I wake up between 7.15am and 8am, using an alarm, though most of the time my biological clock wakes me naturally. Then it’s time for meditation, before I go over my schedule to consider how I want to seize the day.
I always drink a glass of water with fresh lemon, after which I do my morning exercise, which is different every day of the week. Following a shower and shave I follow my morning skincare routine, which includes using 111 Skin Black Diamond Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser, Antioxidant NAC Y² Essence, Repair Serum NAC Y² and Repair Day Cream NAC Y².
I vary the foods I eat for breakfast but favourites include eggs — usually scrambled — toasted sourdough, avocado with chilli olive oil, full-fat Greek yoghurt with blueberries, bananas, Greek honey and walnuts. On work days, lunch is a small snack, perhaps a protein shake with 10g of creatine, but dinner is important for me and there are almost no foods I won’t eat. I rotate fish, poultry and meat and like it prepared simply with veg and salads.
Movement is imperative for me and I walk at every opportunity, for example in my lunchbreak when I’m at my clinic, 111 Harley Street, or on theatre days between surgeries to keep me energised and give time to disconnect.
I visit 111CRYO/HEAT regularly for a metabolic boost, cellular repair and anti-ageing benefits. Whole body cryotherapy uses extremely low temperatures to incite vasoconstriction, with many physical and mental benefits including anti-inflammatory effects, mood and energy enhancement, and a positive impact on sleep.
I love to dive, and use a Garmin watch for that, plus running. These devices are great as a reference, but I don’t feel the need to monitor data constantly.
My iPhone is connected to my office desktop and my iPad, helping me stay constantly in touch with my clinic. We have an advanced patient system that enables me to receive patient data, reports and photographs wherever I am.
Low-level stress keeps me energised and motivated, however I will stop and meditate if I need to restore order to my state of mind. This usually works well and if it doesn’t, it’s time to take a break.
In terms of cognitive enhancers — my regular cryotherapy aside — I use our thermotherapy pod, which incorporates near and far infrared with dry heat, LED light, vibrational massage and aromatherapy. It helps release muscular tension and is extremely relaxing. Good quality black coffee helps me concentrate and I take supplements daily including 111 Skin NAC Y² Complex and creatine.
My days are so busy that having too much screen time is not an issue for me. Having said that, when I’m on vacation I have days when I like to completely disconnect.
I read scientific books, non-fiction and fiction. I receive Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Journal monthly. It’s the place where plastic surgeons make announcements and share techniques, and also features articles about the best advancements in the field.
Most days I go to bed between 11pm and midnight. I wind down after dinner by talking with friends or family, enjoying their company and a few laughs.
For the best night’s sleep, I like a cool bedroom with fresh air, no light and silence — I’ll use earplugs if required… Magnesium is great for helping achieve a restful night too, and I like to resolve any outstanding thoughts in my mind before I go to bed.
My personal philosophy is that time is the most precious commodity, so use it to do the things you love. Don’t dwell on the past, it has already happened and no one knows what is ahead. Focus instead on the present and make each day count.
Dr Yannis Alexandrides is the founder of 111 Skin
.jpg?w=600)
