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When this busy charity CEO needs a moment to unwind, she's no longer allowed to reach for a glass of wine... So what else does she use to relax?
Yvonne is the Chief Executive Officer of local charity Caring Cooks, which provides nutritious food to families across the island as well as hot meals and cooking education in schools.
Earlier this year, Yvonne embarked on a six-month sobriety challenge to help raise funds for the charity, while paying tribute to her sister.
Pictured: Yvonne's sidekick, Esme.
She often finds moments of peace and tranquility when hanging out with her family - children Kyle (25) and Ashton (16), and her 'sidekick' Esme the dog - but also finds comfort in other activities, as she explained...
...yoga.
I’ve flirted with all types over the years but had never really stuck to any particular discipline. However, I discovered Yin Yoga about 18 months ago and try to practice two to three evenings per week at The Studio on Gorey Pier. It’s amazing for relaxation.
I also attend sessions at Ashtanga Yoga Jersey five mornings per week, which really sets me up for the day before all the craziness starts. My new challenge is to not engage in phone / emails till after my morning practice, which is really hard! I also meditate in the evenings, which helps to switch my ‘monkey mind’ off before bed.
...with care.
I completed a health reset course with BonHealth (brilliant, by the way) in January, which cuts out all foods that may cause a reaction in the body. Although the course has finished, I’m trying to stick to a predominantly vegan diet - so lots of curries, stews, wholesome salads and gluten/daily free alternatives.
I do love a naughty chicken burger and fries now and again, though, and I’m a massive fan of mushrooms.
Oh, and you can’t beat a good Sunday Roast with lashings of gravy!
...a good Sauvignon Blanc... but not anymore!
I've given up alcohol for six months. These days, I’m drinking Kombucha and Gimber, which have loads of health benefits.
I was born and bred on Northern builders’ tea, but since cutting out cow’s milk, tea is just not the same with a dairy alternative, so I’ve switched to coffee with Oat Milk and I’m loving it – perhaps a little bit too much…
..a podcast, especially ‘The Diary of a CEO’ with Steven Bartlett.
In terms of music, I listen to absolutely anything apart from metal, which I just don’t get.
Being involved in music festivals in a previous life, I was exposed to a diverse mix of music, but my go to is a good guitar band or 80s music!
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...anything, as I’ve always been a bit of a bookworm.
Unfortunately, these days, there doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day!
I do have an Audible subscription, though, and the last book I downloaded was ‘Think Like a Monk’ by Jay Shetty, which I would highly recommend if you want to reset, re-evaluate and look at life through a different lens.
...a good Netflix box set (I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that!).
I enjoy long dog walks at the weekend, and I’m also quite partial to a long weekend at Glastonbury - my ‘spiritual home’, as I like to call it.
This article first featured on Bailiwick Wellbeing, your guide to wellness in work and island life to help you start the weekend the right way. Sign up now for FREE here.
