Mornings look different in every household, but starting your day on the right note makes a difference for everyone. Having a well-rounded morning routine can make the rest of your day run smoothly.
A morning routine can take many forms; it could be eating a balanced breakfast, getting out of bed without hitting the snooze button, or your morning skincare routine. Dr. Landon Pryor, Founder & CEO of PryorHealth, has developed a morning routine that he uses to support long hours in the OR and consulting with his patients.
Q: What’s the first thing you do in the morning for your health, and why?
A: “The very first thing I do in the morning is snuggle my pups, Simba and Falkor. Pet therapy is important. Then I do about 20 minutes of transcendental meditation. This meditation is a form of silent mantra technique for avoiding distracting thoughts and promoting a state of relaxed awareness. For me, stress reduction is super important as a surgeon. My day gets stressful, and doing this helps me find my center when things are hectic in the operating room.
“After meditation, I do about 5-10 minutes of visualization affirmations. An affirmation is usually a sentence of powerful words put together, like a positive statement, aimed to tap into the subconscious to motivate and challenge. This helps me stay motivated and start every day with the best intentions and a positive attitude.
“Following this, I crush my water intake - at least 16 ounces to start. If you’ve been following my wellness journey on social media, I carry a large water bottle with me to make sure I stay on track with my water consumption throughout the day. Then I make coffee and do some journaling for 10 minutes. After that, I go straight to an ice-cold shower and start getting ready.”
Q: You’re currently fasting as part of your wellness journey. Can you tell us more about your fasting practice?
A: “I used to do fasting a while ago and have just started doing it again. Fasting is great for weight loss, appetite suppression, and consistent energy throughout the day. I do 16:8, which means I limit my food intake to a window of 8 hours, then fast for 16 hours. It really helps reset my body while making me more mindful about what I’m eating and what will sustain me while fasting. I don’t eat breakfast because it doesn’t fall into my eight-hour time slot. Before starting any intermittent fasting, make sure to discuss it with your primary care physician first.”
Q: What morning workout is your favorite?
A: “I love a good run in the morning to get the endorphins going. Some days are better than others, as long as I’m out there - it’s a workout! Running through Rock Cut State Park in Rockford, IL, is great because I can escape from the traffic and noise, surrounded instead by nature. Even if you don’t have a park, no matter where you are, you can run!”
Q: What does your morning skincare routine look like?
A: “Transform Rx, of course! My skincare line is physician-formulated with medical-grade ingredients and is designed for every skin type in mind. In the morning, I keep it simple by washing my face with the Gentle Cleanser, using the Advanced Vitamin C Serum, and finishing with some Lipid and Collagen Repair Cream. Even if I’m running late, this routine doesn’t take much time, so it’s doable. I still use a serum and retinol at night. Skincare in the morning is important because it preps your skin for dirt, dust, sun, or other environmental factors - but a lot of men don’t make this a priority, which can lead to sun damage and premature aging.
“There are many different products available to address a variety of concerns, so we have skincare experts on staff that can actually assess your skin issues below the surface using VISIA Skin Analysis technology. This way, you get the right products you actually need and guidance on how to properly incorporate them in your daily routines to achieve the best possible outcomes.”
Q: What are some other treatments you would recommend a person add to their self-care routines?
A: “IV Therapies are a great way to rehydrate and refocus if you’ve had a rough or stressful couple days. Our facials act as amazing stress relievers too; a Hydrafacial is super relaxing and can also give your face a vitamin boost!”
If you’re realizing that your morning routine needs a refresher, take it from Dr. Pryor - skincare, a workout, and a healthy eating plan that fits your lifestyle are great ways to boost your wellness journey. If you need a little help, our amazing staff can help you with treatments to improve your skin, body, and mind. Schedule a consultation with us today.
