Team Swannies Feature: How Heather Burns, Marathoner, Triathlete, and Mother of Two Stays Focused And Motivated

We’re back again featuring the Swannies fam. After a chat with a special Team Swannies devotee, it’s clear to us that investing in your family’s health is the biggest return on investment.

It all starts with cultivating healthy habits, going the extra mile, and staying consistent.

Read below how our Team Swannies Feature, Heather Burns stays focused and changes the game as a Marathoner, Triathlete, and Mother of two beautiful boys.

The Secret To Keeping A Work-Life Balance

It’s no secret that juggling between our personal and professional lives can cause burnout. And that’s why we pick the brains of high achievers such as Heather to inspire you. Because we know you too have the capacity to unlock your full potential.

But maintaining a balance doesn’t have to be complicated. Take it from Heather:

“I try to be present with what I am doing at each moment. I have an amazing support system that allows me to focus on work when I am working. When I am with my kids, I try my best to be a part of whatever interests them. Right now that includes dressing like a Pokemon on a regular basis!”

The Magical Ingredient To Start The Day Fresh

Have you ever rolled out of bed with no intention or goal in mind? No purpose. Nothing. 

How did you feel? With no routine, there’s no aim. Your energy is low. Your productivity suffers. And ultimately your performance drops.

Having a consistent morning routine helps us control our schedules and set the tone for the day. And the magical ingredient for Heather to stay as cool as a cucumber is to meditate – her favorite part of her morning routine. “I love starting my day fresh with a relaxed and hopeful mind,” she wrote.

Did you know meditation is known for its profound effects on the body and mind? According to Positive Psychology, morning meditation has numerous benefits, which include being more potent than coffee. Bonus!

Give it a try and see for yourself. Be sure to use this brain sensing headband to track your progress.

End The Day Well With Swannies

Good habits before bed are as important as good habits in the morning. Which explains why Heather’s sleep routine has made a tremendous difference in her life.

Before wearing Swannies Blue Light Blocking Glasses, she used to have a hard time falling asleep. She often woke up in the middle of the night. But after wearing Swannies consistently every night, her sleep improved: “It’s really good now,” she wrote.

In addition to wearing Night Swannies, Heather also:

• Keeps a consistent bedtime
• Wears a sleep mask
• Keeps her room cool

Quality sleep is necessary for us to function at our best and stay productive throughout the day. Which brings me to Heather’s productivity habits she shared with us.

Habits To Become A Productive Machine

Here’s how Heather ensures that she stays on top of her game, and Team Swannies totally approve:

• Maintain a sleep routine. If your body can’t recover effectively, you won’t be productive 
• Plan your meals. Even if you plan to order out, make that part of your weekly plan 
• Write down all of your tasks at the beginning of the day and check them off as you go
• Maintain a calendar and review it regularly
• Prioritize. You can’t always do everything you hope to do, so figure out what is most important and start there

Stay active. Wake up early for a workout before work. (Heather is currently training for her first 50-mile race, and says she wakes up around 4:30 every day for a training session to stay motivated)

The Power of Influence

How we spend our time on Earth has a major impact on our growth. In other words, personal development is as important as rest and play. And with technology at the forefront, it’s never been easier. Busy individuals such as Heather has taken to the podcast realm to expand her knowledge, and her favorite podcast she cannot miss out on is:

“Redefining the Influencer— all of the guests are people who have devoted their lives to service of others (bonus is that it’s my husband’s podcast),” she wrote.

If podcasts are your jam too and you aspire to stay on top of your game, be sure to subscribe to our very own The Edge Podcast. Every week, our co-founder James Swanwick, interviews experts with the goal to help you be the best version of yourself. And this brings me to the last piece of insight.

A Bracing Shot of Inspiration

Heather’s life motto firmly aligns with our purpose to help you unlock your full potential. And if you are still reading, I’m almost certain that you will buy the t-shirt if her motto was printed on it.

“Be the best version of you.”

Powerful words, right?

The best of all. We asked Heather (as we do for each Team Swannies Feature) whether she prefers “Beach or Mountains and why?” Her answer: “Mountains! I love the perspective you get seeing the whole world below.” And that reminded me of the saying:

“The best view comes after the hardest climb.”

So, I want to leave you with this. Do you think good habits are worth being fanatical about if the reward is being on top of the world?

Join our Team Swannies with your own pair of blue light blocking glasses (choose from our day and night collections). Remember to post your #Swannies selfie on social media. TAG us @Swanwick and use #teamswannies for a chance to receive some Swannies Swag!