In a world that revolves around the “hustle-first” mentality, I’ve learned that choosing softness isn’t a weakness—it’s a power move. As a South Asian founder balancing being a CEO, leading a team, being a good daughter, showing up for my friends, and—most importantly—being there for myself, the small, intentional “soft” moments are what fuel my biggest wins in all areas of life.
But how do you actually build softness into a schedule that feels anything but soft?
Morning Momentum: Fuel First, Hustle Next
You’ve seen those “CEO morning routines” or “That Girl” AM rituals all over social—and yes, they’re gorgeous on camera. But for most of us, a three-hour slow-mo sunrise sesh isn’t realistic. What really sticks is a dynamic routine that flexes with your day. Here’s mine:
- Wake between 6–6:30 AM
- Light pre-breakfast carb (half a banana or a slice of toast)
- Solidcore class to crush morning anxiety and set a positive tone
- Strawberry matcha on the way home—most days preferably from Sunday Morning Bakehouse.
- Protein-first breakfast while I tackle my inbox
@hanianis786 Weekend mornings are for @[solidcore] feat. @Suja Organic @lululemon and @Arrae MB-1 #weekendmotivation #solidcore #weekendworkout #weekendmood #morningroutine #pcos ♬ original sound - 𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓷𝔂 😻
That Solidcore sweat session? It’s my non-negotiable mood booster—that help me show up as a better founder, leader and marketer. Someday, I’d love to add morning pages to the mix (they ground me like nothing else), but for now, this is my bare-minimum softness starter pack.
Boundary Setting: Softness Through “No”
In South Asian culture—especially as an eldest daughter—saying “no” can feel like you’re breaking some unspoken rule. But here’s the truth: boundaries are your soft armor. Protecting your weekends and your focus isn’t rude; it’s essential.
- No-Meeting Afternoons: A transparent block for deep work (and sanity). In a job that demands creativity, one needs to have long blocks of time to actually get into that zone.
- Weekend Sanctuary: Family brunches and true downtime—no calls allowed.
- Weekday plans with friends: I like to keep my weekdays packed so my weekends are truly my me time without any obligations besides family commitments.
Every time I politely decline a last-minute meeting or plans, I’m not closing a door—I’m opening space for my best ideas to flourish with my full energy.
Cultural Rituals—Anchors, Not Obligations
I used to treat things like my masjid days or weekly hair-oiling as chores to squeeze around work. Lately, I flipped the script: I schedule work around these traditions.
- Masjid Moments: A few prayer visits each month clear my head and recharge my spirit.
- Selfcare : A five-minute coconut-oil scalp massage before bed—my ultimate “reset” button. Sunday every-thing showers are a non-negotiable for setting the week up right.
- Ramadan at Home: Declaring “no travel” during Ramadan this year was a game-changer—Eid at home recharged me deeper than any vacation.
These cultural anchors aren’t extras; they’re the unshakeable foundation that keeps me centered—no grind required.
Overall, these small, consistent self-care moments aren’t indulgent—they’re the backbone of bold leadership, unleashed creativity, and intentional well-being.
Ready to make softness your superpower? Let me know which ritual you’ll try first and some of your practices that make you embrace your softness.