Marcus Hunter-Neill's ventures during lockdown included setting up a consultancy and developing coaching programmes
Up and at it - what is your new morning routine? How has it changed?
I am a bit of a creature of habit – My alarm goes off at 7.30am and I hit the snooze button a few times before having coffee and going through a 'Morning Gratitude' list. I also usually do some form of guided meditation - usually one that is more subliminal, so if I fall asleep it doesn't really matter. I set a second alarm, just in case...
What might you eat in a typical working day for...Breakfast?
A handful of nuts.
Lunch?
A green smoothie with avocado, celery, walnuts, spinach and mango. I like to have my five-a-day in one glass.
Evening meal?
Mac and cheese.
Have you been able to work from home - if so, how have you found it?
I have found Zoom a very useful tool, as my energy travelling to places has not been diluted. I hosted weekly Zoom bingo which raised funds for a 'helping hands' company I set up during lockdown called The U=Can NetWork (theucannetwork.com) through which I've managed to help over 600 people with website design and business development, to food parcels and electricity bills. During this time I also set up a consultancy company and developed three of my own coaching programmes. I now have clients from all over the world.
Best/easiest lockdown meal?
Mac and cheese - Marcus style - became a real favourite. It is quite indulgent with a creamy, white wine sauce and four different types of cheese.
Weekend treat?
Closing the curtains and settling on the sofa to watch a few good movies with a freezer full of ice-cream nearby.
How have you kept physically and mentally fit during lockdown?
I have a little work-out routine using weights and a stretchy band I bought online. I also do circuits in between programmes or during the adverts on TV. I try to make exercise fun, so I will do lots of star jumps and skipping - I'm lucky, living in an old Victorian building, that I've got nice high ceilings for skipping in my living room.
What has been your daily outdoor exercise?
I bought myself a pair of roller boots which are really good fun. I live very close to CS Lewis Square and when I saw adults out in the square, rollerblading, I thought I would get myself a pair too. Sometimes I will rent a bike and go for a cycle for a few hours - it costs less than £2.
How do you relax?
I'm a big fan of meditation and wine, but not always at the same time... I have a wonderful roof garden that is bursting with colours and blooms, so it's a joy to sit out there in good weather, among the bees and butterflies.
Teetotal or tipple?
Tipple - I have taken to creating different cocktails.
What book are you currently reading?
My own - I'm currently in the process of writing two books. One is an Irish fiction novel based around the historical abuse and corruption within the Church and the other is a type of self-help book, using my own life experiences - mostly my life blunders - to help people learn how to fall in love with themselves and see their lives transformed.
Best Netflix?
I'm absolutely in love with Schitt's Creek.
Most surprising thing you've learned about yourself?
I was surprised to learn how much I enjoy my own company. I am probably the perfect definition of an ambivert.
On a scale of one to 10, where have you been in relation to cabin fever and where are you now?
Quite low on the scale, even at the beginning. It never felt a struggle because of my beautiful roof garden, my high ceilings and gorgeous big bay window that I sit in to have my morning coffee, watching the world go by, below.
What are the three things you missed most during the beginning of lockdown?
Hugs, travel and live theatre.
Where will you go and what will you do when restrictions are fully lifted?
One of my best friends lives just outside Barcelona, so I should be jumping on a plane there very soon. I have some speaking work in LA later on in the year and also work in Portland, Oregon, Germany and Tokyo, so, depending on travel restrictions, I hope to travel to these countries as well.
Biggest gripe?
I don't really tend to gripe much... my only real frustration, really, was a major lack of knowledge around IT stuff at the beginning.
Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?
I very much roll with life and always try to make the best out of every situation, so that hasn't changed.
Any new skills or hobbies?
Yes - video editing, mixology (both coffees and cocktails), rollerblading and skipping. I was really lucky to be awarded an Arts Council grant, which meant I was able to buy some really wonderful equipment and make and edit a concert for the NSPCC and Childline.
What would you like to see change for good when this is all over?
I think a major thing would be realigning our work-time structure. For hundreds of years it's been 'nine to five', but people's lives are so fluid at the moment that basically, as long as the job gets done and gets done well, it shouldn't matter what time somebody clocks in and leaves.
Has coronavirus changed your attitude towards your own mortality?
Not in the slightest - when it's your time, it's your time. I have zero fear of death or the afterlife. Every single religion has the same premise - do to others as you would have them do to you, live a good life and look out for your fellow man. I do my best to help everybody around me, so I have no fear of what's on the other side. I'd say my karma is good.
Lady Portia is back with an outdoor Saturday and Sunday show at the Maverick in Belfast and is also the Positively Portia vlog this month.
