mbg Collective memberandthree-timeclassinstructorEllen Vora, M.D., is a holistic psychiatrist based in New York City.
Here are the practices that the psychiatrist employs to keep herself in a good head space through busy workdays.
What does your workday look like?
Do you work at a desk or something more fluid?
It’s pretty variable on a day-to-day basis.
I spend some days of the week in the office seeing patients.
I no longer worship at the altar of productivity.
I also find running errands to be deeply satisfying.
What does productivity mean and look like for you?
Has your definition changed over the years?
I no longer worship at the altar of productivity.
One reason is that I witness firsthand in my practicethe epidemic of burnoutaffecting so many of us.
So I have majorly deemphasized productivity as the goal in my life.
That being said, I like checking the boxes and accomplishing things.
Over the years I have shifted toward creative pursuits.
With that in mind, how do you set yourself up for a productive day?
Can you walk me through your workplace setup?
I sit inthis super-comfortable chair, and I usethis lap desk.
There’s always great music washing over the whole scene.
I stand up frequently.
What’s the most unexpected thing in your workspace, and what’s the story behind it?
Maybe the high-end speakers in my living room.
My husband and I are passionate about music and high-fidelity acoustics.
Before my daughter was born, these speakers were our most prized possession.
Where do you look to find inspiration for your work?
People who are standing squarely in their truth and doing things that matter.
That’s my art, and I’m showing up to it every day.
What piece of work are you the proudest of?
Currently writing a book.
Check back with me in a year!
