A Day In The Life Of: Kelly Uchima

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Kelly U is a content creator, mental health advocate, and self-proclaimed “IBS girlie.” She’s also passionate about sober living and sharing honest stories about mental health, digestion, anxiety, and recovery. Her day isn’t about perfection — it’s about showing up for herself and building a routine that keeps her grounded, energized, and mindful.

Wake Up & Morning Rituals

5:30–6:00 am: Kelly wakes up after aiming for about eight hours of sleep. The first thing she does? Drinks a big glass of water — hydration is non‑negotiable.

Next comes her comfort drink: a warm 20‑ounce mug of milk (coconut, almond, or soy) with instant coffee. “Growing up, instant coffee was what we had,” she says. “It brings me comfort and it’s easy.”

She uses this quiet morning time to watch shows like Real Housewives or Summer I Turned Pretty, carving out intentional “me time” before the day begins. “My morning is really important for me to feel like I have time for myself,” she explains. Contrary to what some might expect, Kelly doesn’t start the day with a gym session — her approach is slower, kinder, and built around feeling good.

Regarding screens and well‑being: most research focuses on excessive recreational screen time, which has been associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression, especially with long daily durations and in adolescents. However, context matters — intentional, low‑stress screen use (like comfort TV in the morning) isn’t typically singled out as harmful, and some screen activities (e.g., educational content or community connection) can be neutral or supportive.

Daily Movement & Fresh Air

10:00 am or 7:00 pm: Kelly goes for a walk — usually with her dog, Benny. “I just feel very puffy, and getting moving helps me feel more awake,” she says. Benny isn’t just a companion — he’s a mental health tool, helping her focus on the moment and break out of internal pressure.

Kelly moves in some way every day — walking, stretching, or engaging in strength training — as a way to care for her mental health. But she’s clear that movement is one tool among many. She talks openly about still needing medication, therapy, support systems, and lifestyle tools to support her mental health. Exercising daily helps her feel more grounded, but it isn’t the sole source of wellness.

Daily movement — even gentle walks — is widely supported by research as a contributor to better mood, reduced stress, and improved mental health. Getting sunlight, physical activity, and connection with pets has been shown to support emotional regulation and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. While exercise is beneficial, experts emphasize that it’s most effective as part of a holistic routine that includes rest, relationships, and self‑care.

Hydration & Self‑Care Throughout the Day

Throughout the day: Kelly drinks plenty of water (room temperature is her preference) and also enjoys sparkling water or the occasional Diet Coke. She stays attentive to how hydration affects her digestion and overall feeling of balance.

Dinner & Digestive Awareness

6:00 pm: Dinner comes early for Kelly — not because of strict rules, but because she’s learned what works best for her body. Managing IBS and bloating has made her attentive to how timing and food make her feel. She plans meals so there’s plenty of time before bed for digestion — a choice that helps her sleep better and wake up feeling more comfortable.

After dinner, Kelly often has a magnesium drink (like Calm or a similar powder). She prefers unflavored versions because she has Invisalign, and enjoys it as part of a broader sleep routine rather than in isolation.

We love how Kelly uses her intuition as to establishing an eating routine that works for her, allowing her body time to digest but not setting a strict “no eating past XYZ time” rule.
There is research showing magnesium may provide benefits for sleep, but it is best viewed as a supportive aid within a larger bedtime routine rather than a cure‑all (as Kelly uses it!). Click here to read our full post on magnesium supplements for sleep including what forms and doses to look for.

Reading & Rest

8:45–9:30 pm: By 8:45 p.m., Kelly is in bed with a psychological thriller, easing into her evening routine. Around 9:30 p.m., she takes her trazodone to help with sleep.

Trazodone is a medication originally developed as an antidepressant but commonly used off‑label at lower doses to help promote sleep through its influence on serotonin pathways and sedation. It’s not FDA‑approved specifically for insomnia, but many clinicians prescribe it because of its sedating effects. Its effectiveness varies by individual, and it’s generally recommended as part of a wider approach that includes good sleep hygiene and consistent routines.

The Heart of Kelly’s Routine

Kelly’s wellness day isn’t about perfection — it’s about awareness and adaptation. She listens to her body, notices what works (and what doesn’t), and creates a flexible routine that supports her mental health, digestion, and overall balance. She combines hydration, movement, community, self‑care, and clinical tools like medication and therapy — proving that wellness isn’t one thing, but a constellation of aware choices.

What We Cover In The Extended Episode:

Have you ever tried apple cider vinegar for IBS? Thoughts? Experience?
Do you ever notice a connection or impacts between ADHD and IBS?
What are your best body image tips? Or what things help you the most?
Do you ever feel like having IBS gives off diet-y restrictive vibes to your mind? Example: “I can’t/shouldn’t eat XYZ” How do you navigate this?
What are your best constipation tips?
Any tips to stop self-comparison online?
You do a lot of speaking, what are some of your best tips for feeling confident?

If you’re looking for a realistic wellness routine that fights the stigma against mental health look no further than this interview!

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