The key to balance and routine | Mindful Chef x Katarina Rayburn

After a summer of socialising and a slow return to normality, a lot of us have found it hard to maintain a routine and balance. We caught up with Mindful Chef ambassador Katarina Rayburn, to find out her top tips for maintaining a routine, and the importance of a balanced lifestyle.

KATARINA RAYBURN

Katarina Rayburn is a Yoga Teacher and Co-Owner of Kindred Yoga.

WHAT IS YOUR DAILY ROUTINE?

I always start my morning with coffee and eggs (when I have time) and then I’m off for a day of teaching yoga and hopefully getting some form of movement in for myself.

GIVEN YOUR BUSY LIFESTYLE, HOW MUCH DOES ROUTINE PLAY A ROLE IN KEEPING YOU HEALTHY?

It plays a very important role as I have to know exactly when I’ll have a free window of time around teaching and childcare to be able to do the things I love like going to a yoga class, a run, or do some strength training.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR MAINTAINING BALANCE?

Try to have 1-2 days off a week (I’m still working on this) and do something for yourself, like get a massage, go out for dinner with friends or take a long bath as often as you can.

DO YOU HAVE ANY NON-NEGOTIABLES WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR HEALTH?

Coffee in the morning is sacred for me and movement every day even if it’s just a little walk around the block. Obviously sometimes sofa days are needed but if ever I feel like I’m in a funk it’s usually because I need to get out, move my body or do some yoga.

Katarina enjoying a spot of yoga with her family.

WITH YOUR BABY AND BUSY TEACHING SCHEDULE THINGS MUST GET SO HECTIC - DO YOU HAVE ANY TIME SAVING HEALTHY-HACKS? IF SO, WHAT ARE THEY?

In the morning if I don’t have time to make eggs I’ll make a vegan protein smoothie. I always keep chopped-up banana and pear in the freezer plus bags of frozen berries, peas, and spinach ready to go for my smoothie. For dinner and/or lunch I use my Mindful Chef recipe boxes which are a lifesaver as once I’ve finished work and put Eliá to bed I don’t have much time or energy for anything else so it’s great knowing there is everything I need ready to make an exciting and nutritious dinner.

HOW DO YOU STAY CALM WHEN THINGS GET TOO STRESSFUL?

Doing yoga, going for a walk or a run always help to calm me down, and spending time with Eliá always helps me to put things in perspective.

WE KNOW IT'S NOT ALL BROCCOLI VS. BIRTHDAY CAKE. HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN BALANCE IN NUTRITION?

I try to always have a little of what I love so I don’t get into situations of wanting to gorge on something I’ve starved myself of for ages.

WE KNOW WE'VE ALL BEEN MAKING IT UP DURING COVID. WHAT'S THE SURPRISING LESSON YOU'VE LEARNT IN THIS LAST YEAR?

I’ve learned the art of delegating. This last year I launched my yoga teacher training on top of a new online business (thanks to covid) plus having my daughter Eliá, I couldn’t have done it all without letting go of some of the control to the amazing support network I have around me.