Niamh Kavanagh, singer
Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?
Mostly, but the lack of routine sometimes throws things off. With some late nights, you’re not eating at the same time as other people. With the kids, you maintain more of a routine during the week.
How often do you exercise?
I walk every day for about an hour and I swim maybe twice a week, so heart-wise I’m quite fit. There are a few brilliant walks not far from where I live and I have a dog so that’s a great incentive.
Do you get your five a day?
I’m a big fan of vegetables. When I take the kids shopping, we have competitions to see who can find the oddest vegetable. It’s all the other stuff I like to eat on top of that that’s the problem. I’ve suffered on and off from anaemia for years so I always have to watch my iron intake too.
Do you worry?
I try not to carry worry. I love yoga and I’m great for taking a few minutes out to just sit. I think that definitely helps the brain because things can get out of hand very quickly in your head if you’re not paying attention. Most people would say I take things in my stride, but you do carry it and sometimes I think you have to do a little mental check on yourself to manage it.
What do you do to relax?
My favourite things are to read, walk and spend time with the kids. We go to a mobile home in Donegal. In term time I run around like a headless chicken and I’m probably doing gigs too, but there, I just exhale.
What’s your unhealthiest habit?
I love butter, the real stuff or nothing. It’s never going to be sweets for me, it’s always savoury and it will nearly always involve butter.
Kavanagh will speak in Donegal on May 18th and Athlone on May 25th about her experience of supporting a loved one through depression. See leanonme.net
