Meet Our Model: Shewanee Howard-Baptiste

Photo by Kris Hacker/Hacker Medias // Shot on Location at the Hunter Museum of American Art

For Shewanee Howard-Baptiste, health and wellness have long been a part of her journey on earth. With degrees in exercise science and coaching, Howard-Baptiste is no stranger to the power of movement, but integrating that movement with other parts of one’s life is the true key. Today, Howard-Baptiste uses exercise as a primary way to connect with her friends and husband, and when combined with prayer, meditation, and plenty of laughter, it leaves her feeling full of life.

What is your approach to wellness?

My approach to wellness typically centers around making connections with others while moving. I don’t believe exercise, fitness, and wellness should be topics that we dread talking about. Movement and physical activity can be a lot of fun and can connect people with family and friends.

What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?

I always try to stay hydrated, make sleep a priority, and get monthly massages. I give myself at least one hour a day to engage in fitness opportunities that give me joy and provide me with energy, and I’m always looking for opportunities for walk and talks. I can catch up with friends while increasing my cardiovascular endurance!

What are some of your current goals, and what are you doing to work toward them?

1. Run a half marathon with my friend, Shana Oates. She has been training; I have not ... as of yet. We are looking at races for next year, so we can start training together. We have both completed half-marathons in the past, so this will be great accountability for me.

2. Engage in more outdoor activities like hiking and paddle boarding. These are great opportunities for date nights with my husband since he’s an outdoor enthusiast.

When it comes to health and wellness, is there anyone you admire or look up to? Why?

I really admire anyone who starts this journey. Health and wellness is a journey and not a destination. I have one friend who lost nearly 100 pounds through exercise and healthy eating. She is my inspiration. I admire people who are willing to try something new, something that makes us uncomfortable that we end up really enjoying.

How do you approach emotional well-being?

I have a great village that I surround myself with. We keep each other accountable in our friendships, our marriages, and balancing work and life. I regularly invest in my emotional well-being in a number of ways including meditation, expressing gratitude, and looking for spaces to be creative and innovative. I really enjoy helping others, so I tend to look for others who like to serve humanity in that same way. I love to laugh. I think laughter can release stress, improve our moods, and create connections. I can be quite silly with family and friends, so I always take delight in a good laugh.

What does your daily routine look like?

I start my day off with prayer and meditation before I spend about an hour working out. I like to do weight training or go for a walk or jog. I then get ready and head to work. After the workday, I will sometimes take a walk with my husband, and it’s a great opportunity to catch up on each other’s day. Then we have dinner before winding down and getting ready for bed. I try to avoid electronics about 30 minutes before bed. It’s not a perfect routine, but I try to maintain it throughout the week.

What do you find the most rewarding?

Helping others understand and reach their purpose, and really cultivating relationships so others can win. I’m the biggest cheerleader!

How do you encourage health and wellness within your family?

My husband and I work out together, whether that’s going for a hike, paddleboarding, or walking after dinner. When I’m back home in St. Louis, I take walks with my siblings and play with my nieces and nephews. We just try to make it part of our daily lives. I also try to change my mindset around healthy living practices. It’s not something I have to do but rather something I get to do. Each day is not perfect, but it’s an opportunity to just do a little better than we did the day before or the week before. It’s all about finding out what you enjoy and then cultivating opportunities to do those activities more often.