The Comfort Files: Alyvia Alyn Lind
From Dr. Martens to crisp October days, the ‘Wayward’ star shares the rituals that keep her at her best.
Welcome to The Comfort Files, our series asking creatives the things, self-care practices and daily habits that make them feel good. This week, we’re chatting with actress Alyvia Alyn Lind, who can next be seen in Netflix’s new Canada-shot thriller, Wayward, which starts streaming on September 25.
What does comfort mean to you?
“Comfort, to me, means being completely myself, whether that’s being alone in my room wearing my favourite oversized T-shirt, playing my guitar with a candle burning or hanging out in my living room with my family and friends playing Jackbox. The common factor is my home—it’s the place I feel most comfortable.”
What does your ideal day of self-care and comfort look like?
“My ideal self-care day would be a chilly day in October: DoorDashing a pumpkin-flavoured latte, racing off to any Halloween related activity with my horror-loving family, returning home to slip into my comfiest pyjamas, cuddling on the couch watching a scary movie while wrapped up in a cozy blanket, and eating Pillsbury pumpkin cookies. Fall is my favourite season, and a day like this always heals me.”
What is one thing you do every day to practice self-care?
“My half-gallon water bottle is my child; it never leaves my side. Drinking water is such a simple task, but so easily forgotten. It makes me feel like I’m accomplishing something. It has more effect on my skin than the best beauty product out there—water is by far the most effective beauty tip.”
What is your favourite comfort read or genre of book?
“My two all-time favourite books are Just Kids by Patti Smith and Break It Down by Lydia Davis—both recommendations from my sister Emily. Whenever I start a new project, I bring one of these books to set. They’re like old friends to me; there’s something comforting about knowing where the story goes but finding new meanings on every read.”
What is your favourite comfort TV show?
“My comfort show is Nathan For You—hands-down, the funniest show out there. I’ve re-watched each episode countless times and they always deliver. I recommend it to every new person who comes into my life.”
What is your favourite comfort movie?
“Strangely enough, I find comfort in sad movies. There’s something about being able to escape your own problems and focus on caring for the characters. My favourites are Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and The Perks of Being a Wallflower—both are heart-wrenching in the best possible way. They are the top two movies on my Letterboxd.”
What type of clothing or fashion makes you feel most like yourself?
“My Dr. Martens have seen better days—they’ve been my number one shoe choice since I was 13. Every new role, I try to convince the costume designer that my character would love Docs, and it’s worked on my last few projects! As soon as I put them on, I feel like myself.”
What are the must-have wellness and/or beauty products that are part of your self-care routine?
“I can’t live without my Purity by Philosophy face wash, and every single one of my Glossier products—Boy Brow, the Perfecting Skin Tint and Cherry Balm Dotcom are my go-tos, but the whole line is amazing. A very honourable mention to a small business called Good for You Girls. Its products are clean, cruelty-free, vegan and gluten-free. I’ve even convinced all my guy friends to use them—despite the name of the company.”
What is your go-to comfort meal?
“My sister Natalie is the most amazing cook. My comfort food is her family-famous chicken tortellini soup. I request it on every special occasion.”
What’s something in your home that brings you comfort?
“This is an easy one. I have two daughters: Rocky Lou, a Goldendoodle, and Georgie, a Maltipoo. They travel with me everywhere I go—it’s like bringing a piece of my home to an unfamiliar place. They are the absolute essence of my comfort.”
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
