Just Your Average Day with IBD

I make time for healthy meals, stress management, work, and self-care.

Ever wonder what a full day looks like for others who live with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)? Here’s a peek into a typical day with BezzyIBD guide Alexa Federico.

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Eat breakfast and take supplements

I wake up hungry and looking forward to breakfast every day. I always start with a protein-focused breakfast. This starts my day with a stable blood sugar level, which is important for living an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. My go-to breakfast lately consists of eggs, bacon, fruit, and a homemade gluten-free bagel, plus coffee. I take supplements with my breakfast that help me maintain optimal health with IBD.

Make my bed and tidy up

I make my bed every morning. This makes me feel productive and is pleasing to the eye compared with a messy bed, which feels chaotic to me.

Plus, I have a hard time focusing on my work when my space is cluttered — even if the mess is in a different room! Often, I will clean up other spaces, like my kitchen or office area, before getting into my work for the day so I’m not distracted.

Do an at-home workout

I work out three to five times a week using an online program in the comfort of my home. Not only do I get a good sweat in and feel good putting my muscles to work, but I feel more energized throughout my day after I have moved my body.

Using an online program allows me the flexibility to choose a shorter or longer workout, as well as the degree of intensity, according to my energy level that day. Until I found a program that fit my goals and lifestyle, I struggled to exercise consistently, but now I enjoy it.

Work from home

I work from home as a functional nutritionist. My clients are people with IBD or other gut and autoimmune issues. I love working with people I can relate to. It’s so fulfilling. I also write, run an online course, and am the guide for BezzyIBD.

Each workday looks different. I may be talking with clients, creating social media content, writing articles or blog posts, or moderating in the BezzyIBD forums. There is always a to-do list!

Go for a walk

Walking is my favorite form of movement, and I aim to get out for a walk every day. In the winter, this can be tricky with snow, ice, and frigid temperatures, but I try my best. I love that walking combines exercise with fresh air and sunshine — all things that improve my mood.

I usually listen to uplifting music, a podcast, or an affirmation tape filled with positive statements to feed my mind with productive thoughts as I walk. On days when I have a bit more time, I can walk to the beach, which is my happy place.

Meditate

Managing my stress has been the most challenging part of my healing and something I continually work on. Committing to a mediation practice has greatly helped me spend more time feeling calm and grounded. I like to follow guided meditations from YouTube or on a podcast app. Sometimes, I follow this with other mindfulness practices, like journaling, EFT (emotional freedom technique, aka tapping), or repeating affirmations.

Dance it out

There’s something I love about getting my energy out through dance. There is no structure or formality to my solo dance parties. I just align my mood with the right music and begin moving energy around. After I’ve been sitting at my desk for a while, this is a fun way to stretch out and reenergize myself if I have more work to do.

Use self-care practices

The evening is for winding down and restoring myself after the day’s activities. A favorite routine is dry brushing, followed by an Epsom salt bath for relaxation, and then doing my lineup of clean skin care. These are simple, low cost self-care activities that make me feel luxurious, cozy, and relaxed for bed. And that’s the end of a good day!