The author and chart-topping podcast host on walking to wellbeing and why she’s not telling you what’s on her plate today
What is your daily routine?
“I’m such a morning person and a big believer in getting up and out. Skye, our baby, is an early riser, so our days start at around 5:30am. My work is so varied and there’s no real rhythm to the day, which makes every day interesting.”
How has your perspective of exercise changed over time?
“It’s the same as anything, for it to have a long-term impact and become a sustainable part of your life, you have to enjoy it. For me, I love long walks and doing yoga. I’ve found that it’s created a much more consistent way of moving my body, not to mention the positive impact they’ve had on my mental health.”
What’s on your plate today?
“It really does vary every single day. I’m pregnant at the moment, so I’m experiencing all sorts of cravings, but normally I might be doing some yoga training, which makes me eat a lot more. I’m not a huge fan of imitating what other people eat because it’s so individual and personal.”
Where do you get your recipe inspiration from?
“We’ve got such a big audience now, so they’re very open and honest about their likes and dislikes. It’s so immediate to see what’s popular and I use that for ultimate guidance.”
What is the hardest lesson you’ve had to learn in your career?
“There have been so many challenges with starting our business [which Ella runs with husband Matt] – coronavirus being the most recent, but you just have to keep going. You have to find a solution and be a complete optimist in a sense that you will find the answer. It’s amazing how far you can get if you keep plugging away.”
How do you switch off?
“I wish I had an answer for this, as I’m still searching for one! There’s a never ending spiral with social media, and the work doesn’t really stop. [Matt and I] have spent many a date night talking about work – spreadsheets and cash flow aren’t very romantic! – but there are so many upsides, too. I love that we have a shared family ambition, that we can support each other fully because we’re both so invested and that we’re always so understanding when the other has to work. It’s created such a close bond between us.”
What does wellbeing look like to you?
“For me, it’s the little things that collectively make you feel happy and healthy. It’s a 10-minute yoga stretch, five minutes of quiet, a walk with a podcast or time spent with friends and family. I think wellness has become complicated and expensive, but that really doesn’t need to be the case. Wellbeing is about those simple, everyday things that on their own are quite small, but collectively can have such a powerful impact.”
For more, read this Deliciously Ella Quick & Easy by Ella Mills is published by Yellow Kite, out now