A Wellness Day in the Life in NYC
A look into a workday in my life as a model in NYC (with all the places I like to eat, workout & hang out)
If you come from my Tik Tok channel, you likely have seen my daily vlogs, which capture my ever-changing schedule and routine. I love to give recommendations on my Tik Tok too (so make sure to check it out), but here I will share a more granular write up of my “day in the life in NYC”, which includes some of my favorite spots to hit in Manhattan each day. The following DIML is just one version of what a workday may look like for me – especially when shooting all day. I will continue to post additional write ups of other days in my life, with varying recommendations.
BREAKFAST
Unless I have an earlier call time, I usually wake up around 7 or 7:30, which allows me plenty of time to get ready and commute to a studio or location. On a workday, I often have to order takeout for breakfast because it is easy to take on the go, and it allows me to sleep an extra, crucial, twenty minutes. A go-to Uber Eats order as of late has been Hutch & Waldo – it is quick, healthy, and reliable. I typically order the morning greens salad and add chicken & avocado. The other day I tried the breakfast bowl with added chicken from The Grey Dog in Chelsea, and it is also a flavourful, satiating option.
📍Hutch & Waldo, Gramercy Park
📍The Grey Dog, Chelsea
LUNCH
When I am on set, the client usually chooses the lunch option; however, when I have the freedom to choose, I try to go for a convenient salad/bowl option (or cook at home if I have the time). Some of my go to salad/bowl spots are Terra Mediterranea or Blue Park Kitchen. Another basic (but staple) option that I sometimes turn to for lunch is a Whole Foods hot bar hodgepodge – insider’s advice: the NoMad WF has a good hot bar compared to other Manhattan WF.
📍Terra Mediterranea, Chelsea
📍Blue Park Kitchen, Midtown
📍Whole Foods Hot Bar, NoMad
DINNER
As much as I love to cook, I have a bad habit of ordering dinner when I am exhausted after a long work day. Sometimes to meet myself halfway, I will order food and walk to pick it up. I often do this when I order my tried and true Locanut! My current order is as follows: chicken fajitas with roasted carrots and garlic, olive oil roasted cauliflower as my two sides & the power bowl with added chicken and avocado.
📍Locanut, Chelsea
WORKOUT
I frequently change up my workouts (otherwise I get bored & find myself in a rut). However, my current favorite workout is the hot pilates class at Fuze House, or I count a long walk on the West Side Highway as my workout of the day.
📍Fuze House, Chelsea
📍West Side Highway
BEAUTY/WELLNESS ACTIVITIES
While I hate how superficial it may sound, part of my job is to uphold a particular appearance. While I often try to take care of myself at home, without spending money, I sometimes splurge on an additional self-care activity. Moreover, sometimes after a 10 hour (or more) shoot day and my rigorous workout schedule, my body is inflamed and sore, so I invest in wellness experiences to aid recovery and help me prepare to tackle each and every day, feeling my best. I love to go to the Flatiron Bathhouse location around 10:30pm to secure their “night owl” discount, and the timing fits well with my schedule! I am always shocked by how many other New Yorkers are up for a sauna & cold plunge at 11pm at night on a weekday. It is a fun social experience, and it does wonders for my aforementioned inflammation and soreness. I typically collapse into bed when I get home because it helps relax my muscles and entire body (... I am also exhausted from my work day). While I have only done it once, an occasional lymphatic drainage massage can leave you feeling like an entirely new person the next day. For a luxurious and thorough massage and spa experience, the IMD Health & Wellness Spa in Midtown West is wonderful.
📍Bathhouse, Flatiron
📍IMD Health & Wellness Spa, Midtown West