"Between her newly released Short n’ Sweet album (and its eponymous Erewhon smoothie), iconic signature blowout, and ultra-feminine style, it’s been the summer of Sabrina Carpenter; the Please Please Please pop star is giving it-girl. After trying her superfood smoothie (for research, of course), I got curious about how the blonde bombshell maintains her health (between a lit-from-within glow and the energy to dance around the stage, don’t you want to know, too?).
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In a 2022 interview with Marie Claire, she emphasized a principle we also swear by at The Everygirl: bio-individuality, or the acknowledgment that we are all unique, and embracing our individuality is the key to health and happiness. “Every time I’ve ever met someone that really was just so genuinely, authentically themselves, it’s such a beautiful thing, and you can kind of feel that radiating off of them.” So, what does Sabrina do to stay true to herself and embrace her body’s uniqueness for ultimate health and happiness? I did the research. Keep reading for her tried-and-true health and wellness rituals that are essential to her well-being.
1. She starts her day with practicing gratitude
Whether she’s working on music and leisurely waking up around 9 or 10 a.m. or on set before the sun is up, Sabrina lists things that she’s grateful for first thing in the morning so she can set a positive tone for the day. “It actually has [benefited] my days a lot, just by taking those couple seconds to do that, because I think otherwise it’s very easy to read something that is either good or bad news, but it just affects you in a weird way,” she told Marie Claire.
Looks like Sabrina is onto something. A study in the Academy of Management Journal shows that your morning mood affects your entire day: The participants who started each day happy or calm usually stayed that way throughout the day, whereas those who started the day in a terrible mood didn’t come out of it (and felt even worse by the end of the day). So, a morning gratitude practice—be it saying an affirmation out loud or in your head (think: “I am so grateful for X”) or journaling (such as listing things you’re grateful for, like Sabrina)—can be the difference between having a joyful, fulfilling 24 hours or being stuck in a negative state of mind.
2. She always makes time for simple self-care
No matter where she’s jet-setting or how busy her schedule is, Sabrina always makes time for self-care to improve her mood. When she’s really busy, this self-care looks like a good skincare routine. “Skincare is my time to myself every day that I feel is really important and enhances my mood.” Her skincare routine (the same one she’s stuck to for yours, BTW: cleanser, toner, and sunscreen) is not just about skin health or beauty but about taking a moment for herself to ground. “Every time I do it, I automatically feel a lot better, and it makes me feel a little bit more centered.” Sabrina also shared that she considers regular baths and music (cue Exhale) important tools in her mood-boosting toolbox. “I think baths have been a life-saver to me, and again, music. Writing music has been my self-care. If I’m alone and I’m really stressed, I will be at my piano for hours on end.”
The lesson we can all learn from Sabrina: Don’t underestimate the power of simplicity when it comes to your mood and well-being. Caring for your mind and body doesn’t have to be elaborate or include the latest product or trend touted on TikTok. Once you’ve established some go-to activities that work like a charm to reduce stress or boost mood, rely on them, but continue to reassess. As you go through different life seasons, your self-care needs are likely to shift.
3. She goes to bed without any distractions
The harsh reality is not getting adequate sleep can be a detriment to your health, even if you eat well and exercise regularly. And Sabrina knows better than to mess with her beauty sleep. “I love to pass out without distractions,” she said. “I can’t remember the last time I watched a TV show. By the end of the day, I feel like I’ve used up everything I have, so I just love sleep and getting to sleep as quickly as I can.”
From supplements to mouth taping to sleep syncing, there’s no shortage of shut-eye solutions that promise a good night’s rest. But taking a cue from Sabrina and putting your screens to bed before you do (AKA limiting activities that are stimulating or involve bright light two to three hours before bed) can be the only hack you need for the best sleep. To implement a no-screens-before-bed policy, opt for reading, journaling, or listening to soft music like jazz or classical to unwind and set your body up for optimal sleep.
4. She makes exercise a social event
When it comes to working out, Sabrina doesn’t follow a strict routine and takes a more relaxed approach. “I’m a little [casual] with exercise,” she told Marie Claire. “It’s not an everyday thing by any means, but I try to balance it out however I can, and at least once or twice a week do something a little bit more disciplined. I will take a class of some sort or do a workout at home.” And when she does sweat it out, she does it with her inner circle to make it more enjoyable. “I’ll go to Pilates sometimes with friends of mine,” she said. “I love working out with friends because it makes me feel like I’m not working out.” Studies agree: A 2022 study proved that exercising with a friend is more motivating than going solo. Having a workout buddy means you’re less likely to get bored and quit, and you’ll push yourself to work harder, thanks to adding the accountability factor.
Whether you have a go-to friend who you can always count on to be your workout partner on speed dial or you exercise with others in a class setting, you can expect better results and check off two important health determinants—exercise and social connection—while you’re at it. Grab your gym besties and do Sabrina’s ab routine or at-home workout (be prepared to squat, but make it fun à la Sabrina).
5. She regularly detoxes from social media
While she has over 39 million IG followers and 26 million TikTok fans waiting for her next life update or video drop, Sabrina knows the value of setting boundaries around social media. In a recent interview with Flaunt, she shared her take on social media and its effects on mental health: “I think everyone gets to that point where it’s like, ‘You know what? I’m gonna touch grass and go for a walk… We don’t realize how much we depend on [social media] and how much we consume it. We’re consuming things we don’t want to see, but it pops up in front of us, and it’s there, and we’re stuck with our feelings. But I think the best thing for me, sometimes, is to just not look at it.”
Taking a cue from Sabrina, try a social media detox, especially when you’re experiencing envy, you’re having trouble sleeping, or your screen time is more than you care to admit. If going cold turkey for a full detox sounds too difficult, start small by setting time limits, muting accounts that may make you feel less than, or deleting the apps for a day. While it may be difficult to distance yourself from the digital world, you’ll be more intentional with your time and free up mental space to do what actually brings you joy IRL.
Katherine Chang, Wellness Staff Writer
Katherine Chang is The Everygirl’s Wellness Staff Writer with over five years of experience in the health and wellness space. She navigates the latest wellness topics and trends through studies, articles, and is always first in line to try them firsthand.