Experts Reveal the Secrets to Stress-Free Days

by on in Live Well

Experts Reveal the Secrets to Stress-Free Days

From celebrity hairstylists to world-renowned dermatologists, we tapped some of the calmest, most composed, got-it-together-at-all-times beauty experts—they just so happen to all be forces to reckon with in their respected fields, too—for the inside scoop on their must-haves to stay stress-free and even keel all day long.

  • Sally Schimko @mysexyveggies
    Gluten-free, plant-based recipe developer and certified health coach
    Location: Miami Beach

    “I start every morning by drinking lemon water (a mix of lemon juice with warm water) on an empty stomach. It’s my go-to step to start my morning peacefully. While I’m preparing it, I take time to think about three things that I am most thankful for. Once I drink my lemon water,I set my goals for the day—it’s the little things we do that make a big difference! Recently, I started adding inulin powder (a prebiotic, pure fiber made from Jerusalem artichokes) into my lemon water, and I seeincredible results. I’m no longerbloated, my skin is clear, it helps balance stress and cortisol levels and boost energy, and it even keeps me fuller for longer.”

  • Janna Ronert @jannaronert
    Co-founder Hush & Hush, Founder and Chairwoman of the board Image Skincare
    Location: Palm Beach, FL

    “I start my morning with a cup of hot water, lemon, fresh ginger and Italian honey to help detox my body and set the tone for my day. I always workout in the mornings, too—either yoga or I run for one hour. Next, I’ll make a smoothie with Hush & Hush PlantYourDay and half abanana. This helps satiate my morning appetite yet keep me full. Then, I put on a motivational podcast or listen to a motivational speaker while putting on my makeup and I’m ready to face the day!”

  • Shab Reslan @shabhairexpert
    Celebrity hair stylist and hair health expert
    Location: New York

    “My morning routine is the best part of my day. It gives me peace of mind and focus.Four to five mornings per week, I begin with strength straining or yoga. I can’t function without exercise. After I work out, I kick-start my morning with supplements that contain ginseng, ginkgo and B vitamins for a good dose of energy. I also take CBD drops with astaxanthin to prevent inflammation and boost my antioxidant intake. This combination protects my body’s inflammatory response and helps get rid of toxins. Then, I prepare the best tasting coffee ever using vanilla collagen powder, coffee creamer, cinnamon and frothed oat milk.I’m a strong believer in intermittent fasting and won’t eat anything until noon or 1 p.m.since this puts your body into a temporary state of ketosis. It’s important to be mindful of the first thing you feed your body it as it will hang on to it for dear life. I make a smoothie using PlantYourDay, flax meal and almond milk. It is an absolute treat and makes me feel so good knowing I’m getting nutrients, fiber, protein and probiotics in one easy shot. I also take DeeplyRooted while drinking my smoothie to stimulate strong, healthy hair growth. This smoothie holds me over for hours since my days are jam packed with meetings and projects and I won’t eat again until 4 pm. The best part about it is that my tummy loves it because it digests easily, and I always say: happy pooping is happy living! It represents a healthy gut microbiome and better absorption of everything I eat. I have been practicing this routine for months now and I have greater concentration, stronger hair, amazing energy and have never been happier.”

  • Dr. Tina Alster @drtinaalster
    Dermatologist and Founding Director, Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery
    Location: Washington,D.C.

    “I follow the same routine pretty much every day to reduce daily stress. I get my hair washed and blown out twice a week which provides me with “white noise” to read and answer at least 100 emails before I start my day. This is a way to multi-task AND relax! My husband kindly prepares a steaming cup of coffee for me before I jump into the shower every morning (both of which invigorate me for the day ahead). Then, I apply A Method Antioxidant C-Gel under A Method BB cream (which contains a tinted mineral sunscreen) to protect my skin and provide just enough camouflage so that I don’t need to apply additional foundation (a time saver which reduces stress).”

  • Sophia Culpo @sophiaculpo
    Celebrity
    Location: Los Angeles

    “I am all about having a regular morning routine and giving myself ample time to get ready for my day. Nothing stresses me out more than rushing out the door unprepared. I always start my day with a hot cup of coffee while I check my emails, news and social media before I make my breakfast.I never skip breakfast, it’s the most important meal of the daybecause it gives you the energy you need and balancesyour blood sugar to avoid irritability, moodiness,anxiety, and fatigue. My stress is always intensified by hunger—being “hangry” is a real thing! One of my go-to quick and easy breakfasts is a smoothie. I love using the Hush & Hush PlantYourDay protein powder to make my favorite chocolate peanut butter shakes. I get a well-balanced, nourishing breakfast in less than five minutes and I love that I can take it on the go.To ward off daily stressors, I add CBD liquid drops to my smoothie. CBD actually reduces our body’s response to stress hormones, therefore reducing stress and anxiety. I consistently take CBD every morning and feel that it’s been a great addition to my routine. I can feel a difference in my anxiety and overall quality of life. Routines are also a great way to reduce daily stress. I love having a morning routine because it makes me feel organized even when I have a hectic day ahead of me. Starting the day on a good note is super important because it sets the tone for the rest of the day.”

  • Dr. Joel Schlessinger @lovelyskin
    Dermatologist and Chief Editor, Cosmetic Surgery, Practical Dermatology Magazine
    Location: Omaha, NE

    “I swim in the mornings and alternate with Peloton. This allows me to focus on these activities and the day ahead. Swimming, in particular, is nearly meditative in some ways. I swim one mile four times per week.”

  • Andrea Rogers @andreaxtendbarre
    Founder of Xtend Barre
    Location: New York City

    “My morning routine always starts with a stretch. I love to move my body first thing in the morning to set my intention for the day. I follow that with my go-to skin care to prep myskin and get my glow on! And, of course, I make an amazing protein shake with Hush & Hush PlantYourDay every damn day.

  • Kirsten Stuke @kirstenstukecolorist
    Colorist at Sally Hershberger Nomad NYC
    Location: New York City

    “Usually I start my day with some supplements, including DeeplyRooted because it keeps my hair healthyand my clients always want to know what my secret is. I also take ashwagandha to keep my day smooth and stress-free. It is important for me to relax as much as I can before leaving the house because New York is an urban jungle and commuting can be stressful. Before I get to work, I get a matcha latte with ginger and turmeric. This is very helpful for my joints and keeping swelling down since being a hairdresser is a very physically demanding occupation and preventing joint pain and discomfort from repetitive movement is key! Other than that, I try to stay hydrated and not overdo it on the caffeine. I have found these small things to be my personal recipe for success.”

  • Janet Gunn @janetgunngratefulgardenia
    Actress and beauty influencer
    Location: Los Angeles

    “I am an early riser, usually around 5 a.m., and I cherish the mornings. I’ve learned over the last three years to set my day in motion and create a grounded and open-minded start; I meditate within 10 minutes. My go-to app for meditation is from Deepak Chopra. It’s ten minutes of joy. After that, it’s a cup of coffee with ghee butter, hug the husband and our boy, and then an early morning walk with the family dog, Buster. I have a walking gratitude meditation I’ve been doing for the past three years from Abraham Hicks. In fact, I don’t even have to think about saying it because it has become a habit…a great habit! I also talk and listen to the trees and the plants, and I find peace in their beauty. We never know what the day holds, so prepping the mind and body into a space of gratitude is the best way to create the day for me.”