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On leisurely mornings, actress, writer, and producer Natasha Rothwell enjoys cozying up on the porch with her dog, a matcha latte, and a crossword puzzle while listening to jazz. Her favorite artist, Etta James, sings about a “Sunday Kind of Love”—which perfectly encapsulates the enduring and nurturing relationship Rothwell cultivates with herself through tranquil morning rituals.
“I cherish having a moment in the day that’s just for me before the chaos begins,” Rothwell shares. “Taking the time to be with myself is crucial because, for a long time, I neglected that.”
Rothwell’s journey towards self-fulfillment is a central theme in her new show, How to Die Alone, currently available on Hulu. The show follows Rothwell’s character Mel, an airport employee grappling with loneliness and feeling stuck. Set in an airport, the show conveys themes of limbo and the moment before taking flight. “I work at an airport, but I’m afraid to fly,” Mel confesses to a colleague.
After a near-death experience, Mel begins to introspect and evaluate her life. The show not only explores the concept of self-love but also the process of getting one’s life in order, a journey that has been a challenge for the talented artist.
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“I wasn’t naturally inclined towards routine and structure,” Rothwell reflects. “It’s a work in progress. I improve over time, but it’s not about having it all figured out. It’s about striving to be a little better each day, with self-care being a key part of that routine you establish.”
Rothwell acknowledges that self-care doesn’t happen magically; it requires preparation, making mornings essential. While she relishes the slower mornings, ensuring she starts her day mentally and practically equipped is how she taps into the day’s possibilities.
“Mornings are like the airport of the day,” Rothwell muses. “You embark on a journey without knowing where you’ll land or if everything will go as planned. It’s the thrill of traveling and actively participating in your own life.”
Although Rothwell may not always have the luxury of lounging on the porch, here’s how she kickstarts her days:
Caffeine Fix with Matcha
While she loves coffee, Rothwell prefers the gradual caffeine delivery of matcha. The smooth release of caffeine appeals to her, and she enjoys the taste. Her go-to matcha order from Starbucks includes oat milk, vanilla flavor, and a shot of blonde espresso.
Waterpik for Dental Care
Rothwell uses a Waterpik water flosser to simulate a DIY dental experience. Flossing can be a chore, but the Waterpik makes it more enjoyable and gives her a sense of professionalism in her oral care routine.
Prepping a Go-Bag
Before taking her dog for a walk, Rothwell packs a bag with essentials to face the day. Her arsenal includes charged headphones, allergy medication, sunscreen, and antacids for moments of stress or anxiety.
- Claritin Liquid ($22)
- Editor’s note: Rothwell has a partnership with Claritin
Using Noise-Canceling Headphones
Being prone to sensory overload, Rothwell finds solace in noise-canceling headphones, creating a bubble of tranquility with jazz music or meditation. Amidst chaos, she seeks moments of tranquility to stay grounded and serene.
Spotify Jazz Playlists
Rothwell starts her day by listening to Spotify Jazz Classics or exploring different jazz playlists. She has a soft spot for jazz icons like Sarah Vaughn and Etta James, setting the perfect tone for her mornings.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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