The cook, author and wellness expert shares her Ayurveda-inspired tips for staying on top of your wellbeing when the festive frenzy kicks in
My morning ritual is…
Early morning is an important time to tune in with yourself before you become someone’s mum, partner, boss or employee. I wake around 5.30am to 6am, then use a tongue scraper – an ancient Ayurvedic tool. The idea is your body does a lot of detoxing overnight, which is why we end up with bad breath. Tongue scraping is something you can do in three seconds to feel better.
My bedtime routine is…
I do a hot balm cleanse with a face flannel, using essential oils, and try to be in bed before 10pm.
I love to cook…
Comfort food. Think loads of veggies fried with a splash of white wine, and some chicken broth, chilli and lentil penne added – a delicious, warming hug in a bowl!
I always tell my loved ones…
The advice that I need to hear myself – life’s for living. But we end up rushing around and feeling quite resentful for it. Ahead of Christmas, diaries become crazy, but you don’t need to accept every invitation. This year I suggested to friends doing a Christmassy brunch instead of a big celebration – ah, the relief!
My favourite way of relaxing is…
Being outside in nature. I’ve got three dogs, and we’ve got a big park near us. Sometimes we walk in the dark, which clears the cobwebs.
I inject positivity into my life by…
Reading spiritual and philosophical positive quotes from the likes of Lao Tzu, Rumi or Deepak Chopra. You remember whatever you’re suffering now billions of people have experienced the same, whether it’s a thousand years ago, a hundred years ago or yesterday.
Exercise to me involves…
Asking myself, ‘what is the remedy I need right now?’. If I’ve been stuck in a studio and not been able to move my body, I’m going for yoga flow or a run. If I’ve been in front of my laptop and feel tension, it will be something grounding like yin yoga.
My favourite mantra is…
How’s my Agni? Agni is a Sanskrit word for digestive fire. In Ayurveda, no food is good or bad, it’s just about your digestive capacity – making sure you’re actually hungry when you eat.
My biggest turn on…
I love chocolate, but as soon as I’m unconsciously snacking on a bar, it’s three-quarters gone. I then come off it for a couple of days and reset. It’s the same with coffee, alcohol and eating out. You’ve got to come back to base camp often. That’s the turn on – being really in tune with yourself.
The bad habit I’m glad I’ve kicked…
Giving myself a hard time if I take too much time not being productive. There’s that feeling, ‘what have I done with my day?’. But I try to be more of an observer rather than judgemental. Meditation helps – taking two minutes to sit on the sofa, breathe and connect to my inner self.
No.1 on my gratitude list is…
Life!
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