Amanda Nguyen: The Trailblazing Activist and Future Astronaut on Merging Wellness, Heritage, and Empowerment in Her Journey Beyond Earth
In the ever-evolving world of celebrities, Amanda Nguyen stands out, not only for her remarkable achievements but also for her relatable approach to wellness. A nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize and Time’s Woman of the Year in 2022, she is known for her relentless activism, particularly in advocating for civil rights. As the founder of Rise, Nguyen has fought tirelessly for the rights of sexual assault survivors and played a vital role in launching the Stop Asian Hate movement. Now, as she prepares to shatter barriers by becoming the first Vietnamese woman in space, Amanda engages in a candid discussion about her wellness practices and daily rituals that keep her grounded amid her numerous accolades.
Despite her extraordinary accomplishments, which include successfully passing the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act through Congress in 2016, Nguyen’s self-care routine is refreshingly achievable. During a conversation over Zoom, she shared insights into her morning rituals that many might find familiar. The day starts with her signature collagen matcha latte—a blend so important that she travels with her personal blender to keep up the routine. “After that, I use E.l.f.’s Holy Hydration misting spray to wake me up,” she says. She takes a moment for herself by spending some time journaling, focusing not just on the negatives but retraining her mind to find joy in everyday moments. Nguyen describes this practice as 'glimmers,' an approach aimed at rediscovering the beauty that surrounds us.
The physical demands of her astronaut training require special attention to fitness, particularly core strength to withstand the high G-forces during launch and landing. Still, she manages to weave in elements of community and reflection into her workouts. “I walk daily while listening to audiobooks, what I like to call my 'hot girl walk.' It’s a chance for me to center my thoughts and prepare for the day,” she laughs. Although core exercises and cardio are part of her training regimen, she finds joy in the simplicity of walking, complemented by her favorite workout tunes from artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan.
After a day filled with challenges, Nguyen has her own ways of unwinding. “Journaling helps me process everything that happened throughout the day,” she explains. Balancing her activism with personal enjoyment, she indulges in TV shows like "Severance" and "The Ultimatum." Her unique twist on relaxation includes a surprising element: sleeping with a red-light therapy panel. It’s a habit that might raise eyebrows but serves as one of many innovative wellness strategies that keep her feeling productive even during downtime.
One area where Nguyen shines is merging her identity as a scientist and a beauty enthusiast. E.l.f. Beauty has tapped into this duality, highlighting her in the company’s documentary series, "Show Your(s)e.l.f.," which celebrates diverse stories and narratives. Nguyen emphasizes the importance of self-expression, stating, “When I show up in places like Congress or the United Nations, I want to take up space authentically, wearing my red lip. It’s about fighting for what’s right while having fun and staying true to myself.” In defying the stereotype that women in STEM must always prioritize science over aesthetics, she champions the message that both passions can coexist harmoniously.
As she gears up for her monumental trip to space, Nguyen reflects on the significance of this journey not only for herself but also for her heritage. “It’s particularly special this year as it marks the 50th anniversary of Vietnam,” she shares. The potential for her flight to symbolize peace and reconciliation between two former adversaries adds depth to her mission. Having made several trips to Vietnam, embracing her roots became a crucial part of her preparation. The support she’s received from her family and the Vietnamese community is both overwhelming and inspiring, fostering a shared pride in this historic achievement.
Throughout our conversation, Amanda Nguyen encapsulates a vital lesson in wellness: bravery doesn’t require a sweeping fearlessness; it’s about taking one step at a time. Inspired by her mother’s story as a boat refugee, when faced with challenges, she believes in focusing on what’s immediately in front of you rather than the entire journey. “I remind myself that I don’t need to be brave for the whole path—just for the next step,” she explains. This mantra informs her approach to both her personal wellness and her advocacy work, emphasizing a balance of courage and acceptance in the face of life’s unpredictability.
Amanda Nguyen’s story marries the realms of activism, science, and self-care in a compelling narrative that encourages both authenticity and resilience. As she navigates her dual roles—an astronaut and an activist—she remains remarkably relatable, offering insights into everyday practices that resonate with many. By sharing her morning rituals and workout routines, Nguyen inspires not just future generations but individuals from all walks of life to embrace their unique identities while fighting for their beliefs. Her journey into space is more than a personal triumph; it’s a beacon of hope and empowerment that reminds us all of the transformative power of courage and self-care, no matter our challenges.
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