Getting Through the Grind: Toronto Influencer Mira Singh Shares Her Daily Rituals

Rituals matter.

Just ask any young professional how they get through the day and they’ll be able to breakdown all the practices that make them perfect.

The perfect example? coffee.

Fresh. Hot. Coffee.

So when we found out that McDonald’s was opening up its second standalone McCafé (in all of Canada) in Toronto’s Exchange Tower, we knew we had to send a few driven millennials down to check it out.

Enter Mira Singh, a Partnerships Ambassador for DECIEM and the brains behind lifestyle blog Smoke & Miras.

Read more to learn about her career path and her take on the new McCafé.

What was the inspiration for your career route?
I knew that my main goal was to be happy in whatever I did, and that’s something I keep in mind when it comes to my career. Nothing has ever been planned on my ‘pathway to success,’ but everything has just kind of happened; and for that I’m very thankful!

What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
So far, it would definitely be the first time I flew somewhere for work! I’ve gotten the chance to travel a lot with DECIEM since we are growing so quickly around the globe. But the first time I went on a plane for a meeting I remember smiling from ear to ear! I felt extremely adult/professional/old.

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What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Hit the snooze button, maybe 3 or 4 times – then plan my outfit! I’m really obsessed with taking #ootd Instagram shots so I do spend a bit of time in the morning getting dressed. Then I’ll scroll through some emails (I work off a few time zones so I wake up to a bunch of emails), then have a green tea and hit the road!

What’s the best part of your day?
The best part of my day would have to be – after a long and productive day at work – cooking myself dinner! It’s been a new pastime of mine (cooking), and I love to unwind with a glass of wine and test out new ingredients. I also have a certain skill to Snapchat the entire process so, I mean, that’s basically extra points.

What’s your favourite afternoon pick-me-up?Z
Of course it’s COFFEE! And a coffee from McCafé really does the trick!  

How would you define the perfect coffee break?
The perfect coffee break would be one where you really are taking the time to just be present, sit with yourself and tune out from life for a bit. I read a lot of literature by the Buddhist monk, peace activist and author Thich Nhat Hanh, and just being aware and awake to the present moment is extremely powerful and calming. MS SELFIE

Does your routine change when you know it’s going to be a long day at the office?
I wish I would be able to know! Most of the time I’ll stay later just to be at peace and relax when I go home, but if I know its going to be a longer day, I’ll try to squeeze in an early morning workout before I get in (6am). It helps me stay focused throughout the day.

What’s your favourite on-the-go meal for lunch?
It really depends on the day but sometimes it will be a slice of pizza, other times I’ll have a nibble of the Thai food that we usually order in to the office. If I do grab a salad, I love the ‘I’m Greeking Out’ Salad Bowl from McDonald’s!

How has your daily routine changed since you’ve grown older?
I have realized the importance of nourishing your body! Getting a good night sleep and having nutritious meals throughout the day is so essential for productivity.

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What are the rituals you have during a work day?
I really love everyone I work with so one ritual would definitely be going to talk to all my coworkers/friends in person. The simple power of sharing a quick story or a laugh really does wonders J  I also post a gram’, whether it be my outfit, or my lunch. Other than that I try to get my inbox down to zero every day, so I can begin the next day with a fresh start.

How do your rituals differ from the weekday to the weekend?
To be completely honest, apart from going out and seeing my friends in the evenings, not that much! I will usually wake up around the same time, but I’m able to go to a workout class mid-morning, (my favorites are Lagree and Track Fitness). After that I’ll run around doing errands or meet some friends for brunch. And of course, maybe squeeze in a bit of shopping! I will also SnapChat the entire thing in case you are even more curious.

What does the word notable mean to you?
Someone who doesn’t wait in line.

And to celebrate McDonald’s second standalone McCafé in all of Canada, we’re inviting 3 of you (and yes, you get to bring a plus one) to the exclusive launch event on January 13th (from 6-8pm) where you’ll be joining us, Mira and a few others  well known in the blogosphere, for some good music, delicious food, drinks and giftbags for the road home. All you have to do is fill out the form below.

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*Attendance will be confirmed via email.