1. Up and at it - what is your morning routine?
I get up at 5.45am - I start my day early before the children get up. I do my mantra, gratitude and goals - this is important, to be intentional about my day. At 7am I join an Instagram live group and do the ‘555′ routine which consists of five minutes of breath work, five minutes of meditation and then five minutes of gratitude. After all that, I get the children up and get the day really started. I always set targets and goals for the day ahead to ensure maximum productivity. This helps me focus and reduce procrastination. I write everything down.
2. What might you eat in a typical working day for...
Breakfast? I do a little mix of Weetabix crunched up with Greek yogurt, raspberries and chocolate chips. I prepare this in advance so it’s ready for the next morning.
Lunch? A chicken wrap or soup, usually.
Evening meal? Whatever the kids want… this could be spaghetti bolognese, a chicken dinner or a stir-fry.
3. Is nutrition important to you – do you take health supplements?
I am definitely mindful of balance. I take omega 3, vitamin D3 and L-Lysine. I can be sporadic with nutrition. I am not as consistent as I could be, but I believe balance is key.
4. Ever been on a diet – if so, how did it go?
Yes, lots of diets and none worked.
5. Weekend treat?
A weekend treat for me is going out for a meal somewhere - and not skipping the dessert.
6. How do you keep physically and mentally fit?
Exercise is very important to me for both mental and physical strength. My best days are when I have exercised early - it sets me up for the day, especially when I have pushed myself or if I have set a new personal best. I love walks and where I live there are plenty of beautiful ones in the countryside. I have a dog, so she is a great motivator.
7. Best tip for everyday fitness?
I have quite a few... consistency is key and ensuring you enjoy whatever type of exercise you have chosen. Also, always set aside time out of your day, practise gratitude and breathwork, make sure you stay hydrated, have a plan and set goals.
8. Were you a fan of schools sports/PE or do you have a memory from those days that you would rather forget?
I definitely did not enjoy PE at school – in fact, I avoided it at all costs. I am not competitive; I only compete against myself.
9. Teetotal or tipple?
A very occasional tipple; I can take it or leave it on a night out. A wee glass of wine does the trick every now and again.
10. Stairs or lift?
Ah, this really depends on my mood - mostly stairs, but there is no harm taking the lift either... it depends if I need to get my steps count up.
My goal is to have mental health first aiders in every workplace in order to reshape how we support each other
11. What book are you currently reading?
I am reading a few. I like to read myself as well as listening to audible books in the car. I also facilitate a book club, so there may be a few on the go at any one time. Titles at the moment include Napoleon Hill’s Outwitting the Devil: The Secret to Freedom and Success annotated by Sharon Lechter; Life Magic Mastery for Moms by Karen P Weaver; and Abuntu by Tererai Trent.
12. Best Netflix?
Yellowstone - a fantastic series based in the Yellowstone ranch in America. It features a feisty female with an unusual method of dealing with issues both personally and professionally.
13. Any new skills or hobbies?
I’ve recently started jiving lessons - a few of us head out on a Wednesday night to the jiving gym - the location may change at times, but it is always a lot of fun.
14. How do you relax?
I do breathwork which helps me relax. Also, journalling, reading and listening to music.
15. What would you tell your younger self?
You had the power all along - you just needed to believe.
16. What are your goals going forward?
I am writing a new book called The Green Dress and I have more mental health tool box talks coming out, too. My goal is to have mental health first aiders in every workplace in order to reshape how we support each other.
17. What time do you get to bed and do you think you get enough sleep?
I always try to aim for rest and bed at 10pm and to get in a good solid eight hours. Yes, the majority of the time I think I do get enough sleep.
18. Biggest gripe or regret?
Not forgiving myself quickly enough.
19. Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?
The more I learn, the more my perspective can change, but my priorities never do - it is always my children first.
20. Has coronavirus – or any health epiphany or life event - changed your attitude towards your own mortality?
There have been a few - people close dying young, a few health scares and definitely having children. I do not let this stop me in any way, though; it makes me appreciate all that I have and the opportunities that I have had in life and helps me make sure that I look after myself properly.
:: Emma Weaver is the founder of Mental Wealth International which aims to transform workplaces through signature toolbox kits, workshops and mental health First Aid. mentalwealthinternational.com
