CARE BY: Zoe Harper Christensen

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WHAT IS YOUR MORNING ROUTINE?

I always start my day quietly before the rest of the family wakes up.
I really need that alone time in the morning, and I love it. My day begins with a large glass of warm water with freshly squeezed lemon to cleanse my body. After that, I slip into a one-piece - whether it's linen, fleece, or thermo, depending on the season - and take a 45-minute walk with my dog, Brutus.

This morning ritual, this time for myself, is the best way for me to recharge and gather my thoughts. When I get home, my husband and kids are starting to wake up, and we begin the day with a morning boost shot - usually a ginger shot with Omega-3.

Often, I teach yoga in Charlottenlund in the morning or head to Solgården in Hornbæk, where I offer one-on-one treatments on weekdays. On weekends, I usually host a workshop at Solgården.

HOW DO YOU PREFER TO SPEND AN HOUR IN YOUR OWN COMPANY?

The best way I spend an hour alone is on the yoga mat, where I might practice a new flow or dive deep into my fascia with trigger point balls.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR SHOWING SELF-LOVE AND PRIORITIZING YOURSELF IN A BUSY DAY?

During my time as a chef, I lived under constant stress and always put myself last. I ignored my body’s signals, but thankfully, that phase of my life is over. Today, I make sure to always find time for myself - whether it’s a yoga class with another instructor or a body treatment, which I try to do once a week.

In everyday life, I always find the time for 5-10 minutes of meditation and some breathwork. It is incredibly important to connect the body and mind, and I take a dip in the sea daily, year-round.
This connection with the water is cleansing and has helped me through tough times, giving me the ability to reconnect with my body.

HAVE YOU MADE A DECISION IN YOUR LIFE THAT HAS BEEN PARTICULARLY GOOD FOR YOU?

The best decision I have made - and continue to make daily - is to prioritize time in the kitchen, cooking from scratch with high quality, natural ingredients.
From my time in France, gathering around a proper meal has always been an important part of my daily life.
It’s also where our family comes together. 

WHAT ADVICE, ON CREATING A LIFE IN BALANCE, WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

To live a balanced life, I wish I had told myself to never doubt my gut instincts. I have learned that it is essential to protect my own energy before sharing it with others. As a former chef trained in 3-star restaurants, I was always good at giving everything to others, but time has taught me that “you can’t pour from an empty cup.”

YOUR BEST TIP FOR A STRONG AND HEALTHY BODY AS WELL AS A MIND IN BALANCE?

My best advice for a strong body and a balanced mind is to live in “full circle.”

Balance is key for a strong body and mind. It’s not just about exercise or breathwork - it all comes together when your diet, body, and soul are in harmony.
It is all connected.

For example, if you are lacking Omega-3, your body has a harder time absorbing oxygen and eliminating toxins. I make sure to take Omega-3 daily, and it’s important to me that it’s of the highest quality - which can be tricky to navigate. I am always happy to help you find the perfect option, as well as the right vitamin combination. Feel free to reach out anytime.
That’s why I’m working on developing programs at Solgården in Hornbæk under the name "Full Circle," where we integrate nutrition, movement, meditation, and intention into a single journey.

Body, mind, and spirit - "Full Circle" starts right where you shop and when you choose your ingredients.

Has your spiritual and mindful approach to life always been a part of you?

Without fully realizing it, I have always had a strong connection to nature, the earth, and the sea.
These elements were a natural part of my upbringing, and during the years I lived in various big cities, my escape was always a trip to the sea to find calm when my energy was low.
This ritual, which some might consider a bit spiritual, has been with me since childhood.

In my most hectic years as a chef in Paris, I probably lost touch with that grounding.

DO YOU HAVE AN EASY BEAUTY TIP THAT WE MAY SHARE?

From my years in Morocco, I discovered Argan oil, which in the Arab world is used as a facial oil.
Since then, I have only used oil as a moisturizer for my face.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE AN ACTIVITY OF YOUR OWN CHOICE THAT WOULD FILL YOU WITH LOTS OF ENERGY - WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I have always been a girl who loves to move fast, and I get my energy from being active. Before my horseback riding accident, my go-to energy fix was definitely a gallop through the forest or along the beach.
Today, it is Ashtanga yoga or another dynamic style of yoga that recharges me.

If you'd like to follow Zoe’s mindful universe, head over to Instagram @christensenzoe

Solgården Hornbæk - The Healing House of the North Coast

Solgården Refuge - a sanctuary for yoga, mindfulness, and meditation.

The beautiful pink gem is owned by Zoe Harper Christensen and her husband, Hugo. In April 2024, they opened the doors to this historic property from 1917 on Hornbæk Strandvej.
Since then, Solgården has become a gathering place filled with presence, calm, and love.

It is a place for everyone - a refuge without stress, filled with positive energy.
A place where you can be yourself, slow down, and prioritize both your physical and mental well-being.

Solgården offers a wide range of meditative retreats and events, including breathwork, yoga, meditation, shamanic workshops, detox, Body SDS body therapy, saunas, sea baths, and plenty of tranquility, nature, and delicious, healthy culinary experiences.