5 Ways To Well with Claire Allen

Claire Allen, Director of the Guernsey Literary Festival, shares her 5 wellbeing essentials.

 

 

1.  Starting My Day with Nature and Movement.

My favorite way to start the day is with a morning bike ride, embracing the calm of the early hours. There's something magical about catching the first light of day, and on rare occasions, I’m treated to a breathtaking sunrise. It’s such a peaceful way to begin the day, and by the time I head to work, I feel like I've already conquered the world - a great way to set a positive tone for whatever comes next.

 

2.  Batch Cooking Healthy Meals.

Batch cooking is my secret weapon against the stress of meal planning, especially when life gets busy. Lately, I've been experimenting with new vegetarian recipes, which has been a fun challenge - though my teenage kids aren’t always as enthusiastic! It’s rewarding to have meals prepped and ready to go, freeing up time and energy for other things.

 

3.  Making Time for Friends and Family.

While it might not be the first thing people think of when it comes to wellness, spending quality time with family and friends is absolutely top of my list. I try to set aside time each week to catch up with friends, as well as carving out moments for family time, whether it's a shared dinner or simply being present for each other. These connections are a huge part of what keeps me grounded and happy.

 

4.  Cold Water Swimming.

There’s no better way to refresh and reset than a cold-water swim, especially in the sea. I also love taking a quick dip during my lunch break at the Bathing Pools. And nothing beats following up with a hot bowl of soup from the café. Also, I can't forget to mention how amazing the new Hot Haus sauna is!

 

5.  Reading.

As the organiser of the Guernsey Literary Festival, it’s no surprise that I’m an avid reader! My favourite time to immerse myself in a good book is in the evening, just before bed, or on a quiet Sunday afternoon. For me, reading is a wonderful way to disconnect from screens and the busy world around me. I’ve also read that regular reading can boost lifespan and has numerous benefits for brain health.