Saara Kriplani, Data Science PhD Student, Women’s Health Researcher, Latin Dancer
I’m a Data Science PhD student at UC San Diego researching women’s health. I’m passionate about using data and technology to better understand the female body, and I enjoy expressing myself through dance, poetry, reading, and content creation.
Saara Kriplani’s Daily Routine:
- 7:30 – 9:00 AM: Wake up, morning routine, breakfast, get ready for the day
- 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Classes, lab/research, and TA-ing 💻📚
- 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Lunch + short break
- 2:00 – 4:00 PM: Dance 💃🏽
- 4:00 – 6:00 PM: Relax and spend time with friends, family, or my dog Aloe 🐶
- 6:00 – 8:00 PM: Gym or movement (on non-dance days)
- 8:00 – 9:00 PM: Dinner
- 9:00 – 11:00 PM: Creative time (poetry, content creation, singing, or arts & crafts) ✍🏽🎶
- 11:00 PM – 12:00 AM: Wind down, shower, and read 📖
- 12:00 AM – 7:30 AM: Sleep 😴
What is the most important part of your daily routine?
The most important part of my routine is having structure while still allowing flexibility. My days can vary a lot as a PhD student, so having anchor points like movement, focused work time, and a consistent wind-down routine helps me stay grounded.
What about your “O” (or day plan) do you think is unique or special?
My day blends technical research with creativity. I spend much of my time working with data and problem-solving, but I also prioritize movement through dance and creative expression, which helps me stay balanced and energized.
Whose “O” (or day plan) would you most love to see?
I would love to see my PI, Dr. Ben Smarr’s, day plan. He’s incredibly in tune with his body and circadian rhythms, and I’ve always been fascinated by how consistently he wakes up early and structures his day with intention.
What is your #1 wellness habit?
Prioritizing movement every day. Whether it’s dance, the gym, or just going for a walk, it’s the one habit that consistently improves both my physical and mental health.
What’s your biggest wellness challenge? How do you address it?
My biggest wellness challenge is managing energy and fatigue while balancing a demanding schedule. I address it by keeping a consistent routine, tracking my sleep, and making sure I build in time for both rest and activities that genuinely recharge me.
If you could give one piece of health advice to your kid(s), future kid(s) or relative(s), what would it be and why?
Learn to listen to your body early. So much of health (especially women’s health) is often overlooked, and understanding your own patterns and signals is incredibly powerful.
Go follow Saara on Instagram and TikTok! (@saara.kriplani)
Originally published April 13, 2026