Alan Quinlan,Former Munster and Ireland rugby player
Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?
I think I have. Having been a professional rugby player for so long, I had good habits regarding fitness and diet. I eat fairly well and I look after myself so I think I’m relatively healthy.
How often do you exercise?
Since I retired from rugby, I’ve tried to go to the gym a couple of times a week. I do weights and cardio work. I’m training for a white-collar boxing event at the moment.
Do you get your five a day?
I try to eat a lot of veg, but I’m not sure if I get five every day. I try to have veg with dinner or with lunch. I eat good fruit too, a lot of bananas and apples.
Do you worry?
Yes, I do of course. Sometimes that’s not great for your mental health. I worry but it’s something I’ve got a bit better with, not looking too far ahead. I can take on too much pressure at times and can get stressed out. I think in general, it’s in my nature to be a bit of a worrier but I certainly try not to worry as much.
What do you do to relax?
I love to play a game of golf. I really enjoy it. It can be a frustrating game if you don’t play it too well and it can be time consuming, but I find it relaxes me and I can switch off a bit.
I also enjoy listening to music, going for a walk or to the cinema or doing some reading.
What’s your unhealthiest habit?
Smoking, unfortunately. I started pretty young and I’ve been on and off them for years but I’m going to try to give them up completely. I don’t smoke that much but obviously they are not good for your health long term. I feel a bit of a hypocrite at times telling people to be healthy. I don’t drink that much but my worst habit is definitely cigarettes.
Alan Quinlan supports Mental Health Reform's online petition for Government investment in community mental health services, mentalhealthreform.ie.
In conversation with Joanne Hunt
