What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness to me means finding balance in everything I do—regular exercise but making time to rest and recover, eating a healthy balanced diet but with the occasional cocktail, working hard but being fully present in my downtime, and being social while also making time to be alone with my thoughts.
How do you approach wellness?
I approach wellness by making it an integral part of my family's life. I don’t feel that it is a hardship but a privilege to be healthy and well, and I feel fortunate to have this core belief and attitude towards wellness. I want to instil this mindset in my children as well. When people say life is too short to prioritise health and fitness, I say that our lives could be cut short if we don't. I aim to live not just a long life, but an active, fun, and healthy one. There is nothing worse than being ill, so if I can reduce the likelihood of my boys or myself getting sick, it's absolutely worth it.
Any tips on fitting a wellness ritual into your busy schedule?
My best advice is to make time for wellness and weave it into your busy schedule. Make it a priority, even more important than a meeting. For instance, set your alarm 30 minutes earlier to get some movement in first thing in the morning, go for a walk on your lunch break, or have a bath and do some breathwork instead of watching TV or scrolling in the evening. Preparing a packed lunch the night before can also save time and stress. Planning ahead, being consistent, and not allowing other things to get in the way are key. Consistency helps turn these habits into non-negotiables.
Of all the wellness areas - mind, body, spirit, which are you drawn to most?
All of them! It's hard to choose just one as they are interconnected. However, my daily priority is moving my body because it benefits my mind, body, and spirit.
How often do you exercise? What do you love doing (apart from / including pilates)?
Absolutely, every day! I try to mix it up, but I always take my dog for a walk – that's my favourite type of exercise! Most days, I do 20 minutes of Pilates and mobility exercises in the morning and 5 minutes of stretching before bed. I also make time for at least three strength sessions using heavy weights each week.
How does nature connect to wellness for you?
In every way! The healing power of nature is profound. We are a part of nature, and I find being in it calming and invigorating. It gives me mental clarity and positivity – it heals me. I've never come back from a walk in nature feeling worse, especially when I focus on being mindful and present to the sights and sounds around me. Prioritizing our connection with the natural world can pave the way for a healthier and happier life.
