Welcome to Waking Up Well, a column where we hand-select people we admire and ask them to share how they start the day. We think morning routines are a crucial part of an intentional wellness journey and we’re fascinated by the practices of our favorite figures.

Sarah Beran is a fashion industry vet whose work in styling, modeling, and PR dates back to her first job out of college. After many years of work in the industry, she took a little time off to raise kids, develop an accessories line, and — well, beat cancer.

At the age of 34, Sarah was unexpectedly diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer. With two kids at home ages 3 and 5, she began a series of surgeries and rounds of chemo. After surviving the experience, Sarah was hellbent on helping others beat colon cancer too. She teamed up with Brooks Bell, another survivor, to launch Worldclass, a nonprofit line of chic athleisure apparel, with the mission of putting colorectal cancer protection (yes, that means colonoscopies!) on everyone’s radar. And early — since by 2030, colon cancer is predicted to be the top cancer death for those younger than 50.

With the launch of Worldclass on its way, we wanted to catch up with Sarah to hear how her mornings unfold. Most days, she says, she wakes up with her head spinning, thinking about everything she needs to get accomplished on her to-do list before her kids (now ages 8 and 10) get home from school and they dive into their afternoon activities! She prioritizes a little bit of zen time to herself in the morning before juggling kids, meetings, client fittings, and other appointments throughout the day. She’s extra busy these days with Worldclass — so here’s how she makes time for wellness amidst the chaos.

6:30 am | Soft sounds & no snoozing 💤

I wake up gently to my Google Nest alarm — the soft sound helps ease me into the morning.  My husband is a super early riser, so he’s usually already up enjoying his morning coffee. I try to sit up pretty quickly when the alarm goes off otherwise it’s way too tempting to hit the snooze button. (I love my sleep!)

A smart speaker with a dark fabric cover sits on a wooden surface, backlit by bright light.
A close-up of white, wrinkled bed sheets and pillows on a bed.

6:40 am | Meditation moment 🧘‍♀️

By this time, my sweet husband has brought me coffee and I start reading my daily devotional (“Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence” by Sarah Young). I also like to squeeze in a quick meditation to calm my nerves before the long day ahead. My favorite meditation app is Insight Timer. 

A floral journal, a book titled "Jesus Calling," and a small bottle of essential oil are placed on a textured orange surface.
A smartphone displays a meditation timer app with options for duration, interval bells, ambient sound, and ending bell. A play button is centered at the bottom.

6:55 am | LED mask & no-makeup makeup 🧴

Once I’m done meditating and feeling ready to take on the day, I start my skincare routine.  First, I cleanse my face and then put on my Dr. Dennis Gross LED Mask.  While the mask is on I try to quickly make up my bed and figure out what I’m going to wear.  After that, I put on my facial serums, moisturizer, and tinted SPF. My favorite skincare line is Barefaced by Jordan Harper and I use Alastin for my SPF. Then, I quickly do my “no makeup” makeup routine (Merit Beauty helps me achieve this natural look) and head downstairs.

A collection of makeup items, including brushes, blush, and various cosmetics, arranged on a textured gray surface.
Person wearing an illuminated LED mask with metallic elements, holding up a peace sign while sitting on a couch.

7:15 am | Prep snacks & supplements 💊

Before packing up my kids’ snacks and lunches for school, I mix ARMRA Colostrum into my water and take my daily supplements (a probiotic, Vitamin D3, and B12 Folate).

Bottles of supplements including B-Folate, probiotics, vitamin D3, and colostrum are placed on a marble surface with a leafy plant nearby.
White bowl containing dark, speckled chips on a white surface with an open snack bag nearby.

7:30 am | Planner & hot yoga optional 📔

Finally, I wake up my kids, make them breakfast, and help them get ready for the day. We are usually out the door by 8 am. Then I head back home, sort through my planner, and begin the workday! It’s always a bonus when I can fit in a little hot yoga 😉

A stack of notebooks with a pen and a smartphone on a white surface. A paper clip is attached to one notebook.
A woman slices apples on a cutting board in a kitchen, with two children watching nearby.

Photos courtesy of Sarah Beran, Insight Timer, and Google Nest.