Allison Rutberg is a NYC-based vitality coach and the founder of Vitality with Allison, a practice rooted in hormonal health, nervous system support and cutting through the wellness noise for women in perimenopause and menopause. We had a session together last month and left with a few new weekly rituals to test out (current fav: castor oil wraps for liver support). Allison's a longtime Niteswim friend and we invited her into The Deep End to share how she takes care at home.
Where do you call home?
What’s something you’re working on right now that’s lighting you up?
I’m developing an AM/PM supplement for women in perimenopause and menopause, grounded in what actually moves the needle with my clients.
The goal is less noise and more precision. I see women overdoing it or taking the wrong things. I'm excited about the education piece as much as I am about the actual supplements.
I'm in the formulation process which has been my favorite part of the process so far.
What’s one thing you’ve recently let go of to feel more at ease?
Needing to be liked and understood by everyone. In my younger years I was a big people pleaser and it was very painful to ever feel disliked or misunderstood. How exhausting.
In peri and meno, that IDGAF feeling is so real. The shift for me came from owning my zones of genius, a quiet confidence, lived experience, and prioritizing nervous system support.
There is so much freedom in knowing that I am not for everyone and everyone is not for me.
There is so much freedom in knowing that I am not for everyone and everyone is not for me.
How do you support your mood or energy these days? Do you have any favorite at home rituals?
Rituals help me create healthy structure in my day - and give me little infusions of joy. I like to switch things up and don't do the same thing every day.
Some current favorites on rotation:
- Making a protein coffee and sipping it while gazing at the trees through my kitchen window
- A one-song dance party (probably deep Chicago house music) for when I've sat for too long
- 10 minutes of breathwork with a silk eye mask to feel centered (Niteswim HQ loves this silk eye mask from Gone)
- Watering and talking to my plants who are thriving (I used to be a plant killer)
- Gentle self-lymphatic drainage which is excellent for that perimenopause/menopause puffiness
- Creating fancy flower arrangements from a TJ's floral haul
- Speaking out loud to my ancestors and spirit guides who are like my other-worldly support team
What’s your perfect bath setup—how do you make it feel extra special?
I love candlelight and rotate between real candles and little, fake ones - no overhead lights for me. A bath with a dozen tea lights is the move.
The sound of running water helps to turn my brain off so I really enjoy the prep.
I sprinkle in either The Big Pause or Light In Your Heart blends from Niteswim. I'm particular about scents and textures and these are divine.
If I need a good laugh, I'll listen to Whitney Cummings' podcast Good For You.
If I need to zone out and fully let go, I'll put on some Solfeggio Frequencies.
