1. Up and at it - what is your morning routine?
I try to get up before the rest of my family, to enjoy some peace and quiet. In summer, this might be around 7am - closer to 6am in the winter months. I start with a cup of hot water and ginger and then roll out my yoga mat. If it’s warm enough, I love to wrap up and go outside for my morning yoga and meditation. I sit still for 20 minutes of silent meditation, then I do two mantra meditations (chanting), sometimes with some drumming. I will make a breakfast smoothie and then sort my son out, who is usually up by then and ready for his breakfast.
2. What might you eat in a typical working day for...
Breakfast? I start with hot water, lemon and ginger. Then, I make a smoothie or juice. I switch these up, adding greens if I feel like I need to cleanse and detox, or spice it up with some turmeric or ginger, which is great for healthy joints. I usually follow that with a bowl of fruit salad with peanut butter dressing, or a raspberry chia seed pudding. I drink coffee in the morning too, if I’m not detoxing or fasting.
Lunch? A bowl of homemade vegetable soup and some rice cakes or crackers with hummus or avocado. I also like sauerkraut and kimchi for lunch.
Evening meal? I usually make something for the whole family, like fish pie or vegetable/prawn curry or stir-fry. We barbecue a lot in the summer, so there will be lots of salads and roasted vegetables.
3. Is nutrition important to you – do you take health supplements?
Yes, I take supplements for healthy bones and joints. My next-door neighbour created Paradox Omega Oils, so I have been taking them for years.
A treat is grabbing a coffee and slice of cake… maybe a glass of wine
— Jennifer Greenlees
4. Ever been on a diet – if so, how did it go?
Maybe three times a year or more, I’ll do a five-day detox or three-day apple juice fast. I often encourage my yoga students to join me, which is fun and a bit easier when done together.
5. Weekend treat?
A treat is grabbing a coffee and slice of cake… maybe a glass of wine.
6. How do you keep physically and mentally fit?
On top of my daily self-care yoga and meditation routine, I like to get out into nature and train. I love being in the sea, doing some stand-up paddleboarding or swimming, or running on the beach. I also like cycling along the coast. I find these outdoor activities help me stay in shape and are also a great way to switch off from work.
7. Best tip for everyday fitness?
Do a short, 15-minute routine of stretching, rolling, and meditation - something you can fit into even your busiest day.
- ‘Walking up and down steep cliff paths with full diving gear is the best gym’ - surfer and freediver Hanno WindischOpens in new window
- ‘Cinema can be a fantastic way of bringing people together’ - Rob ManleyOpens in new window
- ‘I’m very happy to be back at The Brandywell, cheering on Derry City’ - Derry musician Marty CoyleOpens in new window
8. Were you a fan of school sports/PE or do you have a memory from those days that you would rather forget?
I loved sports, so PE was definitely a highlight for me at school. I enjoyed cross-country running, hockey, and swimming.
9. Teetotal or tipple?
I always liked to party and love going out for a few drinks with friends.
10. Stairs or lift?
Usually, always the stairs - unless I’m carrying lots of stuff.
11. What book are you currently reading?
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk.
12. Best Netflix/streaming TV?
I don’t really watch TV.
13. Any new skills or hobbies?
I have been really enjoying going to a mindful drumming class. I find it really fun and it ties in well with Kundalini yoga mantras.
14. How do you relax?
By going for regular massage and reflexology treatments. I find regular treatments are great for keeping aches and pains away - and they are my favourite way to de-stress.
I wish I could survive on four or six hours of sleep, but I only feel really rested after nine or 10 hours
— Jennifer Greenlees
15. What would you tell your younger self?
I always push myself really hard, so maybe I would say: ‘Be a bit more gentle with yourself’.
16. What are your goals for the rest of 2024?
To finish my long-distance paddle around Ireland fundraiser for the RNLI - I have the southwest of Ireland still left to do. I am writing a Yoga Detox book and I hope to have it finished and printed by Christmas.
17. What time do you get to bed and do you think you get enough sleep?
I wish I could survive on four or six hours of sleep, but I only feel really rested after nine or 10 hours. I try to get at least one or two really early nights, which means bed around 10pm.
18. Biggest gripe or regret?
I try not to have any regrets. Meditation is all about being in the moment and not focusing on the past, especially on things that didn’t go so well.
19. Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?
Having a son has changed my priorities; I have to think of his needs first.
20. Has coronavirus – or any health epiphany or life event - changed your attitude towards your own mortality?
Paddleboarding around Ireland can change your attitude to mortality – I am often out at sea by myself, paddling around coastlines that are often hard to reach by road. I try to plan my trips as safely as I can: I always check the weather conditions and try to gather as much local knowledge about the area. I break it down into sections, with plan A, plan B and plan C of where to get out if needs be. I always contact the coast guard to let them know what I am doing and I carry a VHF radio and a personal locator beacon. With my husband and son driving alongside to pick me up, I try to do everything as safely as I can. If I feel like the sea is too rough or if it’s too windy, I postpone my paddle. This can be frustrating at times, as I just want to get it done, but the sea is very dangerous around Ireland and I would rather be safe than sorry.
