Wellness Diaries: actress and author Amy Huberman

I wake at… the sound of the youngest’s demands to be fed, watered, rocked, adored… you know, the usual early morning requests of a two year old. I’ve tried to reason with him that waking a little later is great for the skin and under eye bags, but he has neither so he doesn’t care.

The first thing I do every morning is… plead with the two year old to go back to sleep. Failing that, I go downstairs and fix his breakfast and then make myself a cup of tea. I start every day with a cup of tea and a square of chocolate, I’ve been doing it since my 20s, and apparently, my Granny used to do it. So it’s basically hereditary, I can’t help it.

My morning routine is… different every day! Work changes for me week to week which can keep life interesting but it’s not the best set-up for oul routines. Ideally, I’ll exercise twice a week very early, then I love to walk the kids to school. The morning is definitely my most fruitful part of the day when it comes to writing or meetings.

I can’t go to work without… loads of snacks stashed in a bag. And a coffee in hand.

The self-care tool I use every day is… a little time on my own, going for a walk with my dog Phoebe. I listen to a podcast or a book on Audible or these little 15-minute seminars my cousin sends me all about how our mind works! It’s really good for calming yourself, focusing, and a good dose of positivity.

The best part of my day is… Ooooooh that’s a hard one; I love the energy I have in the morning; the promise of what’s to come, but then in the evenings, when the homework is done, I’ve spent time with the family and pretended that I’ve sort of, not really, but there’s always tomorrow, got through some of the To Do list.

The most challenging part of my day is… very early evening. Every single day I promise to myself and proclaim to the whole family I am going to bed at 7.30. We all know it’s lies, but they go along with this never-ending charade bless them. I usually always bounce back with a second wind which is both a blessing and a curse (cut to still awake at 11.30 watching something I should have stopped watching 2 hours earlier).

I engage with self-care every day by… chatting to friends on the phone, and calling my Mum. I do love getting into pjs, making my hot water bottle (it only goes on leave for three months of the year) and putting on a face mask.

My daily self-care checklist routine includes… A big walk in the fresh air with the dog, doing something creative (be that work or other), laughing. If I don’t laugh or chat with the people who make me laugh, I don’t feel like I’m charging my soul. I’m putting joy on the self-care checklist!

The quickest, smallest thing I do for myself every day is… sometimes have a mind reset. It can be really quick. Sometimes we need to be our own cheerleaders. Being grateful; it perpetuates better things.

I know it’s been a good day if… my family are happy and content. Outside of that, if I’ve had a productive writing day, a creative day on set. I mean, other days it’s if I’ve brushed my hair and phoned someone back! I do mean this too, a good day for me would be chilling and resting. I love being busy, and I have a busy home and work life, but some days it’s okay to not feel you need to be productive.

I switch off from work by… sitting down and writing a list of the things I need to do; for me, for the family, for work. I divide them into urgency; starting with “enrol children into school” and ending with “maybe clear out the shed”. The shed is never getting cleared out.

Before I go to bed, I’ll… faff for way too long. I’m trying to mend my ways but I’m going to check if my Granny also did this and then make my peace with the fact it’s really not my fault.

After a long work week, I destress by… not cooking (you’d swear I was a culinary overlord), but there is nothing nicer than sitting on the couch and ordering your favourite takeaway. Or if I’m in the mood to throw on some heels and meet up with friends or go out for dinner with my husband, I always look forward to that too.

My go-to comfort meal is… a Thai noodle dish. Or a tikka masala with doorstops of naan bread!

When I really need a moment to myself, I always… go for a walk. I will always feel better after a good brisk walk and time to daydream listening to a good book.

Something I try to do for myself every day is… a few sit-ups. I always forget. I think I did five this week, which is an improvement on last week. Myself and my friend are trying to set a plank challenge every day and I’ve sort of, kind of, absolutely lied and told her I’m sticking to it. Sarah, if you’re reading this, I’m definitely going to start tomorrow.

The most reflective moment in the day is… nighttime for sure. I get sentimental and look through old photos.

The one person, place or thing guaranteed to give me joy is… My friends, my family, home.

I wish I could do… little bits in every day more mindfully. it’s difficult to live every day like that though. I think if for the most part, you are aware of time, of gratitude, that does help.

Everyone should try…Tanqueray’s 0.0% alcohol-free just launched in Ireland – the gorgeous taste of Tanqueray gin we have come to know and love but with no alcohol. It’s fab with an ice-cold tonic and a squeeze of lime, perfect to unwind!