I do it every morning. If I jump in the shower and forget, I really feel it!

I also mix INFINITY serum-lotion with HOPE body oil as my moisturiser, so I get both nourishment and hydration. And then BB cream for glow.”

 “One thing I’ve really learned from Living Yolates is that we’re not meant to be constant. We can’t operate on autopilot and perform the same way every single day – doing the same things, being equally social, training in the same way.

Throughout life – because of external factors, but also how we feel in our bodies – we need to adapt. We’re capable of different things at different times of the day and in different phases of life.

Embracing that we live in a performance-driven culture, and giving ourselves permission to be a little inefficient sometimes.”

“I think it starts with listening to yourself – and actually daring to listen and act on it.

It’s easy to think: ‘I’m tired, I’ll have a coffee and carry on.’ But instead maybe: ‘I’m tired – I’m going to lie down.’ And then trusting that your body will regulate itself.

Because it won’t, if you don’t give it that space.”

 “I’ve noticed that when I’m facing a dilemma or a difficult decision, I tend to seek advice from my mum, my family, my friends – from everyone.

And at some point, I realised that I already know the answer within myself.

If I just switch everything off and tune in: what do I genuinely want and need in this situation? And then follow that – instead of always looking for answers from others, which can lead you in different directions.

What matters most is knowing that the answer is already within you.”