NASA behavioral health scientist Dr. Suzanne Bell shares her daily routine, proving that optimal wellness is achievable with simple habits. As the lead of the Behavioral Health and Performance Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center, she balances cutting-edge space research with personal health priorities.
Morning Routine: The Foundation of a Productive Day
Dr. Bell wakes without an alarm by 5 a.m. every day. She devotes two hours from 5 to 7:15 a.m. to a focused morning latte session. This uninterrupted time is used for work, long reading, or personal tasks. "Two hours of completely uninterrupted time every morning is just wonderful," she explains. This ritual sets a calm, intentional tone for the day.
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Her approach highlights a key principle: prioritizing self-care early prevents burnout and enhances cognitive performance—essential for high-stakes environments like NASA.
Work: Researching Crew Health for Deep Space Missions
As principal investigator for Artemis research, Dr. Bell focuses on crew health and readiness for missions beyond low-Earth orbit. She recently briefed stakeholders on pre-mission data from the Artemis II crew. The team is now preparing for Artemis III and working toward sustained lunar presence and a moon base.
Her work involves understanding how deep space conditions affect human behavior and performance. This research directly informs the design of living quarters and mission protocols.
Nutrition: The Daily Dozen Diet
Dr. Bell follows the Daily Dozen longevity diet—a plant-based plan emphasizing whole foods. She avoids flour and sugar except on special occasions. On busy days, she grabs a salad for lunch, demonstrating that healthy eating can be quick and practical.
Below is a comparison of her diet versus typical workday eating habits:
| Dr. Bell's Diet | Typical Diet |
|---|---|
| Daily Dozen (plant-based, whole foods) | Processed snacks, sugary drinks |
| No flour or sugar (special occasions only) | White bread, desserts, soda |
| Salad for lunch on busy days | Fast food or skipped meals |
This healthy longevity diet helps maintain energy levels and mental clarity throughout demanding workdays.
Work-Life Balance: Leaving at 5 p.m.
Despite her critical role, Dr. Bell leaves the office by 5 p.m. She dedicates evenings to her two children, ages 13 and 15. "I tend not to work late," she says. This discipline prevents overwork and supports family connection.
Her schedule demonstrates that demanding careers and personal time can coexist with deliberate boundary setting.
Key Takeaways for Your Own Wellness
- Wake without an alarm to reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
- Reserve uninterrupted morning time for deep focus or self-care.
- Adopt a whole-foods diet like the Daily Dozen for sustained energy.
- Leave work on time to preserve family time and mental health.
- Prioritize research-backed habits even in high-pressure roles.
FAQ
What does a NASA behavioral health scientist do?
They study how space missions affect crew mental health, performance, and team dynamics. Dr. Bell leads research to ensure astronauts stay healthy and effective during long-duration missions like Artemis and future Mars trips.
Can I follow a NASA scientist's morning routine?
Yes! Waking early, avoiding screens first thing, and protecting a calm block of time for important tasks can boost productivity. Dr. Bell's two-hour morning ritual is adaptable for any schedule.
What is the Daily Dozen diet?
The Daily Dozen is a plant-based longevity diet created by Dr. Michael Greger. It includes twelve groups of foods—beans, berries, cruciferous vegetables, greens, nuts, seeds, and more—aimed at reducing chronic disease and supporting long-term health.
How does NASA research apply to everyday health?
Space research reveals how environment, stress, and nutrition affect human performance. The same principles—good sleep, clean diet, social connection—are vital on Earth for optimal cognitive function and resilience.
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