Emma Gunavardhana is the host of The Emma Guns Show, one of the UK’s top-rated health and beauty podcasts


For me, wellness is…


Being in tune with what makes me feel good. I know that eating nourishing food and looking after my skin and hair is a worthwhile investment. I also love being active, so I factor that into my routine, and because I can get stressed and anxious, I make sure I keep on top of that, too.


Make time


I’ve talked at length about habits on my podcast, The Emma Guns Show, and how to gradually build things into your routine that are good for you, so they become a reflex. It doesn’t happen overnight, so it’s about committing to take action every day.


What is your biggest wellness challenge?


Food. I have misused food a lot over the years; eating too much of it, restricting it, fearing it, feeling helpless around it. I made huge progress a few years ago when I learnt about binge eating disorder (BED), but I still have to keep an eye on it. It’s a complicated balance because food can make me feel amazing, but it can also make me feel terrible if I misuse it.


My wellness inspirations are…


I really appreciate fitness content from Zanna van Dijk, Alice Liveing and Jillian Michaels on Instagram. I trust them and their expertise, and I always feel positive for having spent time with them online. I also love the feeds of Dr Rupy Aujla, Dr Gemma Newman and Dr Rangan Chatterjee for inspiration and information.


Which wellness habit has had the biggest impact on your life?


Slowing down. It sounds a bit vague, but it’s so easy to get caught up in the “rush” of modern living, and you end up missing so much and getting burnt out. I love being busy but now I try to balance it and smell the roses, as they say.


Three wellness wins

I love to workout first thing in the morning. It’s a sense of achievement and something to tick off my to-do list before the work day begins – and it makes me feel great.

I’ve started reading a book and listening to an autobiography each week, and it’s one of the best habits. You get to travel, learn and see the world through other people’s eyes.

Breath work is such an easy way to either energise yourself first thing or wind-down at night. I follow Wim Hof exercises on YouTube most days.