Purpose Driven Rhythms is a monthly blog feature that highlights the rhythms and routines of ordinary people with the goal of inspiring new ideas and intentional living.
Sazha Ramos – Social Worker, Navy Veteran, and Recovery Advocate
Sazha Alexandra Ramos is Navy veteran and social worker. She currently works for Discovery Behavioral Health helping veterans and their family members find treatment options for substance use, mental health and eating disorders. Sazha loves traveling, spending time between Maine and New Jersey and teaching yoga.
What does a day in the life look like for you?
On the day I am not traveling for work, I work from home and start my day as slow as possible, no phone as alarm and I give myself time to lay in bed. My husband Rogan usually gets up before so I enjoy the time in bed alone. I usually do a breathwork practice to wake my body and mind up and then start my day with coconut pulling which is an ancient way to remove toxins from the mouth and whiten the teeth. I’m really conscious about what I put on my body and what I eat and I find that it keeps my body-mind system happy. I also wash my face with cold water because it feels good to continue that waking up process. Then I make the bed which is always really satisfying. I love the place I sleep; it’s so cozy.
After my morning rituals, I usually make warm lemon water to start my digestion and don’t eat anything until about noon. Sometimes I’ll join my husband on a walk with the dog which is also refreshing or I’ll clean up from the night before. I like my spaces to have a level of tidiness before I can begin to work in them. I do not have a designated office, I just work wherever I am feeling comfortable. Depending on the needs of work, I’ll start taking meetings or answer emails. At noon I’ll start to cook something for myself unless its my husbands day and also start to prep something for dinner. Work can be really busy or slow and I enjoy the change of pace.
One of the challenges when working with veterans who need treatment is navigating through the system. Every veteran is unique and has a different journey that requires care. Sometimes it takes weeks to place veterans into treatment which is frustrating but my passion for the work keeps me going. I can talk to 10+ people some days. So this process can be lengthy but keeping a neutral mind and cultivating my own positive beliefs has been very helpful.
After work me and my husband will have dinner if he’s not at school. If he is at school I enjoy eating lentils or something warm like soup during these times. I don’t require as hearty meals so I let my digestion take a break. If I started bread that morning, the first proofing will be done and I will probably be shaping the bread to place into the refrigerator for the next day.
Three days out of the week I teach yoga so I spend evenings either preparing for the class, teaching class or taking a class for myself. Getting into my body and checking in with myself and staying connected is so important to me. In previous years I would fill my time with one on one client meetings coaching women but now I am making more space for reading, new experiences & creativity.
Nighttime rituals require turning off the lights in the house, doing a face cleaning and teeth brushing. I jump into my made bed, spend a few moments reflecting or in prayer, connecting with my husband and usually fast asleep by 10pm to start the next day!
A keystone habit is a habit that impacts other aspects of your routine and has a positive impact on your overall rhythms in life. What is one of your keystone habits?
This last year I have incorporated cold plunging and cold showers into my life. After learning that 11 minutes a week can combat depression and frequent cold water exposure increases dopamine 200% and norepinephrine, it was a no brainer to add to my lifestyle. Even though it gets hard and takes a lot of courage to get the edge of the water of cold pool, I have found it gives me courage and provides a blissful experience afterwards.
What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone who is trying to establish a routine that works for their lifestyle?
Start with something small! Especially around this time of year people can overwhelm themselves with new years resolutions. In order to succeed, set yourself up for success. If 3 minutes is all you begin with, do that and do it as best as you can.
What are three of your simple joys in life?
Three simply joys in my life:
- Making bread with 4 ingredients
- Handmade chocolate treats Christina (cacao artist)
- Gazing at the water
Where can people follow along with you?
Instagram @sazha.alexandra
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