A work-life balance doesn’t have to be the unicorn of modern life. As Red’s Senior Beauty Editor and mother of two small children, Alexandra Friend has developed some little-and-often techniques for slowing her world down just enough to cope with the chaos…
1. A mindful start
"I don’t have much time in the morning before my children wake up, so the first thing I do is put the kettle on for a hot water with lemon or herbal tea. The aim is to avoid looking at my phone until the mug is empty. It’s not the 20 minutes of meditation I used to do every day but it’s a start."
2. A brush with me-time
"My five minute-shower (I love The Ritual of Ayurveda Foaming Shower Gel) is the only time I get to lock the door and be on my own all day. I’ve written about dry body brushing so many times but it’s something I genuinely do – it wakes me up and keeps my skin feeling soft! I also think it’s the appeal of keeping one ritual for myself, when everything else around me feels so rushed. It’s an anchor of peace in my morning."
3. A calmer commute
"The lead up to the school run is two solid hours of bribing, cajoling and begging. But if I can get Clementine and Vivienne there on time, I can factor a half hour walk into my work commute. I listen to podcasts while I walk, often popular culture or health and wellbeing shows. The Emma Guns Show is one I never miss - it’s insightful, warm and reassuring on topics such as anxiety and stress. Self-care on the move."
4. Healthy habits
"I don’t think our bodies are supposed to sit still for such long stretches, so I try to physically visit people I need to speak to in the office rather than email them all the time – it’s a discipline but it works. I check my breathing when I remember too – it’s amazing how shallow or irregular it gets if I’m not paying attention. If I’m at home, I’ll often light a scented candle at around 5PM – it’s a way of signalling to myself that it’s time to start winding down."
5. Skincare rituals
"My 10 minutes of facial cleansing is my non-negotiable evening ritual, even if I have to do it while the girls are in the bath. Once they’re in bed I might do a couple of face masks. I’ve been obsessed with sheet masks ever since a facialist recommended working them into the skin with a crystal roller (I use rollers to iron knots out of my stiff shoulders too). I try not to look at my phone after 8PM – I’m pretty good at it, as I know I’ll sleep far better."
6. Simple stretches
"I’ve been trying different forms of yoga for years but never found the right one until a work friend took me to her Yin yoga class. Yin yoga features long, deep stretches, which is great for me as I like to take things slowly. I’ve also just discovered online classes at Movement For Modern Life for when I can’t make a class."
7. A thankful bedtime
"I love the idea of a gratitude journal but what really works for me is listing (in my head) three good things that have happened that day. Even on the worst days I can always find something. After a quick spritz of The Ritual of Ayurveda Bed and Body Mist, I fall asleep feeling content, positive, and (usually) looking forward to tomorrow."
For more inspiration on wellness rituals, visit rituals.com
