As a Co-CEO, co-founder of Needed, and mom to a preschooler, 5 a-month-old, and two rambunctious rescue mutts, my days can be a lot to balance, in the best way. Between juggling board meetings and the very distinct needs of two (or 4) littles, I've learned how to craft a routine that keeps me (mostly) balanced, and helps me fight feelings of depletion and stress, while still leaving room for any curve balls that motherhood, or running a company brings. Here's a peek into what a typical day in my world looks like.
Early Morning
My day often begins in the quiet hours before sunrise, usually to the cues of my 5-month-old ready for his first feed. As I nurse him, I sometimes drift back to sleep, savoring those extra minutes of rest. On more energetic mornings, I use this time for a quick meditation or to read a few pages on my Kindle. I've made a conscious choice to keep my phone away during these early hours, especially while nursing. It's a small decision but it helps me start the day mindfully.
Morning
As the sun rises and the rest of the house stirs, it's time for my essential morning ritual: overnight steeped nettles and then coffee. I did a year long apprenticeship in folk herbalism. I loved the habit from the training of nettles. For many they say it can help them get rid of their coffee habit. But, I love my coffee too much.
I'm a loyal fan of Canyon Coffee and have been for years. I prepare two cups, adding Needed Collagen and Eden soy milk. This combination not only tastes great but also gives me a protein boost to start the day. Mia Rigden got me back into soy milk, and because of the high protein I love how it foams—perfect for my morning brew.
I then start my supplement routine. I take Needed EQS with my coffee on a mostly empty stomach, as it’s better taken away from food. We are done having kids but it's still so good for mitochondrial health.
Then with breakfast I add a range of other supplements including Needed Multi, Needed Omega-3, our Pre/Pro, Cog Support, CoQ10, extra D3, and sometimes Choline (depending on if eggs are on the menu that day). It might seem like a lot, but each plays a crucial role in supporting my health, especially while breastfeeding.
My 2.5-year-old daughter usually joins me, and we've turned my supplement routine into a fun counting game. It's become a special moment for us, combining learning with our health routine. As I prepare breakfast, I often include three eggs for an extra boost of choline, while focusing on high protein and plant diversity, which are key priorities for me. I also sort out supplements for my husband, the kids, and the dogs. It's important to me that we approach health together as a family.
Late Morning
As the morning progresses, I take a brisk walk (or ideally a hike) with the giant dogs which provides some much-needed fresh air and exercise. Then, I transition in work mode. When time allows, I try to fit in a session of breathwork training, a practice I've found invaluable for managing stress.
Back at my desk, I’ve started using Cal Newport's time-blocking technique to structure my day. This method has been a game-changer for my productivity, helping me navigate the complex demands of running a company while being present for my family.
Throughout the morning, I make sure to stay hydrated, often with a lemon-flavored hydration support drink. I've also scattered bottles of digestive enzymes around the house to remind myself to take them before meals—a small hack that makes a big difference.
Afternoon
The afternoon often brings new challenges, both in work and energy levels. Work continues to ebb and flow, depending on the needs of the day with conference calls, team check-ins, and strategic planning filling my schedule. I aim to take walking meetings where possible to get some extra steps in.
I'm constantly balancing CEO responsibilities with the needs of my remote team and our investors. It's a juggling act, but one that keeps me engaged and motivated.
Evening
As the workday winds down, my focus shifts back to family. Dinner time is sacred—it's our chance to reconnect and share our days. To make it work we eat later than most families with young kids allowing us to be consistent, as a 5 or 6pm dinner just isn’t on the cards for us right now. I really enjoy cooking, and make lots of simple sheet pan meals with a mix of farmers market produce and proteins. After dinner, I take my Sleep supplement, a ritual that signals the end of eating for the day and the beginning of our evening wind-down.
The evening routine includes the final breastfeeding session for the baby, some quiet time with my husband, and a review of the next day's schedule. Again I've found Cal Newport's daily planning method incredibly helpful for staying on top of both work and family commitments.
Before bed, I complete my skincare routine with Linné products. I love how thoughtfully designed their system is, and it's become a soothing end-of-day ritual, where I get to focus a few moments on myself. As I set my intentions for the next day, I aim for seven hours of sleep, though with a 4-month-old, that's often more of an aspiration than a reality! I find the sleep between 9 and midnight the most important for me, so I really try to get to bed early to prioritize that.
Principles of my Routine
This flexible routine has been key to helping me thrive in my dual roles as CEO and mom. It's built around a few core principles:
- Prioritizing nutrient-dense supplements, on top of a diverse farmers market forward diet.
- Involving family in health routines
- Staying hydrated throughout the day
- Combining self-care with productivity techniques
- Finding moments for mindfulness and quick bursts of movement amid a busy schedule
Of course, no two days are exactly alike, and flexibility is essential. What works for me might not work for everyone, and I always encourage consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
