Louis DePalo, MD

How do I stay motivated? I channel the young people around me, my children and my colleagues who are young and enthusiastic so that I try to remain fit as I age. Some of my favorite exercises include elliptical, weights, and MIRROR and I end my workouts with a sauna or hot tub. During the day, I sneak in stretches I learned from my work with MIRROR.

Tina Sindwani, MD 

I naturally love to move so motivation is not an issue. I like to walk everywhere if I can. I do strength training most days and cardio several days a week. I love feeling strong and having muscles. I put out my workout clothes and sneakers the night before so I am ready to go in the morning.

Amanda Carmel, MD 

I have been a lifelong runner and have always loved the simplicity and reliability of running as a form of exercise. All I really need is a good pair of running shoes. I know that no matter how I am feeling when I leave, I will arrive home with a clearer head and more energy than when I started. I often run with others like my neighbors and family – including my 13 year old daughter. Meeting up with other people to run has always motivated me – especially on those cold winter mornings! I have also run several marathons and half marathons. Having a goal like a race is also a great motivator for me.

Lara Trevino, AGNP-C, MSN

I usually have two ongoing motivators to keep me moving 5-6 days per week. The first is a physical goal where progression feels like a concrete accomplishment. Examples of these goals are running the hills of Central Park’s North Woods, paddle stamina while surfing in Rockaway, Queens or perfecting my chaturanga in yoga. My second motivator is finding a trainer that I just want to show up for because of their teaching, music, and movements that make sense for my body. My favorite instructor is Jess Sims at Peloton. Pro tip: you may have enough energy in the morning so a yoga session from 2-3 pm will prolong your focus and lighten your mood the rest of the day.

James Lebret, MD 

My workouts have changed over the years and vary by season. In warm weather, I run on the trails nearby and swim on weekends. In cold weather, I rotate through Nike Training Club, BeachBody, Krav Maga, Train P3 and other online/zoom workouts. Throughout all I practice yoga. My body tells me when it’s been too long between yoga sessions. On particularly strenuous days, I foam roll for 20 minutes before bed.

Shraddha Bhatia, PT, DPT, OCS 

It helps me tremendously to have a work-out buddy in my coworker, Lara who motivates me on days I do not feel like exercising. In general, I exercise 5-6x/week and stick to activities I love. Playing tennis/badminton, doing yoga or weight training 1-2x/week. Working out in the evenings gives me a lot of energy to wind-down, reflect on my day and prepare for tomorrow. My favorite strength workouts are on the Peloton App. I also use SwingVision to specifically track my tennis workouts.

Kiruthika Balasundaram, MD 

I am fortunate in that both my partner and I like the same type of exercise and also like to do it together, so it’s easy to be motivated. We run outside alternating with yoga, every day except Sunday. I also used to do Bikram Yoga pre-COVID.

Anna Hickner, Psy.D. 

I try to get out and enjoy the fresh air every day, weather permitting. This might be a walk or a run, but some days it’s a home yoga practice that helps with tension I might feel from stress or sitting for extended periods. Even if the activity isn’t aerobic, I make a point to move and stretch each day as I pay attention to what my energy level indicates would be the appropriate activity.

Louis DePalo, MD

I exfoliate at least three times a week, remain well hydrated and moisturize my skin.

Tina Sindwani, MD 

I make sure to use both mineral and chemical sunscreen and a hat during the day. I alternate between a retinoid, vitamin C cream and lactic acid at night. Sleep is also necessary for good skin!

Amanda Carmel, MD 

I use a daily mild cleanser and twice daily moisturizer with sunscreen.

Lara Trevino, AGNP-C, MSN

I apply moisturizer and sunscreen daily, even if I am inside most of the day and double cleanse at night to remove the sunscreen. Moisturizer and retinoid at night are a must for me. I also try to use a mask or exfoliant weekly.

James Lebret, MD 

One word: Aquaphor

Shraddha Bhatia, PT, DPT, OCS 

I apply Vitamin C and sunscreen/moisturizer daily even if I’m staying indoors. Occasionally I will use a glycolic acid toner. At night I apply AHA/BHA night cream and a home peel 1x/month. I started a topical retinoid routine during Covid which I’m mostly consistent about.

Kiruthika Balasundaram, MD 

I use a Clarisonic brush to wash my face and then apply Clarins serum plus moisturizer, morning and night. Plus drinking lots of water.

Anna Hickner, Psy.D. 

Regular sleep, proper hydration and good nutrition are important elements to overall wellness that affect skincare and a healthy complexion. Just as sunshine is important to our wellbeing, making sure we use SPF to protect against UV rays is also vital. Other more detailed skin care can be dependent on one’s skin type but these basic elements are fairly universal in attending to our body’s largest organ.

Louis DePalo, MD

Mindfulness for me is immersion into photography. I choose topics that reflect my mood and digitally craft those images.

Tina Sindwani, MD 

I don’t meditate, but I like to take a mid-day walk and just listen to a podcast or a book and take in the scene on the street. I also try to make a mental note of something I am grateful for every day.

Amanda Carmel, MD 

Getting outside for a run or a walk with my dog are my main ways to meditate and make time for my thoughts. I also try to take moments of gratitude.

Lara Trevino, AGNP-C, MSN

I add on meditation post-yoga so I’m already in the zone. When I need grounding, I listen to a sound bowl meditation or guided meditation on various apps. I also find a similar calm state during and after water coloring or drawing architecture sketches.

James Lebret, MD 

Immediately after waking, I sit on a meditation cushion in front of a sun lamp and spend at least 10 minutes in mindfulness practice. It is vital that I wake early enough to have the time to myself. When stress hits during the day, I go back to the breath, even while talking, to help untether myself from strong emotions and gain perspective.

Shraddha Bhatia, PT, DPT, OCS 

I try to take an immersive bath at least once a week as a way to spend time on self-care, listen to soothing music and collect my thoughts. I used to journal but of-late baths have been more relaxing. Occasionally, I’ll do pranayamas (yogi breathing exercises) but in general mindfulness is my toughest mountain to climb. My thoughts are on overdrive and I’m very easily distracted. Hanging Drum music is my go-to sound to enter Zen mode.

Kiruthika Balasundaram, MD 

Closing my eyes and taking a big, deep breath, at multiple points throughout the day.

Anna Hickner, Psy.D. 

I don’t have a daily meditation practice but I make a point to sit and tune into my breath when I’m feeling particularly overwhelmed, and try to do a longer sit several days/week. When I’m in nature, I take in the sights and sounds and smells of my surrounding environs which anchors me to the present. Mindfulness can also be built into routine tasks so that when I have to transition to something new, or before I send an important email, I pause and reset as I find that these small efforts add up to make a big difference.

Molly Sherb, PhD

I work to regulate my breath throughout the day – especially before opening up email. I use my breath as my anchor when I feel out of sorts or overwhelmed.

Louis DePalo, MD

Sleep is my achilles heel. I try to wind down in the evening, avoid work, stressful news reporting or TV, try not to think about the day that is ending or the day that is about to begin.

Tina Sindwani, MD 

I dim the lights a half hour before bed and put down my phone. I usually stretch or do some foam rolling for a few minutes. I put on my pup’s pajamas so she knows it’s bedtime too.

Amanda Carmel, MD 

Sleep can be a challenge for me – especially after a stressful day. I try to combat this by going to bed early and exercising regularly.

Lara Trevino, AGNP-C, MSN

Screen free wind down at 9:30 pm with a book. Right now I’m reading Jay Shetty’s “Think Like a Monk”. I did a lot of research to find the right bedding that keeps me comfortable and cool. My room is pretty dark. My Havanese sleeps at my feet.

James Lebret, MD 

I’ve become an accidental expert on my sleep rhythms after working nights for nearly 10 years. First: I’ll never work nights again. Second: I do my best to always get 7 hours and 45 minutes of sleep (optimal for me). I used to track it but now I can tell when I’m off. I read for 30 minutes before sleep (always fiction, currently Infinite Jest) to get out of my own head.

Kiruthika Balasundaram, MD 

I try to get 8 hours every day. I try to wind down before bed, often by reading the paper or a book. I try to exercise first thing in the morning as it really helps me start the day on the right foot.

Anna Hickner, Psy.D. 

Limiting caffeine is one of the main ways in which I ensure a good night’s rest but I also keep the environment cool and dark by turning down lights and limit screen use at night. Additionally, after consulting with an ayurvedic practitioner, I mix a tea of triphala and ashwagandha powders to promote healthy digestion/relaxation as well as use Nasya and Bhringraj oils at night before bed.

Molly Sherb, PhD

I try to create a wind down and wake up routine- in the same way we prioritize consistency in bedtime and wake up routines for babies, it’s important to try and do the same for ourselves. Our body’s circadian rhythm operates off of light and dark so I try to open my blinds as soon as I wake up to help alert my system that the day has begun. I also commit to brushing my teeth and taking a shower before checking my phone. This allows me to ground myself and set my intentions for the day ahead before I get caught up in the details of the work day.

Louis DePalo, MD

Relaxation for me is planning and executing a dinner with friends and family, using cuisine as a tool to learn a culture.

Tina Sindwani, MD 

Friday night I like to have a drink and watch Netflix or do some online shopping and hang out with my husband and dog.

Amanda Carmel, MD 

My family celebrates shabbat every Friday night. I make a challah bread and we light the shabbat candles. These days we often do so with extended family on Zoom. This tradition has been a wonderful way for our family to come together after a busy week. I love relaxing after dinner by watching a movie or playing board games with my husband and 3 children.

Lara Trevino, AGNP-C, MSN

I just finished Lupin on Netflix. I’ll try one of Nisha’s recipes for dinner. I love to call my sister to talk about nothing and laugh. I also enjoy painting, drawing, a good puzzle, or remote yoga session with Hanna and Shraddha.

James Lebret, MD 

Fridays usually find me processing the week’s events with my wife–how the kids are doing, issues in the family and so on. It’s a reflective time that helps close the week and open the weekend.

Kiruthika Balasundaram, MD 

Friday usually goes one of three ways – either a low-key catch up with close friends, long video conversation with family, or relaxing at home after a busy work week.

Anna Hickner, Psy.D. 

I find having numerous house plants and lighting scented candles makes my home cozy and peaceful. I know not everyone has a green thumb, but I find that being surrounded by nature, even inside my home, helps my overall mental and physical wellbeing.

Molly Sherb, PhD

Friday is typically movie night – I order in food from one of my favorite restaurants and reconnect with loved ones to catch up on the week.

Louis DePalo, MD

I love to ride my motorcycle, do mind cleansing, some excellent core exercises, work on balance and always get fresh air.

Tina Sindwani, MD 

We usually cook on the weekends, fish/vegetables mostly, while drinking a nice bold red Californian wine and listening to jazz. I try to catch up with a friend by Zoom or in person when possible. I love walking the dog in Washington Square Park when the weather is nice.

Amanda Carmel, MD 

I spend my Saturdays doing various activities with my children. We make a point of getting outside and moving as much as possible. This usually involves taking our dog for a long walk. In the warmer weather I also love to spend time in my garden.

Lara Trevino, AGNP-C, MSN

I try to bike the West Side Highway to Tribeca and grab a coffee. I also love to do a group FaceTime with close friends from graduate school.

James Lebret, MD 

Saturday is the day for the kids. I do my best to stay present, negotiate them away from screens (except the weekly video call to the grandparents) and find a fun activity we can do outdoors.

Shraddha Bhatia, PT, DPT, OCS

My husband and I love playing tennis and we’ve managed to develop a healthy weekend routine out of it as a way of spending time together. Also, cooking is very cathartic for me because I’m a foodie. Finding good grocery deals in New York and turning them into healthy recipes is one of my favorite pastimes.

Anna Hickner, Psy.D. 

I try not to schedule things for Saturday morning so that I can have a relaxing start to the weekend as well as enjoy a semi-regular acupuncture treatment to help release and promote peace and balance. I also try to make weekly social plans to stay connected with loved ones, even if that means catching up via the phone during the pandemic.

Louis DePalo, MD

On Sundays I take an assessment of the week that has passed, including the good, bad and ugly and tie that to some famous quote that puts the upcoming week into focus. It helps me set the tone for the week.

Tina Sindwani, MD 

I go to Trader Joe’s and/or get a Freshdirect delivery to stock up for the week and make sure to talk to my parents on Sundays. We try to get to bed by 9:30pm.

Amanda Carmel, MD 

In addition to spending time doing activities with my family, we also spend Sundays prepping for the week ahead. This includes meal planning, groceries, errands, and reviewing the schedule. Sundays are also a day for calls or Zooms with family and friends.

Lara Trevino, AGNP-C, MSN

On Sundays I meal plan and give my husband a grocery list to pick up food at TJ’s. Freezing my garlic and ginger in olive oil helps to speed cooking for the week, as well as prepping my whole grains. I read through the recipes to do any other prep to make cooking easier the rest of the week.

James Lebret, MD 

On Sunday afternoons I always find time to outline next week’s appointments. Something about writing them on paper lets me see potential conflicts and gets my mind working on the agenda for each. If I have extra time, I set a 2 minute timer and make a top-of-mind list of talking points for each meeting or patient visit.

Shraddha Bhatia, PT, DPT, OCS

A strange peeve I have is starting the week in a cluttered house. In a way, Mondays are similar to January for me in that they bring a fresh start. The state of my home on Sundays reflects the state of my mind for the remainder of the week, so I make sure to keep it clean and organized.

Anna Hickner, Psy.D. 

I usually clean, do laundry and grocery shop to ensure that my week ahead will start off on a good note. I also try to spend some time outdoors and away from my computer to limit excessive screen time.