The Chicago P.D. star is passionate about helping others—and being good to oneself. Here’s what she has to say about following your heart, taking action and discovering what matters most in this world.

How do you keep your intuition strong?
I’ve gotten better at slowing down and sticking to my meditation practice. A lot of us seem to be on the same track: We crush it at work and we crush it with our physical health, but we haven’t been attending to that mind-body connection—and that’s the sweet spot. So I’m getting up at 7:30 a.m., I’m meditating for 20 minutes and then I’m going for a two-mile run. It’s only been a couple of weeks, and I feel so different. And I’m not a morning person! My theme of this year is “narrow and deep.” Less stuff, more depth. You just have to try to actively change your habits for one week: Get up 30 minutes earlier. Download the Headspace app and do a 10-minute meditation every day. It’s great.

What have been the most profound cracks that have changed your life?
When I was 20, my mom was really sick. I watched her go through chemo, and that cracked me. My mother, my everything, the strongest woman I know, was literally on her knees unable to stand, and that shattered me. Losing one of my best friends a few months ago [Google executive Dan Fredinburg] shattered me. There were days I felt like my body had been turned inside out. I felt like my heart was on the outside of my body and everyone who came near me was stabbing me. And the crazy thing is that since Dan died, the lessons have come like Mack trucks. There is no next time. There is no excuse to wait a day to do what you want to do and to change the way that you want to change.

full interview here

Screencaptures:

Gallerylinks:
Photoshootings > 2015 > #09 – Health Magazine
Screencaptures > Photoshoots > [Aug 2015] Behind the Scenes – Health Magzine [Captures]