Every Friday I am going to feature a woman that I adore. They exude all the qualities of an Alpha Female and I want to dig into their lives to get some nuggets of knowledge to help us all live happier, healthier lives balancing life & work.
Definition of an Alpha Female
An Alpha Female is a powerful and assertive woman. Her confidence is due to being an intelligent and intellectual problem-solver. Being an Alpha Female is a State of Mind based on choosing ambition and being proud of it. She strives for a happy and healthy work/life harmony.
She is the brightest star in her constellation. When an Alpha Female stays true to their authentic selves and their missions they shine. An Alpha Female puts herself first so that she can fill up her cup and then have more energy for her friends, family, and coworkers. She strives for synergy with the world around her. She knows that work/life harmony is found by staying true to your priorities and what makes you happy. She is never complacent about striving for better and nurtures relationships with all the people in her life.
Meet Dr. Nekessa Remy!
Dr. Nekessa S. Remy is a leading health & wellness professional and expert with a passion for sports injury prevention and enabling others to be their own health champions. Her philosophy stems from her belief that healthy living is a RIGHT and not a privilege. Dr. Remy’s passion for health and rehabilitation lead her to earning an Honors Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario followed by a Doctorate of Chiropractic from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. She also holds certificates in Medical Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Acupuncture. With 15 years experience in the rehabilitation field Dr. Remy has developed an approach to injury management that is based on current research and measurable patient outcomes.
She has lectured and continues to lecture at various running rooms, soccer and football clubs and was recently selected as the team doctor for One On One Pro Sport & Conditioning. Dr. Remy is also a corporate wellness speaker at Nissan Canada. Through her blogs, media appearances and seminars, Dr. Remy uses her knowledge and experience to educate others on how to become their own health advocates.
I think any woman who works for herself is an alpha female. Whether you own a dog walking business or run your own law firm, working for yourself has incredible rewards but it also comes with incredible sacrifice. What makes me an alpha female is that I turned my passion into my pay cheque. I run clinic a Mississauga, which will be celebrating 7 years in business this spring and I have another practice in downtown Toronto, the most competitive market in the GTA. It took me 5 years to consider myself successful, and every year since I struggle to stay on top of my game, it doesn’t have an end, but it does get easier. As I become more confident as an entrepreneur, I can focus on projects that I am passionate about and be okay with saying no to opportunities that don’t line up with my vision.
What does work/life harmony look like for you?
Without a support system, I don’t think a balance is possible. I have a wonderful family that gives me the unconditional love I need to dream big and great mentors in business that help keep me on track and focused on achieving these dreams.
What are you most passionate about?
I am most passionate about helping people become their own health advocates. I believe that healthy living is a RIGHT, not a privilege. I strive to guide people on their journey to optimal health. There is so much information out there and most of it can be contradictory. With my knowledge and experience, I sift through this information and break it down to an easy and simple solution that you can apply to your routine, starting today!
What are you daily health habits that keep your immune system boosted?
I try to keep it simple. I drink water with every meal and take my supplements (including probiotics, vitamin D and a multivitamin).
What is your weekly fitness routine like?
I love to run, not outside but on a treadmill. For me, it helps me get rid of any stress or frustrations going on in my life. I try to run twice a week, followed by weights. Time permitting, I will do a yoga class mid-week, which reminds myself of the importance of stretching and meditation.
How do you challenge yourself fitness wise?
I believe in practicing what I preach. I try to stay updated on the latest rehabilitation programs. Even though I am relatively healthy, it is unbelievable how difficult these rehab programs can be. Have you tried rolling from your stomach to your back using only your arms? Trust me its hard! But its a great way to get your core activated, which is important for anyone suffering from chronic back pain.
What are you daily/weekly nutrition habits that keep you well nourished?
Smoothies! My best friend is seriously my Vitamix. I make a smoothie for breakfast every morning. I will often change what I put in each morning but I follow a simple structure:
1. Liquid – Coconut water or unsweetened almond milk
2. Fruits – berries and bananas are my favourite
3. Green Vegetable – usually spinach or kale
4. Protein- whey protein powder (low sugar) or plain Greek yogurt
5. Fibre – flax seeds or chia seeds.
What are your daily habits for winding down at night and reducing stress?
I try to focus on diaphragmatic breathing. Many of us use our chest, not our diaphragm and abdomen, to breath. Using your stomach instead of your chest not only increases the oxygen within our body, but it can help to lower our heart rate and improve relaxation right in time for bed.
What are some pain points of being an Alpha Female that you have to problem solve for?
I often forget to make the time to celebrate my accomplishments. Once I check a goal off my list, I am focusing on the next line item. It is often the pressure of ‘having it all’ that prevents me from taking a moment to “smell the roses”. I have noticed that the continuous pressure I place on myself only leads to more stress, less clarity and eventual exhaustion. It is important for all of us alpha females to remember that by taking time to celebrate our milestones, our business will not collapse. This time can be used to reflect and better prepare our minds and bodies for the next challenge. I am learning each day that taking time to smell the roses is crucial for my success.
What is your definition of happiness?
My definition of happiness is being confident that the woman I am today is exactly where she is supposed to be.