Elle Macpherson talks juggling work, life, family and sleep…

There’s a direct link between stress and email use, so avoid logging on when you’re feeling anxious. Instead, do things that boost your happiness and bring you joy to balance work obligations.

A BIT ABOUT ME

As a mother, wife and entrepreneur, I am constantly on the go and multitasking.

Plus both my businesses, WelleCo and EMB, are based in Australia, while I live in Miami, so they are waking up when I am about to go to sleep! I’ve had to learn how to balance everything and these days, I insist on doing things for their joy factor.

DIARISE EVERYTHING

Some of the best advice I ever received is that you should schedule everything into your diary with equal importance.

Whether it’s a business meeting, yoga class or whatever, mark out the time and don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ when there is a clash.

INSIDE OUT

I’m definitely a morning person and before I even get out of bed, when the family isn’t yet up, I take 30 minutes for myself – no screens, no social media – time to prepare mentally for the day ahead.

Soon, I’m taking myself completely off the grid on a hiking and yoga retreat in California where there will be no Wi-Fi or mobile phone service – a total digital detox!

KNOW YOUR PRIORITIES

When I was in my 20s and 30s, my schedule was so busy I didn’t have enough time to sleep, let alone eat well. I found myself run-down and fatigued. Now I have learned to look after myself.

In my late 40s, I discovered the profound benefit of eating alkaline from nutritional doctor Dr Simone Laubscher, who explained how many health problems stem from a foundation of acidity. Our bodies function optimally when our ‘water’ components are alkaline, which allows toxins to be removed and our cells to divide correctly.

Parenting is my priority. I have two boys and three step-kids. If any of them need me, they come first. That’s the deal.

THE OUTCOME

My life philosophy is ‘jump and watch the net appear’. It all works out in the end and if it hasn’t worked out, it’s not the end (or the end of the world). At 52, I feel the best I’ve ever felt. I now know confidence comes from wisdom, intuition, experience and love.

ELLE MACPHERSON’S 5 TIPS TO THRIVE WHEN YOU’RE BUSY

1. Take time out
Incorporate an activity to de-stress every day, whether it’s meditation, yoga or walking the dog.

2. Have a laugh
Laughter opens the heart and smooths conflict. Almost everything can be resolved with a healthy dose of non-judgement and a sense of humour.

3. Alkalise yourself
To restore your energy levels. Every morning, I mix Super Elixir’s Alkalising Greens with coconut water.

4. Trust yourself
Leading a busy lifestyle with a detail-orientated mind, I have learned to use my intuition more. So should you.

5. Sleep!
I make sure I get seven hours’ sleep a night. Prioritise your sleep.