Sabeena Ladha’s High-Vibe Morning Routine and Wellness Habits
How the Deux CEO and wellness entrepreneur crafts a productive, balanced day with her unique morning habits and rituals.
Sabeena Ladha’s High-Vibe Morning Routine
Sabeena Ladha, the Founder and CEO of wellness-focused brand Deux, offers an intimate look at how her morning routine sets the tone for a productive, balanced day. With candor and wit, Ladha shares her journey from self-described “night owl” to intentional morning person, revealing the habits, rituals, and mindset shifts that help her thrive as both a leader and a wellness advocate.
From Night Owl to Morning Person
“I’m such a night owl by nature,” Ladha admits. “I have quite literally forced myself to become a morning person.” This transformation didn’t come naturally: in the early days of Deux, she survived on just six hours of sleep, sacrificing rest for productivity. Now, she prioritizes eight hours nightly, recognizing that sleep is non-negotiable for peak performance and well-being.
Building Healthy Routines
Ladha’s morning starts at 6:15 a.m.—a time she’s come to embrace for its quiet, uninterrupted potential. Notably, she avoids looking at her phone or any screens first thing, calling it a “game-changer” for her mental clarity. “It’s equivalent to letting a hundred people into your bedroom at once,” she says, emphasizing the importance of protecting her nervous system from early digital intrusion.
Morning Rituals That Set Her Up for Success
Beyond avoiding screens, Ladha’s rituals are practical, wellness-focused, and adaptable. She starts with brushing her teeth and a Celsius energy drink for her workout, but avoids caffeine on non-training days. She’s experimenting with sunlight exposure (à la Huberman), though acknowledges the challenge of Los Angeles’ early winter darkness.
Her active morning routines include:
- Exercise first thing: “If I don’t do my workout in the morning, 1) I am cranky, and 2) It probably won’t get done.” She’s at the gym by 7 a.m., working out before launching into her workday.
- Reviewing her calendar: Ensuring she’s prepped for all meetings and priorities.
- Supplement routine: Probiotics, fish oil, multivitamin, sometimes vitamin C, and collagen in her coffee for an extra wellness boost.
- Journaling: Particularly on days when she feels tense, writing helps clear her mind.
A Day in the Life
After her workout, Ladha gets ready for the day and is typically on calls by 8:30 or 9 a.m. She now shares a collaborative office space with brands like Bala and Brightland, spending most of her day there in meetings, strategy sessions, and product development. Evenings are reserved for quality time: walking her dog, answering emails while her husband cooks dinner, and unwinding with a favorite show and cuddles with Pablo, her dog.
Creating Balance: Food, Wellness, and Self-Care
From Junk Food to Clean Indulgence
As a Texan, Ladha grew up snacking on classic junk foods—a habit she has no shame in admitting. But as an adult and entrepreneur, she developed a desire for balance, seeking to enjoy treats without compromising health. This personal journey inspired the creation of Deux, a brand that reimagines nostalgic favorites (like cookie dough) with clean ingredients and superfoods. Ladha’s approach to food is refreshingly unfussy: she believes in enjoying life’s pleasures while making mindful choices most of the time.
Wellness Practices That Work
Ladha’s wellness philosophy extends beyond diet. She emphasizes sustainable habits—like exercise, adequate sleep, and unplugging—that support both physical and mental health. Her supplement routine is tailored to her needs, and she’s open about the trial-and-error process of finding what works. While she’s not dogmatic, she believes that consistency in small, healthy actions adds up to big results.
Self-Care and Mental Health
Ladha’s commitment to mental health shows in her minimalist approach to her bedroom: just a journal and a copy of The Daily Stoic on her nightstand. She uses journaling as a tool for reflection and stress relief, especially on challenging days. By keeping her sleep environment clutter-free and screen-free, she sets herself up for restorative rest and a calm start each morning.
Hot Take: Skincare Routine
Ladha’s skincare philosophy might surprise some: “I don’t wash my face in the morning.” After struggling with cystic acne for years, she found that less truly was more. Instead, she invests in a robust nighttime routine:
- Summer Fridays cleanser
- Alternating days with Biologique Recherche cult-favorite toner
- AlphaRet Overnight Cream as needed
- Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil
- The Outset Firming Vegan Collagen Prep Serum
- Moisturizer for a glowy finish
By focusing on thorough evening care, Ladha’s skin has found balance, and she encourages others to listen to their skin’s needs rather than following trends.
Practical Tips for Your Own Morning Routine
Screen-Free Mornings
Avoiding screens for the first hour of the day is a cornerstone of Ladha’s routine. Research and anecdotal evidence both support that minimizing digital input first thing can reduce stress and increase focus. Try swapping scrolling for journaling, reading, or a mindful activity to set a calm tone for your day.
Exercise for Energy and Mood
Whether it’s a gym session, yoga, or a walk, moving your body in the morning boosts energy, mood, and productivity. Ladha’s experience shows that making exercise non-negotiable—ideally first thing—ensures it happens, and the benefits cascade throughout the day.
Simplify Supplementation
Ladha’s supplement routine is simple and tailored: probiotics, fish oil, multivitamin, and sometimes collagen and vitamin C. There’s no one-size-fits-all; focus on foundational health supports and consult a professional if needed.
Journaling for Clarity
Journaling—especially a “brain dump” of thoughts and priorities—can help clear mental clutter and focus your intentions for the day. Try listing your top three tasks, noting smaller to-dos, and even sketching a simple schedule or time block for your day (à la the bullet journal method).
Bedroom as Sanctuary
Keep your bedroom clean, calm, and free of work clutter. Limit screens, and consider a dedicated spot for a journal or inspiring reading to encourage reflection and relaxation.
Skincare: Do What Works for You
Skin needs vary widely. Ladha’s experience is a reminder that sometimes, skincare minimalism is the answer—focus on effective ingredients and consistent habits, and don’t be afraid to break with convention if it serves you.
Sample Morning Routine Inspired by Sabeena Ladha
| Time | Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 6:15 AM | Wake up, no screens | Calm, focused start |
| 6:20 AM | Brush teeth, supplements, journal | Hygiene, wellness, mental clarity |
| 7:00 AM | Workout | Energy, mood, health |
| 7:45 AM | Shower, skincare, dress | Refresh, prepare for day |
| 8:00 AM | Review calendar, plan day | Stay organized, proactive |
| 8:30 AM | Breakfast, commuting | Nourish, transition to work |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does Sabeena Ladha avoid screens in the morning?
Ladha believes looking at your phone first thing is like “letting a hundred people into your bedroom”—it’s overwhelming for the nervous system and sets a chaotic tone for the day. She avoids screens to protect her mental clarity and reduce stress.
What supplements does Sabeena Ladha take?
Her routine includes probiotics, fish oil, a multivitamin, sometimes vitamin C, and collagen in her coffee. She focuses on foundational health supports rather than trend-driven supplements.
Does Sabeena Ladha wash her face in the morning?
No—after struggling with cystic acne, she found that skipping morning cleansing improved her skin. Instead, she focuses on a thorough evening skincare routine.
How does Sabeena Ladha manage stress?
Journaling, exercise, adequate sleep, and keeping her bedroom calm and uncluttered are her go-to strategies for managing stress and maintaining mental health.
What inspired Sabeena Ladha to start Deux?
Her own craving for balance between nostalgic treats and healthier options led her to create Deux, which reimagines favorites like cookie dough with clean ingredients and superfoods.
Conclusion
Sabeena Ladha’s morning routine and wellness approach reflect a pragmatic, balanced philosophy: she’s not about perfection, but about consistency, self-awareness, and prioritizing what truly serves her health and happiness. By crafting a routine that combines movement, nourishment, mental clarity, and simple, effective self-care, she creates a foundation for thriving—both as a leader and as a human being. Her story is a reminder that meaningful wellness is personal, adaptable, and always evolving.
References
- https://camillestyles.com/wellness/morning-routine/wake-up-call/sabeena-ladha/
- https://camillestyles.com/wellness/morning-bullet-journal/
- https://camillestyles.com/wellness/wellness-practices/
- https://camillestyles.com/author/isabelle-eyman/page/6/
- https://camillestyles.com/wellness/health/healthy-habits/habit-hacks/
- http://bzcmpcy.com/index-816.html
- https://www.thequalityedit.com/articles/female-founded-dtc-brands
- https://camillestyles.com/wellness/books/best-cozy-books/
- https://jeffhuang.com/best_paper_awards/
