The 7 Things Keeping Kelly McCreary Sane at Home

Every week, Vogue will be spotlighting tastemakers across industries to hear how they’ve been approaching self-care during the coronavirus pandemic and now, during the holiday season. We asked actress Kelly McCreary who stars as Dr. Maggie Pierce in Grey’s Anatomy, how she’s been staying sane at home.

1. I’m decorating for the holidays.

Christmas came early to our house this year! In order to recharge my battery and change up the vibe after a hectic fall (hello, election stress anyone?), I’m not ashamed to say that I started to work on making the space merry and bright in early November. I rummaged through boxes full of nostalgia—stuff that I’ve carried to L.A. from my hometown of Milwaukee and my previous home, New York City—and then scoured the internet for new additions. As I’ve gotten older, I think I’ve become more invested in this ritual, and carrying on old traditions while creating new ones also means even more since getting married last year.

2. I’m taking baths.

I’ve never been big on baths. But for my birthday this year, a friend sent the loveliest set of bath goodies, and I was finally moved to indulge. Now, I’m hooked. My friends and castmates Ellen Pompeo and Caterina Scorsone both exhorted the benefits of magnesium bath salts, which I’ve recently integrated into the routine. Bathing this way feels like pure heaven.

3. I’m enjoying playtime with our dog, Motown.

We rescued the world’s best puppy last year and she’s been an infinite source of delight, comfort, and unconditional love. Our family bond has deepened over quarantine.

4. I’m rediscovering yoga.

Up until a few years ago, I had been a fairly ardent yogini with a consistent practice. Then, life got busier, my daily routines changed, and I fell off. Quarantine has given me time to ease my way back into my self-care habits. In many ways, rediscovering my yoga practice feels like becoming reacquainted with myself again. I didn’t realize how much my mind and spirit had been craving the moving meditation, and to be grounded and stabilized by a daily practice once again.

5. I’m becoming a crossword puzzle master.

I can’t get enough of the New York Times crossword puzzle. It’s such a satisfying little daily accomplishment and has the added bonus of giving my brain a workout.

6. I’m listening to podcasts.

Podcasts are my favorite thing to have on in the background while I’m cooking, tidying up the house, or getting ready for the day. Besides devouring anything and everything true crime or cult-related, I cannot get enough of The Read, Pod Save the People, Lady Don’t Take No, and Let’s Shoot With Pete Chatmon. I also love any news podcasts with deep, thorough reporting that give me a well-rounded take on the news stories I can only grasp snippets of when scrolling through social media or my news apps (Radiolab, Serial).

7. I’m supporting important organizations.

It has been deeply fulfilling to have more time to devote to the work of liberation and social justice. For me, that has meant finding ways to support organizations, causes, and campaigns that are in the trenches and doing the work to ensure that we live in a humane society in which every member can thrive. Equal Justice Society, The African American Policy Forum, Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, A New Way of Life, and The Collective PAC are favorites.