1. Up and at it - what is your morning routine?
My morning routine always starts with a coffee first, whether I’m working in the hospice or not, followed by my skincare routine. Then, I’m usually out for a walk with the dog and tidying up around the house.
2. What might you eat in a typical working day for...
Breakfast? A typical breakfast would be granola, fruit or a yogurt.
Lunch? Lunch is rice or noodles with vegetables and some sort of meat.
Evening meal? My evening meal can range from anything from salad to leftovers. I need to change what I eat every day, as I get bored easily. I’m fortunate, though, in that I enjoy a variety of foods.
3. ls nutrition important to you - do you take health supplements?
Yes, nutrition is very important to me; I like to have a balanced diet and I make sure to have fruit, vegetables and protein each day in my meals. I take a probiotic and vitamins every morning, along with my collagen.
4. Ever been on a diet - if so, how did it go?
Yes, probably from my teenage years, I’ve been very aware of dieting. I try it now and then, but prefer to keep up my exercise and eating well. I feel diets can have a negative impact on your mental health and can become obsessive.
5. Weekend treat?
Yes, of course - I love weekend treats and will definitely indulge in one or two if I’m not working. A treat could be anything at all - going out for dinner or just enjoying a takeaway at home. I believe it’s important to treat yourself after working hard. You should try not to be too hard on yourself when it comes to treats.
6. How do you keep physically and mentally fit?
I am always ‘on the go’, particularly at work. I’m always walking or running which keeps me physically healthy and also benefits my mental health.
You are responsible for making memories and bringing yourself happiness. Losing my grandparents during the pandemic was awful, because it took away precious time for us as a family
— Rebecca Jennings
7. Best tip for everyday fitness?
Just enjoy it. If you dread exercising daily, you could try to make it more fun, like walking to the coffee shop or meeting up with friends or family. Little and often also helps, as well as setting smart and realistic goals. Keeping up with the housework totally works, too.
8. Were you a fan of schools sports/PE or do you have a memory from those days that you would rather forget?
I hated PE in school - the pleated skorts were horrible and I didn’t like how girls and boys were split into different groups, such as football for the fellas and gymnastics for the girls. I preferred football, hockey, and rugby, which involved matches and competitions, so I guess I preferred team sports.
9. Teetotal or tipple?
It’s a tipple for me - especially if it’s a cocktail or two or a gin with the girls. I love getting out dancing whenever I can. It helps me wind down, but I try and make sure everything is in moderation.
10. Stairs or lift?
Stairs, usually - better for the legs. I used to have a fear of elevators, but if it’s 10 floors up, then it’s the lift for me.
11. What book are you currently reading?
I’m reading Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.
12. Best Netflix/streaming TV?
I’ve just finished watching One Day on Netflix - make sure you have tissues nearby, as it’s an emotional one…
13. Any new skills or hobbies?
Running. I started in January to prepare for the Belfast City marathon relay race (on Sunday May 5) to raise money for Marie Curie, along with some of the other nurses I work with at the hospice. I’m slowly starting to catch the running bug.
14. How do you relax?
Usually, with a self-care evening which might include a bubble bath, candles, face mask and a book - with a gin in my other hand.
15. What would you tell your younger self?
Go easy on yourself - everything has a purpose and it will work out in the end. Stop being your worst critic and believe in yourself.
16. What are you goals for 2024?
To be the best version of myself, to travel to at least four new places, to create more memories and take lots of pictures, no matter what.
- ‘I cut out alcohol and my energy levels soared’ - novelist Carlo GeblerOpens in new window
- ‘If you didn’t like camogie there wasn’t much else on offer’ - folk artist Jane CassidyOpens in new window
- ‘Being a performer is like being an athlete - we need to look after our bodies just as much’ - Shamrock Tenor Tom BrandonOpens in new window
17. What time do you get to bed and do you think you get enough sleep?
I don’t have a great sleep pattern, I’m afraid. I will go to sleep earlier on my working days and stay up later when I’m off bingeing on a Netflix series. Usually, I get to sleep between 10.30pm and 12.30am - and I know I don’t get enough sleep.
18. Biggest gripe or regret?
Possibly, not travelling before starting full-time employment, but ultimately, I have no regrets. I live life to the full.
19. Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?
Massively, especially since working as a palliative care nurse. You have to take life by the horns and do everything you want to do - and more. You are never ‘too old’ to enjoy life, because one day you will look back and wish you had said, ‘Yes’ to everything.
20. Has coronavirus - or any health epiphany or life event - changed your attitude towards your own mortality?
Becoming a palliative care nurse has taught me a lot over the past 18 months - it’s shown me what is important in life. It has made me realise that you are responsible for making memories and bringing yourself happiness. Losing my grandparents during the pandemic was awful, because it took away precious time for us as a family, and so many people spent months alone and feeling vulnerable. Looking back, it has helped me appreciate my life and family more.
