The Wellness Habits That Actually Work—An Expert’s Guide To Her Daily Rituals
When it comes to wellness, health coach and facialist Donna Bartoli has seen it all—fad diets, extreme routines, and overcomplicated regimes that rarely stick. But her philosophy is simple: true wellness comes from small, consistent habits that feel good and actually work. From cold plunges to morning sunlight, Donna reveals the ten daily rituals she swears by—grounding, energising, and effortlessly fitting into real life. No gimmicks, no overwhelm—just effective, feel-good habits worth adopting. We’re taking note.
My non-negotiable ten daily habits
1. Cold plunge & wild swimming
Whether it’s a dip in a freezing lake or a few minutes in a plunge tub, this has become my most powerful ritual. It clears mental fog, calms inflammation, and genuinely shifts my mood. I use it as a nervous system reset, especially when I feel stuck or overwhelmed.
Pro tip: If you’re new to it, start with just 30 seconds and focus on your breath.
2. Red light therapy
I use red light almost daily, the Nooance Paris LED Face Mask Access and the Boncharge Red Light Panel. It’s brilliant for skin repair, boosting collagen, easing muscle soreness, and syncing my circadian rhythm. I often pair it with journaling or a quiet moment before bed.
3. Colostrum
This has been a game-changer for my gut, skin, and immunity. I take APE Nutrition Beef Organs & Medicinal Mushrooms every morning, either stirred into water or blended into my smoothie. It’s subtle but powerful, and I notice when I skip it.
4. The DB-approved smoothie
My go-to breakfast for years. It’s blood sugar-balancing, energising, and full of skin-loving nutrients. The base: raw milk, frozen blueberries + cauliflower, beef protein powder (vegans try Wild Nutrition Food Grown Organic Protein + Superfood Powder), collagen, raw cacao, colostrum, and mushrooms.
No crashes, just calm focus, and glow.
5. Magnesium
The most underrated supplement. It helps with sleep, anxiety, and muscle tension. It’s the one mineral that most of us are deficient in but helps with over 300 bodily functions. We need it! I’m currently taking The Happy Mammoth Magnesium Breakthrough.
6. Dry brushing
I dry brush before baths or showers to stimulate the lymph, boost circulation, and exfoliate naturally. It’s quick but energising, and over time it’s noticeably improved my skin tone and texture. Note: Always brush toward the heart and follow with a cold rinse and body oil.
7. Journaling & morning to-do list
Before I look at my phone, I brain-dump: how I’m feeling, three things I’m grateful for, and what I need to prioritise. It sets my tone for the day.
No perfection, just clarity and calm.
8. Quality, nourishing skincare routine
My skincare is about function, not fluff. It’s a ritual of self-respect more than aesthetics. I keep it simple: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream for moisturising. iS Clinical Retinol + Emulsion 0.3 to help cell turnover. Dermalogica Oil-To Foam Cleanser, always gentle. Lastly, but by no means least, SPF, every single day
9. Morning sunlight
I get outside within 30 minutes of waking—even if it’s grey. Natural light first thing supports my circadian rhythm, boosts my mood, and helps with sleep later. It’s become an anchor in my morning, usually with a green tea in hand and wrapped in my dry robe!
10. Move my body – every day, in some way
Movement is my medicine. It doesn’t have to be intense or structured, it just must happen. Whether it’s reformer Pilates, a walk by the sea or resistance work for strength, I move to feel connected, clear-headed, and strong in my body.
My final word
If these rituals have taught me anything, it’s that consistency trumps intensity. I don’t do them perfectly, but I do them every day, and that’s where the shift happens.
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