SKIN DEEP with Felina Hæstrup

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. 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 own 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 basic, is using my breath more consciously.

When you’re rushing through life – a bit hurried on the bike or stressing around – tuning into your breath and just lengthening 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 end up coming home completely stressed and overstimulated.

Another thing is that a few years ago I started journalling – not so much to write down everything I did, but mostly to create a routine of writing down what I’m grateful for and what will make the day good – a “daily affirmation”. It was such a wonderful way to land in the morning or evening and be reminded that: ‘Gosh, I actually have a lovely life’”. 

“It has to be dry brushing – I do it every morning. And if I jump in the shower and have forgotten it, I really feel it! I actually use a mix of INFINITY serum-lotion and HOPE body oil as my moisturiser, so I get both nourishment and hydration. And then BB cream for glow.” 

“Something I’ve especially learned from Living Yolates in my life is to talk about how we can’t always be constant, and that we can’t always run on autopilot and perform the same way every day; doing the same things, being equally social, training in the same way… but that throughout life – both because of external factors and because of how we feel in our bodies – we need to adapt to the fact that we’re capable of different things at different times of the day and in our lives. 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 daring to act on it, because it’s easy enough to think: ‘Oh, I’m tired, I’ll have a coffee and carry on’, but instead maybe: ‘I’m so tired, I’m going to lie down in my bed’ – and then trust that your body will regulate itself. But it simply won’t if you don’t give yourself that calm.”

“I’ve noticed that when I’m facing a dilemma, have a challenge or have to make a difficult choice, I try 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 off everything and everyone and simply try to sense: 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. But what matters most is really knowing the answer within yourself.”