Stress, Breath-work, Sleep
Pay Attention to Emotional Health
Emotional eating is real. It’s a natural coping mechanism for some people to turn to food when they’re feeling stressed, bored, frustrated or any number of emotions. Strong emotions, like stress, release the hormone cortisol. And cortisol can heighten our cravings for sugar, fat and salt. It’s a biological response that’s trying to protect us by fueling our bodies to prepare to fight off tigers or other threats to our life.
Get Plenty of Sleep
While they may not seem related, sleep and weight loss go hand in hand. If we aren’t getting good rest, hunger hormones (ghrelin and leptin) can get out of whack. You actually feel hungrier when you’re not well-rested. Aim to get enough sleep between seven and nine hours a night for most adults. And keep to a regular sleep schedule.
Lifestyle “Lock” Checklist
A lifestyle “lock” or “lock-in” checklist is a structured, daily routine designed to build consistency, improve health, reduce stress, and maximize productivity by turning intentional actions into automatic habits. It often involves a combination of physical activity, mindfulness, digital detoxing, and structured work.
Morning Routine: Locking in Focus
No Screen Time: Avoid phone usage for the first 10-30 minutes.
Phone Setup: Set phone to grayscale mode to reduce distractions.
Hydration: Drink a full glass of water immediately.
Light Exposure: Open curtains to let in natural light.
Physical Activation: Perform 5-10 minutes of light stretching, yoga, or pilates.
Intentionality: Journal one thing you are excited for or set a positive affirmation.
Nourishment: Eat a nutritious breakfast.
Prioritization: Review the day’s top 3 priorities.
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🛠️ Daily “Lock” Habits (During the Day)
Movement: 45-minute walk, exercise, or stretching between meetings.
Deep Work: Focus on one task at a time; use the Pomodoro technique (25 min work, 5 min break).
Hydration: Consume three full water bottles throughout the day.
Nutrition: Cook all meals; avoid ordering out or using delivery apps.
Digital Hygiene: Use apps to limit screen time (e.g., “No Scroll”).
Learning/Growth: Spend 1 hour on personal growth, professional courses, or reading 10 pages of a book.
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🌙 Evening Routine: Locking in Calm
Digital Detox: Dim lights and reduce screen time to allow the brain to slow down.
Prep for Tomorrow: Pack a lunch, set out clothes, and review the next day’s schedule.
Reflect: Journal on the day’s successes and lessons.
Sleep Hygiene: Maintain a consistent, early bedtime.
SoClean
SoClean
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🛑 Lifestyle “Locks” (Boundaries)
No Unnecessary Purchases: Reduce financial stress.
Strict No Alcohol Policy: For maximum health benefits.
Social Connection: Spend time with family or friends.
Decluttering: Keep the home space clean and free of unnecessary items to reduce anxiety.
“No” Policy: Set boundaries by turning down tasks that do not align with your goals.
To optimize bone density, consider:
- Sunlight or Supplementation: Ensure your Vitamin D levels are optimal (checked via a 25-OH Vitamin D blood test).
- Leafy Greens & Fermented Foods: These are the best natural sources of Vitamin K2.
- Hormones – Fiber-rich cruciferous veggies to flush excess estrogen.
- 15 Minutes of Impact: Even brisk walking provides the mechanical stress needed to tell the bones to “hold on” to their minerals.
- Minimize stress. 5-10 minutes of 4-7-8 Breathwork + 10-minute “Bone Loading” movements.
- Get plenty of sleep. Dark, cool rooms to maximize melatonin and Growth Hormone.