10 Things A Neurologist Does Every Day To Stay Healthy

I spend much of my day advising others on what to do and what not to do. Many of my patients ask me if I follow my own advice; I think that is a fair question and I answer them honestly: I really do practice what I preach! I have a family and a busy practice so I completely understand that time is limited and our lives can get out of control. That's why I like to think that each day brings new opportunities to maintain health, wellness, and sanity. Here is what I do to maintain mine:

I start the day with my simple, yet powerful, recipe. I throw a whole cucumber, a half of a beet, a lemon, turmeric root, ginger root, and an apple or a pear into my juicer. I add a dropperful of ashwagandha and astragalus, both potent adaptogens, to the juice. There is nothing more refreshing to wake my cells up.

Foods from the earth provide all the vitamins, micronutrients, and macronutrients my body needs. I spend time in the kitchen, love getting creative with plant-based recipes, and enjoy sharing new ideas with friends.

These foods contain chemicals and preservatives that both promote and provoke inflammation, which can interfere with my body's ability to prevent disease, maintain my energy all day long, and think clearly.

Running challenges my muscles and my heart while also clearing my head. It allows me solitude to process events in my life whether having to do with my family or my work.

Hot yoga lubricates the joints and keeps my muscles flexible to minimize risk of injury. It also gives me a space to connect with my body and acknowledge its limitations, while celebrating its amazing abilities.

Even though I work late and have a robust family life, I always find at least half an hour in the nighttime, usually before bed, to be still and breathe. It is usually during this time that I honor the obstacles I've faced in the past.

My brain and my body thrive on routine. I make sure to be in bed at around the same hour and similarly wake at around the same hour each morning. Even on the weekend!

I tell my husband and my daughter I love them—because I do and it makes me happy to say it out loud.

Some days I have a lot to give, and some days not so much. I've learned to be OK with that and it has taught me to give my all each day because you never know what tomorrow may bring.

Want to know what a psychiatrist eats for optimal mental health? Find out here.