What does your daily routine look like?
“I try to get up no later than 7am. I drink 500ml of water to wake me up, hop in the shower and I’m on air from 10am. After the show, I usually pre-record bits for an upcoming Live Lounge, grab lunch and then I’ll be recording my podcast. I always like to be at home no later than 6pm.”
How does exercise impact your mental health?
“Massively! Even when I don’t feel like it and have to drag myself to the gym, I never regret a workout. It increases my energy and makes me walk taller. It gives me more focus and makes me happy, especially when I squeeze a workout in the morning.”
Can you share your experience with burnout and how you overcame it?
“Around 2016, I had a really fun and jam-packed year, but by the end of it, I was exhausted, mentally and physically. I ended up going to a retreat for the first time and I was a bit sceptical at first, but it was one of the best things I’ve ever done. My phone was taken away from me, I had to meditate three times a day, eat non-processed food, write a journal. It was what I learned from it to bring back home which was the important thing. Now, when I feel like I’m doing too much, I try to have a week where I live like I was there and it’s definitely helped me swerve burn out.”
How do you achieve a good work-life balance?
“That’s the $64,000 question! I have learned the power of saying no, even to things I would really like to say yes to, just for my own sanity. It’s such a blessing to be offered work that is exciting and fun, but you can’t do everything and rest is essential. I make sure I really relax on weekends. I’ll go to the cinema or a gallery, see family and all the friends that always say ‘we must meet up!’.” What’s on your plate today? “For breakfast, I usually have porridge with agave syrup. My lunch consists of a wrap or rice box, with a salad on the side or something green, as I can hear my mum’s voice in my ear! Dinner is normally hearty fish, such as salmon, cod or tuna steak with kale, tomatoes and mushrooms.”
What have you learnt about self-care?
“I’ve learned that it’s essential and not just a buzz phrase! I think you can do your best for others when you start with yourself. It can be a face mask for some, or no TV and just books for others, practicing boundaries or going out dancing. It shouldn’t be judged!”
Who shows strength in your life?
“As cliché as it is, my mum and my friends who are juggling high pressure jobs, children and relationships; all my friends who dominate in fields where they are in a minority and who show up everyday and smash it – it’s inspiring!”
What advice would you give to your younger self?
“You are enough. Trust what your loved ones think of you, but even then it’s always down to you. Trust your gut, everyone is going through it, remember that you’re not alone.”
Clara Amfo a dynamic and bold broadcaster best known for her 10am -1pm BBC Radio 1 show, home of the world-famous Live Lounge. Her podcast This City is out now.
