Rachel Nielsen

Wellness Tip:
 

Be Social to Boost Creativity

Socializing during work hours is often seen as a distraction. But in the right balance, it can actually increase your productivity. Those coffee runs and chats with colleagues can help you think more creatively. 

Research shows that people feel more supported and connected after shared social time, and that sense of support makes it easier to generate new ideas and solve problems.

In other words, creativity doesn’t just happen at your desk. “Creativity is social even when it does not seem to be,” says author and psychologist Dr Zorana Ivcevic Pringle. “We are consciously or not consciously influenced by others throughout our creative process.”

So, embrace those small social breaks as a way to boost your mood and your creativity.

Routine Breakdown
 

Rachel Nielsen, Lead Creative Strategist at Twirl, Content Creator & Work-Life Balance Advocate

The Daily Routine of a Creative Strategist & Work-Life Balance Advocate

Rachel Nielsen

As a first hire and Lead Creative Strategist at Twirl, Rachel Nielsen says her routine has evolved as the company has scaled, “but the non-negotiables have stayed the same – they’re what keep me sustainable in a fast-paced startup environment.” Here’s her daily routine.

The Routine:

  • Morning movement. “I do some form of movement every day, whether that’s yoga in the morning or a fitness class in the evening if I miss it.” 
  • Twirl team breakfast. “We have breakfast together as a team most mornings. We go out for coffee together at 9:30am when everyone’s arrived and it sets the tone for the day and reminds me I’m building something with people I actually like!”
  • Lunch (the full hour!). “We get nutritious lunches delivered from Calo, and I take the full hour – sometimes to eat and chat, sometimes to go for a walk. As someone who helps set our company culture, I model this behavior so the team knows breaks aren’t just ‘allowed,’ they’re essential.” 
  • Afternoon location switch. “I’ll move between the office, a café, or even work from home for part of the day. Changing my environment keeps my creative brain engaged. When I’m stuck on a strategy, a change of scenery almost always unlocks something!”
  • Afternoon snack/coffee/smoothie. “This is my 3pm reset. I’m not one of those people who can power through the afternoon slump… I’ve learned to work with my energy, not against it. A good snack and an espresso keep me going without crashing later.”
  • Cooking dinner (loyal HelloFresh user for 4 years!) “Cooking is meditative for me, and using meal kits means I don’t have to think about what to make after a long day. It’s the transition ritual from ‘work Rachel’ to ‘off-duty Rachel.’”
  • Phone calls with sisters or chatting with flatmates. “Sometimes you get home and don’t realise the only people you spoke to are colleagues!”
  • Reading fiction/fantasy for an hour before bed. “I read fiction – rarely non-fiction or self/help – for at least an hour before bed. It’s my brain’s signal that the day is done!!! Reading lets me ‘escape’ in a way scrolling never does, and I sleep so much better when I stick to this.”


Why it works:

  • Rachel’s day is built around protecting her energy in small, consistent ways. Daily movement boosts mood and focus, shared breakfasts build connection (a major predictor of creative performance), and real lunch breaks prevent cognitive fatigue. Switching locations keeps her brain stimulated, while snacks and evening cooking respect her natural energy rhythms rather than fighting them. By ending with a book instead of screens, she signals a true shutdown for her nervous system. As Rachel says, “Productivity isn’t about hours logged; it’s about showing up sharp!”


Rachel’s routine reminds us that good habits don’t just help you perform better – they give others permission to do the same. So go on: take your breaks, protect your work-life balance, and see how it influences those around you.

Tori Dunlap

Productivity Tip:
 

Stop at 90% (On Purpose)

Here’s a counterintuitive trick that makes finishing tasks way easier: don’t try to complete something perfectly in one sitting. Instead, aim to get it to about 90%, then stop.

Why? Because the last 10% of any task is where you lose the most time. That’s when perfectionism kicks in and you start tinkering endlessly, or your energy dips and everything suddenly feels harder. Pushing through often leads to slower, messier work.

But when you intentionally stop a little early, you give your brain a clean “re-entry point” for next time. The task feels smaller, quicker, and less intimidating when you come back to it with fresh energy. It works for almost everything: writing an email, cleaning a room, planning a project, even putting up your holiday decorations.

Give it a try this week: Get something to a solid 90%, step away, and finish the final touches later. See how it works for you.

Routine Breakdown
 

Tori Dunlap, Multi-Million Dollar Business Owner and Bestselling Author

The Surprisingly Simple Routine of a Multi-Seven-Figure Founder

Tori Dunlap

“My routine isn’t fancy,” says Tori Dunlap, Founder of Her First 100k. She shared her simple and relatable routine because her company “is built on designing rhythms instead of just reacting to them.” Says Tori, “When I practice what I preach—balance, rest, clarity—the company reflects it.”

The Routine:

  • Wakes around 7:30 a.m. “I check my phone (yes, I know I shouldn’t), then I walk. Some days it’s 10 minutes. Some days 30.”
  • Has breakfast. “I split a protein smoothie with my partner.”
  • Starts work around 9. “Meetings, content, strategy.”
  • Takes a real break for lunch with no multitasking. 
  • In the afternoon, she focuses on creation, interviews, and getting house chores done. 
  • Stops working around 5 p.m. “Then barre class or reading.”
  • Before bed, she does some journaling.


Why it works:

  • Tori’s routine isn’t about squeezing more into the day; it’s about creating a rhythm she can sustain. She keeps her work days to 8 hours and her mornings and evenings free to focus on things that contribute to her wellbeing, whether that’s walking, reading, or journaling. By protecting her energy, she’s able to show up sharper during the hours that matter most.


As Tori puts it: “If you’re building something and you feel like you need to be ‘on’ every second to succeed—pause. Your long game doesn’t start with burnout. It starts with rhythm.”

Michelle Best

Wellness Tip:
 

Eat Your Greens for Brain Health

Your Mom was right when she told you to eat your greens. Did you know that they can actually prevent memory loss and cognitive decline?

One study of 960 adults found that people who ate 1-2 daily servings of green, leafy vegetables had a slower rate of decline on tests of memory and thinking skills than people who rarely or never ate them. 

On top of that, older adults who ate at least one serving daily showed an equivalent of being 11 years younger cognitively. That’s pretty impressive.

Keen to get more greens into your life? Here are 46 ways to get you started.

Routine Breakdown
 

Michelle Best, Global Marketing Manager & Founder of Best & Bloom

The Side-Hustle Routine That Keeps Creativity Alive

Michelle Best

As well as being a Global Marketing Manager for a major technology firm, Michelle Best recently founded Best & Bloom – a business selling luxury faux flower arrangements and homewares. “I started it as both a creative outlet and a way to keep my marketing skills sharp outside the corporate environment,” says Michelle, adding that her routine is what keeps her balanced between these two different worlds.


The Routine:

  • 6:30 – 8:30 am: Wakes at 6:30am, feeds the dog, and makes a cup of tea. “I open my laptop to fulfil orders from the previous day, review inventory, and scan my PPC ad performance, making any necessary adjustments.”
  • 8:30 – 9 am: Walks the dog and showers. “Walking first thing clears my mind. It’s like a gentle switch between business owner and marketing manager mode.”
  • Strategic split: focus in the morning, collaboration in the afternoon. “I use my mental peak hours for strategy, planning and writing, and save meetings for later when I can shift into discussion mode.” As she works from home, she plans her day around her energy levels and time zones. “I also volunteer for the charity The Hygiene Bank, so on some mornings I will deliver hygiene products to our community partners, such as local schools.” 
  • Evening creativity and reflection. “After cooking dinner and a final dog walk, I switch back to Best & Bloom. This is when I design new arrangements, create ads, edit photos, or write email copy.” She adds that the creative work never feels like a chore. “It’s the most energizing part of my day. Doing it in the evening feels like unwinding, not working.”

 

Why it works:

  • Jumping into her business first thing allows Michelle to get ahead for the day. “Getting the admin done early means it doesn’t hang over me, and I can start my full-time job with a clear head.”
  • Research agrees that walking clears the mind and improves brain function. Michelle adds that it helps her stay active even without time for the gym. “There really is no excuse for me not to get at least 40 mins of exercise in the day, even if it’s split into three short sessions.”
  • Using peak focus times for tasks like strategy and planning is smart – it’s a way to work with your natural energy cycles.
  • Evenings are often a creative sweet spot because lower cognitive control and fewer distractions make it easier to generate fresh ideas and think more freely. 


This routine is what helps Michelle balance full-time work and a side hustle. “I protect my mornings for focus and my evenings for flow,” she says. “It’s how I make space for both ambition and creativity without burning out.”

Stephanie Melodia

Productivity Tip:
 

Embrace Analog

Worn out from too much screen time? Try embracing the analog renaissance. The surprising thing: it’s not just good for your health, but also your productivity.

“When you step away from screens, your brain activates what neuroscientists call the default mode network – a system involved in memory consolidation and creative insight,” writes Anne-Laure Le Cunff at Ness Labs. “Research shows that this downtime helps you connect ideas, process emotions, and solve problems more effectively.”

How to go analog? Here are some of her suggestions:

  • Experiment with pre-digital hobbies like woodworking, pottery, painting or knitting.
  • Opt for in-person social interactions and design device-free social rituals.
  • Schedule sacred offline windows – e.g., reading before bed or time outdoors.
  • Replace some digital tools with physical ones, like using a physical planner over an app or taking notes in a notebook.


So our question for you this week: what’s one thing you could change from digital to analog? Let us know your answer and how making the switch goes for you.

Routine Breakdown
 

Stephanie Melodia, Entrepreneur, Growth Strategist, MBA Lecturer, Keynote Speaker & Host of Strategy & Tragedy

Inside the Mornings of a Female Founder & Strategist

Stephanie Melodia

“As a high-performing entrepreneur with a rare sleep disorder, my morning routines are vital,” says Stephanie Melodia, who adds that the first big sign of success in her routine is waking up without an alarm. Here’s how she starts her days.

The Routine:

  • Wakes naturally. “I go outside, move my body, breathe fresh air, and get natural daylight within the first 30 mins of waking. (Extensive sleep research has shown that exposure to natural daylight is the most powerful driver of our sleep-wake cycles – and I need all the help I can get!)”
  • Syncs her routine to her cycle. “As a woman, I also need to adjust my morning routine depending on the time of the month. Whilst ovulating, I give myself grace and slow down, including taking easy mornings where I prioritise gentle starts to the day, eating a comforting breakfast, and avoiding caffeine.”
  • Hits the gym. “Outside of this, I try to work out in the mornings, as once I get stuck into work there’s no coming back and getting myself to the gym, let’s be honest! Not only does this ensure that I get my workout in for the day, but it also sets me up to be my most alert and pumped self for the day ahead.”
  • Works on her key tasks. “I then try to tackle ‘the big fish,’ i.e., the biggest needle-moving priorities before getting bogged down by admin later in the day.”

 

Why it works:

  • Morning sunlight exposure does help regulate circadian rhythms, leading to better sleep.
  • Cycle syncing is very individual, but many women find that understanding their cycles and adapting their routines accordingly can help them optimize their health and productivity.
  • Working out in the morning has been shown to increase focus, mood, energy, and alertness, as well as help to regulate appetite and blood sugar.
  • Tackling the big fish – also known as “eating the frog” – ensures you make progress where it really matters to your goals.


Do you tackle your big fish early in the day? How do you stay focused on your big goals?

Martine Davis

Wellness Tip:
 

Go For a Pet Walk

Here’s something we found out while putting together this week’s routine (see below): dog owners walk an average of 22 minutes more a day than non-owners. And those extra minutes are great for health. 

Regular dog walks have been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost serotonin levels, thanks to movement, bonding, and time outdoors.

Don’t have a furry friend? Borrow one. Many shelters and neighbors welcome an extra walker, and the benefits are the same. Even a solo walk “as if” you’re walking a dog (steady pace, regular route, no phone) helps clear your head and lift your mood.

Give it a try!

Routine Breakdown
 

Martine Davis, Entrepreneur & Artist, Founder of Meet My Paws

A Day in the Life of a Dog Mom-Turned-Founder

Martine Davis

“Building a company later in life has taught me that success comes from balance, movement, connection, and one very devoted cockapoo,” says Martine Davis, who launched a global platform in her 50s. Here’s her daily routine.

The Routine:

  • 7:00am: Dog walk + fresh air. “My dog Rusty gets me outside first thing. Daylight and movement clear my mind and remind me why I built Meet My Paws: dogs connect people effortlessly.”
  • 9:00am: Pilates + coffee catch-up (3x a week). “Pilates keeps me strong, but I love the post-class coffee with the ladies from my class. Rusty often joins, it’s community and wellbeing rolled into one.”
  • 10:30am: Founder focus hour. “A focused sprint on PR, social media, partnerships and emailing new communities. Consistent small actions have helped Meet My Paws grow into 19 countries since May.”
  • 1:00pm: Healthy lunch + shopping. “I shop daily, usually organic. Eating fresh food keeps my energy high and my brain sharp, especially before an afternoon of calls or networking.”
  • 2:00pm: Strategy & growth. “I plan meetings, nurture ambassador connections, and explore ways to help more dog lovers meet. Progress > perfection has become my motto.”
  • 9:30pm: Tomorrow’s top three. “I write three priorities for the next day and note one win from today. Reinvention requires courage; acknowledging momentum keeps me energised.”

 

Why it works:

  • Dog walking not only gets people moving; it also boosts their mental health. 
  • Studies show pilates may “increase flexibility, strength, mobility, respiratory rate, vital capacity, body mass index, and balance.” And of course, the social aspect also has big benefits. 
  • Working in focused blocks prevents dispersion, while healthy eating keeps our brains nourished and sharp.
  • Singling out priorities each day keeps you focused on your main goals (rather than niggling to-dos), while counting wins is great for motivation. That’s why Panda Planner prompts you to list daily priorities and wins. 


“My routine isn’t rigid, but it reflects what Meet My Paws stands for: movement, community, joy and wellbeing, for dogs and their humans,” says Martine.

Bill Nye

Productivity Tip:
 

Unhook from YouTube Distractions 

So you go to YouTube to watch one educational video, and the next thing you know it, bam! You’ve fallen down a rabbit hole of nostalgic cartoon theme songs. 

It’s not entirely your fault. YouTube is designed to keep you clicking and watching, so avoiding the allure of those suggested videos takes willpower.

Solution? Remove the temptation altogether. Unhook is one handy browser extension that’s free to use and can block all distractions, including the recommended sidebar, shorts, endscreen video suggestions, user comments, and more. Give it a try!

Got any favorite productivity tools or tips? Hit reply and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!

Routine Breakdown
 

Bill Nye the Science Guy, Actor, Comedian & Science Educator 

How Bill Nye Keeps His Mind Sharp and Spirit Young

Bill Nye

Bill Nye may be hitting 70, but “the Science Guy” hasn’t lost his youthfulness – a fact that surely comes down to a daily routine featuring exercise and plenty of quality time with his wife. Here’s what his days look like.

The Routine:

  • Preps his coffee the night before. “That’s very important. There’s something psychological about having to measure the coffee and the water in the morning — you don’t want to deal with that.”
  • Starts his day. “First thing, I get up, turn the coffee on, and feed the kitty cats,” he says. “Then I bring my wife coffee and newspapers. I recommend doing that to anybody.”
  • Has breakfast. “I generally have either granola and fruit or oatmeal and fruit. I’m a big fan of Trader Joe’s Ancient Grains.”
  • Works before working out. “I work out almost every day, either late morning or early afternoon. You just want business to get taken care of so you can enjoy going to the gym.”
  • Later in the day, he often rides his bike until it’s time to make dinner, which he does with his wife. “Preparing dinner with my wife is a great joy. I’m not a bad cook, but Liza is excellent. So we cook dinner, and we sit and talk.”


Why it works:

  • Bill’s routine keeps him active, connected, and grounded. The rituals of making coffee and feeding the cats set a calm tone, while workouts and bike rides boost energy and mood. Sharing meals and cooking with his wife adds joy and connection to the mix.


Remember that the quality of our relationships has a powerful influence on our health. Do you incorporate loved ones into your daily routine? Something as simple as taking your partner a coffee or sharing a meal together can be a great opportunity for bonding.

© 2015-2025 Panda Planner. All rights reserved.