For Mehmet Oz, M.D., the secret to starting his jam-packed days off on the right foot is to eliminate time-wasting decision-making by following the same routine every day. For the host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” Vice-Chair and Professor of Surgery at Columbia University and director of the Cardiovascular Institute & Complementary Medicine Program at New York Presbyterian Hospital, an efficient morning routine is essential—which for this doctor includes an electric toothbrush, yoga and Greek yogurt. Here, YouBeauty takes a peek into a morning at Dr. Oz’s house.
Wake-Up Call
Dr. Oz says he’s “very much a morning person” and avoids hitting the snooze button. He starts the day at 5:45 a.m.—like most surgeons, he wakes up very early. According to Oz, “It’s the best way to get lots done during the day.”
Big Things First
What’s the first thing Dr. Oz does when opening his eyes each morning? He stretches in bed for 15 seconds while focusing on a big opportunity of the day. After stepping out from under the covers, he’ll grab the electric toothbrush, a quick shave and practice his signature 7-minute yoga routine. This daily workout begins in a prayer pose and cycles though up and downward dog, along with planks and warrior poses—all maintained with deep belly breaths.
Shower and Shampoo
After yoga, Dr. Oz hops in the shower. To keep those locks looking lush, he uses “a gentle shampoo and then a small amount of conditioner.”
Breakfast (and Work)
While Dr. Oz practices mindful eating during breakfast by sitting down to nosh, he also tackles work during the morning meal—oftentimes reading scripts followed by checking his email. Oz’s daily breakfast: a protein-packed 2 percent fat Greek yogurt with a dose of antioxidant-rich blueberries. As far as coffee goes, the good doctor nixes caffeine. Oz told us, “I rarely caffeinate since it stimulates my bladder while making my hands shake—both bad habits for a heart surgeon.” So while java is a no-no, Dr. Oz loves tea and will often sip an herbal variety in the evening—Cardamom Cinnamon is his favorite.
Partner Play
Lisa, Dr. Oz’s wife, is a key part of the doc’s daily routine. Because Lisa was captain of the tennis team in college, they play together on more leisurely mornings. She practices yoga with the doctor, too.
Prepping for Each Morning
In order to get all of these things accomplished each morning, Dr. Oz often prepares his mind for the next day by meditating each evening. He also practices “deep breathing whenever I can remember,” says Oz.
Dr. Oz’s Secret
The surprising part: Even though Dr. Oz’s morning routine includes a lot of health-boosting activity, it is a “very strict, quick program” that allows him to get out the door in less than 30 minutes. His real secret: “In order to make as few decisions as possible to save this energy for later in the day, I automate everything before noon,” says Dr. Oz.
