Self-care is more important than ever. At Sperry we’re encouraging you to take a little time for yourself every day.

We’ve teamed up with professional United States World Cup Skier Ryan McElmon to show how he self-cares post-ski season. From outdoor adventures to video editing to fireside date nights with his girlfriend, he slows down and appreciates the little things in life in Sperry Striper II CVO Sneakers. These classic kicks are made with canvas cotton uppers and boast on easy on/off fit.

FRESH UTAH AIR

“The current state of the world right now is something I have never experienced in my 21 years on this planet. My parents have told me that this eery and edgy feeling of day to day life right now is very similar to what the world felt like post “9/11”. I was too young to remember that tragic event so experiencing this is unlike anything I’ve ever dealt with before.

COVID-19 has put the world in to what seems like a chaotic mess but the situation is also very ironic. If you take a closer look at the chaos, you will also realize that it has simplified life down to its most basic state. We really have to take this time gifted to us by this horrible tragedy and use it to better ourselves, appreciate the little things in life and not take things for granted moving forward.”

MORNING FIRESIDE COFFEE

“At this time of year, my girlfriend and I are usually on opposite schedules since we are both athletes in two different sports. This time has given us a chance to slow down and spend more quality time with each other. We love having our morning coffee by the fire to start our day. This quiet time spent around the fire is a perfect reminder to enjoy the little things. I am a very on-the-go type of guy, and I love having something to get my adrenaline pumping everyday.

However, this pandemic has given me a chance to find things I enjoy outside of my usual dangerous action filled days. Whether it’s savoring my coffee a little more in the morning, putting more effort into photography, fine tuning basic skateboarding skills, mental conditioning for skiing or giving my body some much needed rest.

This weird but necessary lockdown is a way for me to learn new habits and really pay attention to what I need outside of adrenaline.”

FINE TUNING SKATEBOARDING SKILLS

“My usual life as a professional action sports athlete is adrenaline filled and always on the edge. I am always out pushing my body to its limits on skis with very little time to better myself in any other hobbies that I enjoy.

This past year I decided to pick up skateboarding and the down time has allowed me to work on my basic skating skills while at home! Starting a sport from the ground up is one of my favorite things in the world because every time you practice you get noticeably better which is one of the most rewarding feelings. Skateboarding has been a very good activity to pass some time while also acting as cross training for skiing due to the balance/hand-eye coordination.”

EDITING PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

“Even though I’m not physically on skis there are plenty of things I have been able to do to keep my mind/body conditioned for skiing. On the slopes we are flipping, spinning and soaring through the air all day and our brain develops “air awareness” by practicing so often. Since we can’t jump around on the mountain anymore, I have been going out into my yard practicing different variations of flips and spins to keep my air awareness up.

When I am not out in my yard skating/flipping around I am usually inside relaxing on my laptop. My laptop has been my best friend throughout this quarantine because I have had so much more time to edit photos/videos, create content, learn new skills, and work from home. I am very thankful to have hobbies that help me keep a positive mindset throughout this pandemic and I am looking forward to more “normal” days ahead.”