Daily Routine
On waking
I start my day with a large glass of lemon water first thing in the morning. More than just hydration, the lemon acts to aid digestion, help the liver to flush waste from the body, boost the immune system and support the adrenal system to alleviate stress.
I then do some form of movement - either lifting weights at the gym, a walk or pilates. Exercise increases blood flow, produces feel-good hormones, reduces stress and maintains the muscular and cardiovascular systems. For me, a mix of activities works best to create a high-functioning body. While I have trained at other times of the day in the past, I find that I am more consistent if I exercise in the morning (it helps ensure that, whatever the world throws at me, I have made the time for me). I always make sure I take a drink bottle and a towel when I train in the gym. I use alcohol wipes to clean the equipment before I use it. I wash my hands and clean my phone, watch and earphones before leaving the gym to minimise exposure to other people’s germs.
Early in the day
On days when I weight train, I take liquid collagen (I use Isagenix). I’ve found it very beneficial for my hair and nails in particular.
I use a boar-hair dry brush in long upward strokes on my legs, stomach, back and arms before I have a shower in the morning to promote circulation. After I shower, I apply moisturiser to my legs and arms and sunscreen to my face.
With the exception of chocolate, I gave up caffeine about 10 years ago so I have peppermint tea with breakfast which is either a big bowl of fresh fruit salad, chia pudding with berries, porridge or poached eggs (usually only on weekends).
I try to squeeze in a quick chore before starting work - empty the dishwasher, take out the bins, or perhaps throw on, hang or fold a load of washing.
During the day
I always have a large jug or drink bottle with water at my desk throughout the day.
I try to get as much incidental exercise as possible. I take the stairs rather than the lift and try to get out at lunchtime for a quick walk around the block.
Lunch is usually a salad, leftover dinner from the previous night or a salad sandwich and a piece of fruit. Vegetables are a great way to load up on vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre.
“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants”
I continue to drink water throughout the day with the occasional peppermint tea (which I favour more in the winter months).
Most days I will have a little yoghurt with fruit in the afternoon.
Later in the day
After work, I’ll cook dinner which is usually carbs (typically pasta or rice) and vegetables. Salad, stir fry, pasta and soup are all popular in our house.
I’ll then prep breakfast (and lunch if I am working in the office) for the next day. I do a quick cleanup of the kitchen and living room and might hang or fold a load of washing.
I try to go for a short walk after dinner with my hubby so we can chat about our respective days and begin the unwind.
Before bed
My sleep routine starts with a cup of peppermint tea and a square of dark chocolate, usually a piece of Lindt. I play a game on my phone while my hubby watches something on TV.
I have a shower where I do some cupping on my legs to promote circulation. While I brush my teeth, I lay on the bed with my legs in the air to soothe the parasympathetic nervous system.
If I have had a particularly stressful day, I will lie on my sleep induction mat for about 10 minutes to stimulate acupressure points on the back that promote relaxation.
I read for about 20 minutes, apply moisturiser to my hands and then do a short (usually 5-10 minutes) guided meditation. Most nights, I fall asleep during the meditation but, if I am awake throughout, I then gently transition to sleep.
