Page 28 - Retail Pharmacy Assistants - October 2020

26 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW FROM PAGE 25 more so (especially in current times) for mental health, moving the body (outside and in nature, wherever possible), is crucial on so many levels. The busier we are, the more important it is to have that time set aside each day to move the body in an uninterrupted manner. Add to that, when we do exercise, it helps with productivity, motivation, sleep, and generally just helps us to feel better. Personally, I think getting up early and exercising first thing is the way to go. It sets the tone for the rest of the day, and there are fewer things to get in the way. Without a doubt, doing it later rarely happens in most people’s busy lives. Apart from owning the mornings, working with a coach and having training partners is another great way to hold yourself accountable. Most people think having a coach is something only professionals do, but believe me, hiring a coach was the best thing I ever did for my performance as an athlete, and again as a business owner. There are plenty of trained professionals out there just waiting to help you. Investing in a coach is investing in becoming a better you. What impact does exercise have on stress, anxiety and mental health, especially now with the Covid-19 lockdowns in some parts of the country? There are countless studies out now that detail the importance of exercise for mental health. Exercise, eating well, socialising, getting a good night’s sleep all work hand in hand to keep us healthy, inside and out. Moving your body each day, however that looks for you, is a great place to start, and with that everything else will follow. You’re also a qualified dietitian. Talk us through the importance of a healthy diet. How can it aid not only sporting performance but also performance in the workplace? You really are what you eat. Just like moving your body is vital, so too is fuelling your body with wholesome, nutritious foods. Keeping it simple and maintaining sustainable eating habits is a sure-fire way to keep yourself healthy and energised. Choosing mostly (80 per cent of the time) wholefoods over highly processed foods is going to help your performance and productivity right across your life. In the words of \\\[US author, journalist and activist\\\] Michael Pollan: ‘Eat food, not too much, and mostly plants’. Think back to how our grandparents ate or we ate as kids. We all need to do more of that. The more high-paced and stressful your life schedule is, the more it becomes important to fuel yourself well. It sounds counter intuitive, but the more “There are countless studies out now that detail the importance of exercise for mental health. Exercise, eating well, socialising, getting a good night’s sleep all work hand in hand to keep us healthy, inside and out.” RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • OCT 2020