In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I sit down with Zoa Conner, a physicist turned functional wellness practitioner and retreat leader, whose life and work revolve around a transformative mantra: “When you focus on self care for yourself, then everything else falls into place.” Zoa opens up about the heartbreak she witnessed in brilliant women burdened by exhaustion, and the life-changing lesson that self care isn’t selfish—it’s foundational. She shares how guiding her daughter through chronic illness became a powerful example of why our own wellbeing is the key to genuinely caring for others. We unpack daily practices (from mindful walking to prioritizing sleep) and break the myth that self care has to be complicated or expensive. Plus, Zoa reveals how travel—even local adventures—can be a reset for body and soul. If you ever find yourself burnt out or guilty for putting your needs first, this episode will inspire you to reframe self care as a gift, not a chore. Let Zoa’s wisdom guide you towards a life where, truly, everything else falls into place.
Connect With Zoa Conner
Website: https://zenandvitality.com
Retreats: https://intentional-vitality.com
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:31 Zoa’s Background and Mission
01:19 The Mantra of Self Care
01:56 Personal Story: Healing Through Self Care
03:02 Daily Wellness Rituals
04:03 Prioritizing Sleep and Energy
05:40 The Challenges of Self Care
07:34 Actionable Steps for Listeners
08:54 Self Care Misconceptions
11:01 How Zoa’s Mantra Evolved
13:05 Timeline of Self Care Beliefs
15:22 Maslow’s Hierarchy and Self Care
16:31 New Mantra: The Power of Travel
17:12 Travel for Healing and Wellness
18:52 Travel as a Wellness Supplement
21:02 Mindful Travel and Anticipation
22:13 Becoming a Travel Coach
22:28 Final Reflections and Takeaways
23:20 Where to Find Zoa Online
23:56 Closing and Next Steps