Practice What I Teach
I recently earned my Master of Science degree at University of California, Irvine. I was born in the United Kingdom and raised in Europe under a very distinct academic culture. I spent high school and my undergraduate career in California, and pursued graduate school at UC Irvine immediately after obtaining my bachelor’s degree. I am an extroverted and driven individual, eager to learn about multiple fields of study. My passion is to improve the lives of individuals on a global scale through uniting the fields of medicine and academia. My goal is to teach as well as to earn a medical degree. I plan to be a practicing physician with a strong research background, and to integrate the two different aspects of science in a dynamic and ultimately groundbreaking approach to the medical concerns of today.
Describe your typical “O”:
The first part of my day starts at 7:30 AM when I have breakfast and coffee, and if I find some extra time in the morning, I might go paddle boarding. I typically start teaching at 9:00 AM. I have my lunch break around noon every day, and then get back to either work or teaching at 12:30 PM. I typically end my workday around 4:00 PM and then proceed to play either volleyball or I go for a run/swim. After that I come home and have dinner around 5:00 PM-6:00PM, and then relax for about an hour, before heading off to yoga or CrossFit at 7:00 PM-9:00 PM. I like to end my day spending time with family and curling up with a good book before bed at midnight.
What about your “O” do you think is most unique or special?
I consider myself a very active person. I am athletic and always looking to try new sports. I enjoy working out with friends and any chance I have, I like to go to the beach. Outside of my commitment to teaching and my work at the hospital, I love to practice yoga. It is what keeps me balanced & healthy, and I couldn’t imagine my life without it.
Describe your sleep ritual. What time do you go to bed? Do you do anything special to prepare?
I try to get to bed by midnight at the latest every night. After spending some time with family and relaxing with a good book, I begin my unwinding process. I brush my teeth, take a warm shower, and get ready for bed. Sometimes, if I am not feeling sleepy, I might eat a banana about half an hour before I plan to sleep, and that typically makes me tired. I try to keep all reading (especially on the computer!) and bed-time prep outside of my bedroom so that when I do go to bed, I have no distractions.
What is your #1 wellness habit?
I lead a very fast-paced life. I work in the hospital as well as at university and college, and so my work demands are usually stressful. I try to balance this by incorporating a lot of physical activity into my daily schedule. Whether it is a run on the beach, a yoga class (or home practice), or a session of CrossFit, I try to make sure I get in as much exercise as I can. My number one wellness habit then is taking the time to remain fit. I believe that fitness and health really do go hand-in-hand, and in order for me to deal with deadlines or work responsibilities, I try to keep fit.
Whose “O” would you most like to see?
I would love to see Kino Macgregor’s “O”. She is an awesome Ashtangi, which is my favorite type of yoga practice. She has been practicing Ashtanga for more than 15 years, and has created a method of teaching that largely relies on promoting strength and awareness to prevent injury.
If you could give one piece of health advice to your future kid(s), what would it be and why?
I would say to remain optimistic through all of life’s challenges. One way I would suggest doing that is to take care of oneself. I find that the key to great health and therefore a more positive mindset is simple: consume a healthy diet and remain active. I would also suggest cultivating the habit of gratitude. It is through appreciating the good fortunes of our lives that we can remain with our feet planted firmly on the ground.
What is the best piece of health advice you’ve ever received?
Laugh often.
Favorite Vegetable:
Kale
Favorite Way to Center:
Meditation on the beach.
Personal Motto:
“Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.”
Marjan Koosha, MS, RYT is a Biology Instructor at Orange Coast College, Yoga Teacher at Yoga Alliance, and Medical Researcher at University of California, Irvine. For more inspiration from Marjan, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.