WELLNESS
She Talks: Beyond the Spotlight – A Conversation with Angéla Eke
Art isn’t confined to the stage—it’s present in every part of life. Our conversation with actress Angéla Eke was a powerful reminder of that. With honesty and depth, she opened up about her daily rituals, reconnecting with her body, navigating burnout, and the personal path she’s taken toward self-awareness and mindfulness. Her story is a gentle nudge to all of us: balance isn’t a destination, but a continuous, deeply personal journey.
✨ Do you have a morning or evening ritual that feels like a little gift to yourself? Something that grounds you for the day or helps you truly unwind?
Given the nature of my lifestyle, I rarely wake up at the same time each day. That’s why I cherish the small rituals that bring a sense of structure and constancy to my otherwise unpredictable routine. My morning coffee is one of them – whether I’m up at 4 a.m. for a shoot or wake naturally, that quiet moment with my coffee is a grounding ritual. I make a conscious effort to postpone reaching for my phone, resisting the rush of information, and instead praise the stillness of a world that has yet to begin.
✨ What kind of movement makes you feel most at home in your body? Is there an activity that brings you pure joy?
I find it difficult to settle on a form of exercise I could commit to long-term. I enjoy trying new things, but if something doesn’t feel right for me, it naturally fades out of my routine. Nordic walking, however – a more dynamic form of walking – is the exception. I always find my way back to it, because it combines everything I love: being in the forest and moving with purpose. As a bonus, it’s also an excellent fat-burning workout. We usually go as a group with a trainer, for a brisk, 90-minute session in the Buda hills. Lately, Pilates has also made its way back into my life.
✨ How do you protect your energy in a world that can feel overwhelming? Any go-to strategies that help you manage stress and avoid burnout?
I came close to burnout, which marked a significant turning point in my life – both as an artist and as a person. I knew I had to take action, so I stepped away from my theatre career and began focusing on self-awareness and inner work. During a 10-day silent Vipassana retreat, far removed from everything, I learned a meditation technique that I now integrate into my daily life. It’s been instrumental in my personal growth and has greatly supported my mental well-being.
Whenever I feel overwhelmed or overstimulated by the world around me, I take a few moments for micro-meditation – even if it’s just on the tram.
✨ Keeping it real: what’s one aspect of health, self-care or wellness that you’re still working or would love to get better at?
Consistency is what I lack most in my life. That’s precisely why it’s difficult for me to make movement and exercise a regular part of my routine – even though I truly want to. I’ve noticed a pattern: either I work out consistently and end up organizing my entire life around it, which eventually becomes unsustainable, or I let it go and only manage to exercise occasionally.
It genuinely bothers me, because regular physical activity does wonders for my body, my mind, and even my sleep. It’s something I still need to work on.
✨ And finally—what’s your favorite Essa product, and how do you weave it into your daily routine?
I’ve made the most progress in the last six months when it comes to my nutrition. I’m learning how to eat well and figure out what works best for me. The unpredictable nature of my lifestyle has led to an erratic eating pattern, which I’ve taken to the extreme. Since I’ve “learned how to nourish my body properly” I now have control over my well-being and overall state of mind. I’ve been an “Essa Woman” for a long time, and protein shakes have become the most versatile addition to my diet – I’m a smoothie champion, having made endless variations of them! I also love adding them to energy balls, and I always keep an eye on the latest recipes on the website!