How I Thrive takes an inside look at founders, entrepreneurs and leaders and the behind-the-scenes self-care work they do to in order to live balanced, happy lives. Today's edition is with Stix founder Jame Norwood, whose affinity for "Gilmore Girls" is something many of us can relate to.
Name: Jamie Norwood
Age: 26
City: Philadelphia, PA
Company: Stix, a women’s health brand that is shaking up the archaic industry of pregnancy and ovulation tests. We are on a mission to help women feel comfortable purchasing health products they need but dread buying. Whether you have an irregular period or are actively trying to get pregnant, Stix provides peace of mind in moments that can be anxiety-inducing and erases any added outside judgments or pressures.
Role: Co-founder
Beyond the role: Devoted friend, feminist, cat mom, reader, baker, yoga amateur, learner.
Morning routine:
In a pre-COVID world, I wake up early and walk 30 minutes to my office. I love the walking commute because it gives me a peaceful transition into my work day. I don’t even drink coffee until I get to the office so it’s a sleepy, calming walk where I’m not really thinking about anything.
Now that I’m working from home, the first thing I do in the morning is change into my work pajamas (who’s with me?) and then get on a Zoom with my co-founder, Cynthia. For the first 20 minutes or so of our day, we both make coffee and chat about non-work things. It’s become a really nice ritual!
The first thing I do after work:
Ideally, I go on a walk outside and call a friend. I’m a big phone chatter. I probably talk with at least two friends every day! I find it a relaxing way to connect and build relationships, even when we’re in different cities.
Dinner ritual:
I’m not the greatest or most creative cook, but this quarantine really has me pushing my limits in the kitchen! I’m living alone for the first time, so I usually try to make simple, veggie-heavy meals that I can use for lunch leftovers the next day. I’m still too scared to cook meat! My go-tos are coconut red curry, loaded fried rice, or a simple breakfast burrito. I have the New York Times cooking app, and it’s a lifesaver.
Nighttime routine:
If I’ve had a stressful day, I take a hot bath with epsom salts. My typical nighttime ritual is pretty simple: I turn off my overhead light and turn on my salt lamp, get lavender essential oils going in my diffuser, and read until I’m feeling tired. Then I turn on Netflix ... more on that later.
Self-care guilty pleasure:
I’m not sure I can call this a guilty pleasure because I feel no guilt, but I fall asleep to "Gilmore Girls" nearly every night! Is that crazy? Maybe. I grew up on it and know each episode by heart. There’s something so soothing about listening to it as I fall asleep.
Workday self-care hack:
Sit by a window! I moved my desk from my corner (a plain wall) to the center of my apartment in front of a windowsill, and it’s been a total game-changer. I feel much more awake and inspired to work with the light. It’s funny how a simple change like that can really affect your mood.
How I define self-care:
Taking moments and holding space for practices that bring you joy. If it feels forced, it’s a no-go!
Favorite childhood toy or hobby:
Since I learned how to write, I’ve kept a diary. I’ve always had an affinity for nostalgia and remembering little moments, so my childhood diaries are one of my favorite things to look back on. My high school journals, on the other hand, are a little cringeworthy to look back on now. I find journaling to be such a comforting activity. It helps me realize what is weighing on me and is truly the only place I feel zero judgement or pressure in just speaking my mind.
State of your (email) inbox:
I’m 100% an inbox zero person. I can’t have unread emails or else I feel off-center. I occasionally snooze emails when things are really crazy, but I truly just read and respond as fast as humanly possible. Cynthia, my co-founder, is more of a 24-hour response kind of gal and I feel anxiety whenever I look at her inbox!
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