We’re chatting today with Rekha Avirah of One Medical. Rekha is a family physician who enjoys staying active by running, getting on the Peleton, and keeping up with her three boys.
One Medical is a primary care outpatient practice with five new offices in the Greater Houston area and offices throughout the U.S.
What time do you usually wake up? Is that a time that feels natural or painfully inconvenient for you?
The day starts for me at 5:45am, which feels great since I like to get to bed by 10pm. I like to start the day on my own terms so I wake up to my morning playlist, which sets the tone for a great day.
Do you think it’s important to wake up at the same time everyday?
While our bodies love routine, we don’t need to be a slave to routine. I think the most important thing is to listen to your bodies’ needs. If you struggle with insomnia, consistency is important. If not, it is fine to catch a few extra zzz’s on the weekend.
Walk us through your morning! We want the full timeline; step by step.
The first thing I do when I wake up is to start with a moment of meditation. Beginning my day with gratitude shifts my attitude towards the day’s challenges. Nothing else happens until I have brushed my teeth and had my morning shower. Those first 45 minutes of the day are all mine. After that I’m fielding last minute requests from the kids as they get ready for school and cuddle demands from my fur babies.
Do you make time for breakfast? Whatcha eating?
Breakfast is an essential part of my daily routine and here I am a creature of habit. Oatmeal loaded with berries, nuts and flaxseed gets me through the morning.
What are heart-healthy breakfast foods you eat on the go?
In a pinch, yogurt, fruit, granola or a boiled egg are great substitutes for my morning oatmeal.
Share three things you must throw in your bag before leaving and why.
I can’t leave without my tech – my laptop and cellphone and of course, my favorite lip balm.
What’s a habit you want to remove from your morning routine?
Not so much a habit that I would like to remove but rather something that I would like to incorporate more of is morning stretches and breathing exercises.
What essential products/items are part of your morning routine?
Moisturizer with SPF and my contacts because I can’t see without them!
What’s a hack that has improved your routine?
Setting a bedtime notification to make sure I get to bed on time has done wonders for my morning routine. Also, using my favorite overnight steel cut oats recipe to bank a few minutes in the morning.
Oop, that thing that puts a damper on your mornings every once in a while just happened again. What is it?
Misplacing my keys, substitute keys with that pair of shoes I needed, my purse or whatever else sends me on a scavenger hunt.
What is the most important thing that you have in your morning routine?
Connecting with my family, even if for a brief moment, to tell them that I love them as I head out the door. It is important for me to fill their love tanks as they begin their day.
Your current favorite commute/pre-zoom song?
Numb Little Bug by Em Beihold, it’s catchy yet speaks to the current emotional state of a lot of people at this stage in the pandemic
How do you get your body moving when you start your day?
After sitting through a morning commute I like to take full advantage of my standing desk. Standing helps me stay energized and focused as I clear out my inbox at the start of the day.
What were you grateful for this morning?
For sunshine and for my support network that allows me to do what I do every day.
