Life + Habits

The 3 Morning Rituals Isabella Boylston Swears By

3 min read
Professional ballerina Isabella Boylston takes us inside her morning routine—from her go-to breakfast to the habits that set her up for success.
Professional ballerina Isabella Boylston takes us inside her morning routine—from her go-to breakfast to the habits that set her up for success.

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How is it that, in the age of social media and general oversharing, ballerinas seem to remain so enigmatic? If we had to guess, our collective fascination stems from a sense of awe: There are few art forms, after all, that require so much grace, talent, and discipline in equally crucial doses.

So we were surprised to learn that even as a principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre—one of the most celebrated companies in the world—Isabella Boylston's morning routine is surprisingly low-key. "Mornings are about waking up, setting goals for myself, and getting my body warmed up and ready to go for rehearsals," she says.

In fact, it's kind of a great equalizer; a reminder that even if we're not professional athletes, we can all engage in small habits and acts of self-care that gear us up for success—no matter what we're working towards. Get inspired by Boylston's go-to morning rituals below.

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My morning routine really starts the night before.

"I think having a productive morning has a lot to do with getting enough sleep. I prioritize going to bed at a reasonable hour and it’s helped a lot."

Let's be clear about one thing—I am not a morning person.

"I love sleeping. But coffee helps."

So does breakfast.

"My favorite is an egg and cheese sandwich with hot sauce and an avocado with olive oil, salt and pepper on the side. If I have pasta left over from the night before, I also love eating that with a fried egg on top."

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"Having a productive morning has a lot to do with getting enough sleep."

I have three morning habits that always help me hit the ground running.

"Drinking coffee, setting goals mentally (or writing them down), and exercise are key. All of these rituals help my mood and give me the confidence I need to be successful."

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Dr. Mastaneh Sharafi, PhD, RD, SVP of Scientific Affairs at Ritual

Dr. Mastaneh Sharafi has a PhD in Nutritional Sciences and is a Registered Dietitian. She received her training from Penn State University and University of Connecticut where she researched dietary patterns, chemosensory perception and community nutrition. Her dietetic work is focused on promoting healthy eating habits by translating the science of nutrition into practical information for the public.

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WhoWeAre-Mastaneh

Dr. Mastaneh Sharafi, PhD, RD, SVP of Scientific Affairs at Ritual

Dr. Mastaneh Sharafi has a PhD in Nutritional Sciences and is a Registered Dietitian. She received her training from Penn State University and University of Connecticut where she researched dietary patterns, chemosensory perception and community nutrition. Her dietetic work is focused on promoting healthy eating habits by translating the science of nutrition into practical information for the public.

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This article was written by our content specialist.

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Victoria Hoff, Writer

Victoria Hoff is an accomplished writer, journalist, and former wellness editor who has covered a wide variety of health, nutrition, and wellness topics during her tenure. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from New York University, and after writing for Vogue, Elle, Byrdie, The/Thirty, and more, channeled her editorial skills into a marketing career.

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vhoff

Victoria Hoff, Writer

Victoria Hoff is an accomplished writer, journalist, and former wellness editor who has covered a wide variety of health, nutrition, and wellness topics during her tenure. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from New York University, and after writing for Vogue, Elle, Byrdie, The/Thirty, and more, channeled her editorial skills into a marketing career.

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