Eva's tips to joyful energy

Actress Eva LaRue, 56, catches up with FIRST about her tricks for staying healthy and energized and finding peace after loss

- Bonnie Siegler

Eva LaRue is beloved for her joyful demeanor and radiant smile. But a few months ago, the loss of her 85-year-old mother, Marcie, left the All My Children alum vulnerable and stripped down to her childlike self. “I was swimming in childhood memories,” Eva shares with FIRST. “But it became an opportunity to self-soothe and be gentle with myself. When you’re sitting in that vulnerability, you build strength.”

Reminiscing about her mom offered her a path to that growth. “My aunts shared funny childhood stories I’d never heard before,” she says with a smile. “I was getting a fuller perspective of my mom. There is healing in sharing memories and the laughter.” Here, more of Eva’s journey to healing, and her tricks for a healthy body and filling each day with joy.

MELTS A MENOPOT: Doable exercise

“There’s something so relaxing about an exercise that feels doable,” Eva says of her favorite workout, Pilates. “I do it at least twice a week. It tightens your body up in a gentle way, and I love that you’re stretching as you go along. Plus, you’re lying down to exercise— you gotta love it!”

Radiance secret: A brightening serum

“I’m using Caudalie serum and love it!” Eva shares. “It brightens and tightens my skin. It’s made with resveratrol, an antioxidant that is supposed to be great for its anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s my new favorite skincare.”