The Ultimate Morning Routine For Balance, Mental Health & Hormone Support
On the Pursuit of Wellness podcast, the host explores Mari's morning routine centered around supporting mental health and fertility during IVF treatment. The discussion covers Mari's flexible schedule, incorporating activities like walking, prayer, and journaling. Listeners gain insight into Mari's balanced approach, including varied workouts, a protein-rich diet with fertility-supporting juices, and a streamlined supplement regimen.
The episode also examines Mari's minimalist self-care routine focused on achieving a natural look through gentle skincare and minimal makeup. Overall, this podcast offers an inside look at how Mari thoughtfully structures her mornings to promote balance, mental wellbeing, and hormonal support during her fertility journey.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Feb 17, 2025 episode of the Pursuit of Wellness
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1-Page Summary
Mari's Evolving Morning Routine
Mari, undergoing IVF treatment, has intentionally adapted her morning routine to prioritize mental health and fertility. She now wakes up between 7-7:30 AM, a more forgiving time than her previous rigid 5 AM wake-up, embracing flexibility over dependence on routine.
Flexible Morning Activities Supporting Well-Being and Fertility
Upon waking, Mari carries out essentials like personal care, medication, and preparing a hydration drink with supplements like collagen, creatine, and electrolytes to support her hormonal and fertility health. She takes a 30-minute walk with her dog, a chance to disconnect from devices. Mari highlights her routine's focus on mental health, fertility, and adaptability over rigidity.
Spiritual Practices and Simplified Supplement Routine
Inspired by others, Mari begins her day with prayer and gratitude to cultivate a positive headspace. In the evening, she reflects on the day's positives, continuing her gratitude practice. Her simplified supplement routine includes thyroid medication, Bloom Colostrum for gut health, Bloom Greens for vitamins, an IVF egg freeze supplement pack, and additional fertility-supporting supplements like vitamin D and zinc. Mari values the uncluttered approach supporting her fertility needs.
Flexible Exercise, Fertility-Focused Diet, Minimalist Self-Care
Varied Workouts Based on Energy and Mood
After her morning walk, Mari chooses between an energy drink or coffee based on her planned workout—weightlifting, Pilates, a walk, or other activities like Barry's classes. She alternates between these options three to four times weekly, with flexible workout durations based on her needs.
Protein-Rich Meals and Fertility-Supporting Juices
Mari prioritizes protein at breakfast, often sourdough bread and eggs, or yogurt with granola. She drinks pomegranate and beet juices with meals for fertility benefits. Her nutrition also features collagen peptides, Bloom Greens, a specialized IVF supplement pack, vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium.
Gentle Skincare and Makeup for a Natural Look
For skincare, Mari uses serums, moisturizers, and gua sha for complexion issues. She styles her hair occasionally for blowout longevity. Mari prefers minimal makeup like tinted moisturizers and eyebrow gel for a natural, glowing look unless on camera.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can create a personalized morning playlist that includes songs with uplifting lyrics or calming melodies to enhance your mental state as you start the day. By selecting music that resonates with your mood and intentions for the day, you can reinforce a positive mindset and potentially improve your focus and productivity.
- Consider setting up a weekly meal prep routine that incorporates fertility-friendly foods, such as leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, which are not mentioned in the routine but are known for their health benefits. By preparing these ingredients in advance, you can ensure you have easy access to nutritious meals throughout the week, supporting your overall well-being and fertility goals.
- Explore the use of a habit-tracking app that allows you to set personal care and wellness goals, such as hydration levels, exercise types, and skincare routines. By tracking your progress, you can stay motivated and make informed adjustments to your routines, ensuring they align with your health and fertility objectives.
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Mari's Evolving Morning Routine and Philosophy
Mari shares insights into how she has intentionally adapted her morning routine to promote better mental health and support her fertility journey.
Mari Adjusted Her Routine to Prioritize Mental Health and Fertility
Mari's Adaptable Morning Routine
Mari’s morning routine has evolved from a rigid schedule to one that embraces change and adaptability. She wakes up at a more forgiving time between seven and 7:30 AM, rather than her previous 5:00 or 5:30 AM wake-up call. This change stems from her belief that change can be beneficial and even necessary for well-being. Previously, Mari was quite reliant on her regimen as a source of security.
Mari now Prioritizes Flexibility, Wellness, and Fertility-Supporting Practices Over a Regimented Routine
On waking, Mari turns off her rain noise machine, which she uses to aid in restful sleep. She carries out the essentials of personal care by brushing her teeth, combing her hair, and dressing in activewear. She honors her body's needs by taking any medication required on an empty stomach. Her devotion to wellness is evident as she prepares a concoction in her hydro flask that includes water, electrolytes, Bloom Colostrum, collagen peptides, creatine, glutamine, and ice cubes—a mix meant to support her hormonal and fertility health.
Caring for her high-energy, food-obsessed dog is also a part of her routine, and it includes going for a 30-minute walk. This morni ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Mari's Evolving Morning Routine and Philosophy
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can create a "change-friendly" corner in your home where you can practice daily activities that nurture your mental and physical health. Set up a cozy nook with items like a yoga mat, meditation cushion, journal, and fertility or wellness guides. This dedicated space can serve as a reminder to incorporate flexibility and well-being into your routine, allowing you to adapt your activities based on how you feel each day.
- Start your day with a "tech-free" outdoor activity that doesn't require a pet, like a solo walk or gardening, to foster presence and mental clarity. By engaging in an outdoor activity first thing in the morning, you can enjoy the benefits of nature and disconnection from digital devices, which can help reduce stress and improve your mood.
- Develop a personalized morning beverage that caters to yo ...
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Mari's Focus on Mental Health, Fertility, and Wellness
Mari has adjusted her daily routine to incorporate practices aimed at improving her spiritual and mental health, simplifying her approach to support her fertility and overall well-being.
Mari Enhanced Her Routine With Spiritual and Mental Health Practices
Mari Starts Her Day With Prayer and Gratitude For a Positive Tone
Inspired by Michael Chernow’s approach incorporating sobriety and gratitude into his life, Mari begins and concludes her day with moments of reflection that put her in a positive headspace. Every morning, she prays for strength to meet the challenges of the day and expresses gratitude which sets a positive tone for her ensuing activities. At night, Mari reviews the day, focusing on its positive aspects, continuing her practice of gratitude.
Mari Simplified Her Supplement Routine For Fertility Support
Mari's approach to supplements is intentional and targeted, prioritizing fertility support using a simplified regimen. She starts off by taking thyroid medication on an empty stomach to maintain her hormonal balance. For skin and gut health, she includes Bloom Colostrum and collagen peptides in her drink, which have offered visible benefits.
Her daily su ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Mari's Focus on Mental Health, Fertility, and Wellness
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Counterarguments
- While incorporating spiritual and mental health practices can be beneficial, it's important to note that individual responses to such practices can vary, and they may not be effective for everyone.
- The practice of starting and ending the day with reflection and gratitude, while positive, may not address deeper mental health issues that require professional intervention.
- Simplifying a supplement routine for fertility support is a personal choice, but it's essential to consult with healthcare professionals to ensure that the supplements taken are necessary and effective.
- Taking thyroid medication should be monitored by a healthcare provider to avoid potential side effects or interactions with other supplements or medications.
- The benefits of Bloom Colostrum and collagen peptides for skin and gut health are not universally accepted, and their efficacy may not be supported by robust scientific evidence.
- The focus on fertilit ...
Actionables
- You can create a personalized morning mantra to set a positive tone for the day. Write down a short, positive statement that resonates with your goals and repeat it each morning upon waking. This could be something like "Today, I choose joy and productivity," which can help reinforce a positive mindset throughout the day.
- Develop a nightly digital detox routine to enhance sleep quality. Turn off all electronic devices at least an hour before bed and engage in a relaxing activity such as reading a book or taking a warm bath. This practice can help signal to your body that it's time to wind down, potentially improving your sleep and overall well-being.
- Experiment with a DIY kitchen garden to naturally sour ...
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Mari's Daily Routines and Habits (Exercise, Nutrition, Self-Care)
Mari embraces a flexible and varied exercise routine, a diet focused on fertility support, and a simplified skincare and makeup regimen that adapts to her needs.
Mari's Exercise Routine Is Varied and Flexible
After her morning walk with her dog Arnold, Mari chooses between an energy drink or coffee depending on her energy levels and the type of workout planned for the day. She alternates between lifting weights in her home gym, doing Pilates, or taking a walk, depending on her mood and what her body needs.
Mari Alternates Between Lifting, Pilates, and Walking Based On Energy Levels
Mari has become flexible with her exercise regimen, typically weightlifting three times a week and doing Pilates twice a week. On other days, she might take a class at Barry's or explore the trail to vary her activities. Each workout has its own duration: about 40 minutes spent weightlifting, Pilates sessions lasting an hour, and sometimes walking on the treadmill to reach her goal of 10,000 steps a day, which can be challenging in cold weather.
Mari enjoys Pilates, acknowledging the difficulty of a particular class in Austin known as "former," describing it as a shaking and almost torturous but beneficial experience. She values variety and adjusts her choice of lifting, Pilates, or walking to maintain flexibility in her routine.
Mari's Nutrition Focuses On Fertility-Supporting Foods and Supplements
Mari’s nutrition focuses on breakfast with protein-rich foods and fertility-supporting juices, along with specific supplements.
Mari's Protein Breakfasts: Eggs, Sourdough, Fertility Juices
She ensures that breakfast is always included in her routine, often featuring her home-made sourdough bread, using a recipe from Ballerina Farms, and eggs directly from her chicken coop. Additionally, she sometimes opts for a yogurt bar with granola, prioritizing protein with yogurts like Skyr. For fertility support, she drinks pomegranate and beet juice either with breakfast or dinner.
Mari Takes Collagen, Greens, and IVF Supplements
Mari has prioritized fertility in her supplement routine, taking collagen peptides in the morning for skin and gut health. She makes it a point to take Bloom Greens daily to ensure she's getting her greens. Her fertility-focused regimen also includes a specialized IVF egg freeze supplement pill pack, vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium at night. She emphasizes the importance of this streamlined supplement intake.
Mari's Self-Care: Skincare, Red Light Therapy, Natural Makeup
Mari’s self-care is multifaceted, with careful skincare routines being a priority along with minimalist mak ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Mari's Daily Routines and Habits (Exercise, Nutrition, Self-Care)
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While a flexible and varied exercise routine can be beneficial, it may not provide the consistency needed for some individuals to achieve specific fitness goals.
- Alternating exercises based on energy levels is intuitive, but it might lead to an imbalance in training if not carefully monitored to ensure all muscle groups are worked evenly over time.
- A focus on fertility-supporting foods and supplements is highly specific and may not be suitable for everyone, especially those not concerned with fertility.
- The emphasis on protein at breakfast is good for satiety and muscle repair, but it's important to balance with other nutrients throughout the day.
- Taking a variety of supplements, such as collagen and greens, can be helpful, but it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to avoid potential interactions with other medications or over-supplementation.
- Skincare and beauty routines are highly individual, and what works for Mari may not be suitable for others with different skin types or concerns.
- Minimalist makeup may not meet the needs or preferences of everyone, as ...
Actionables
- You can track your energy levels and exercise preferences with a simple journal to personalize your fitness routine. Start by noting down how you feel each day and the type of exercise you're inclined to do. Over time, you'll see patterns that can help you create a flexible workout schedule that aligns with your energy fluctuations, similar to how Mari adapts her routine.
- Create a weekly meal planner that emphasizes protein-rich breakfasts and fertility-supporting ingredients. Use online resources to find recipes that incorporate foods like eggs, whole grains, and nutrient-dense juices. By planning your meals, you ensure you're consistently consuming the nutrients that support your goals, without having to follow Mari's exact diet.
- Experiment with DIY skincare treatments using natu ...
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