Radio star Ash London’s tips on exercise, motivation and happiness

Radio presenter Ash London says having something to focus on — like her goal of training for a virtual running festival — helps keep her happy and motivated.

Last year the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival saw thousands of entrants pounding out up to 42km past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, from the Opera House to the Harbour Bridge.

Not this year, though. Just ask radio star Ash London, who has been training hard for what will be a very different race.

She’ll be one of the entrants in Sunday’s virtual run, with participants running their own race, either at home or on the streets around them.

It might not be what she was expecting but like most of us, London says having something to focus on — a goal to stretch for — has helped keep her happy and motivated during Australia’s rolling lockdowns.

“I am super proud of the emphasis I’ve put on both physical and mental fitness in isolation,” she tells Health Hacker.

“With past experience, I know that if I let either of those things slide (even in the best of times) I feel the consequences pretty quickly.

Ash London has been getting fit for the Blackmores Running Festival’s virtual event.

“Daily yoga has been a lifesaver for both mental and physical fitness. Having the Blackmores Running Festival as a goal to train for has also forced me to get my sneakers on and pound the pavement, whether it’s a walk or a run.

“Oh, and having a hound that requires a walk twice a day has been a blessing because on days when the weather is bad, or I’m comfortable on the couch — whether I like it or not — she must be walked.”

It hasn’t been all running shoes and exercise, of course. When I caught up with London this week she’d been hard at work practising one of my absolute favourite hacks – an attitude of gratitude.

It’s so easy to get lost in our own troubles and forget how lucky we really are. But changing your mindset, like any other exercise, takes practice and patience.

“I am an avid traveller both for work and pleasure, and usually find myself on a plane weekly,” London says.

“So staying home and being able to create a routine for my life has been a hidden blessing among isolation.

“I’ve been able to spend quality time with my husband, friends and my dog which is something I desperately needed.

“It’s all been an incredible reminder to me of how important it is to have a happy, healthy home life.”

So with that in mind, I thought I’d ask Ash to share with us her tips on exercise, happiness and motivation. And best we ask her now, because by the time you read this she’ll be recovering from the virtual race of her life.

HEALTH AND FITNESS HACKS...

WITH ASH LONDON

Ash London says to find happiness in the little things. Picture: James Gourley

1. Enjoy what you do

“When exercising, find something you enjoy,” London says.

“There are so many ways to move your body, you just have to experiment to find something that works for you. If budget is a concern then just whack on your sneakers and walk around the block. That won’t cost you a thing.”

2. Think positive

“You won’t always feel like doing certain things that you know are good for you like eating healthy, exercising, meditating or getting an early night sleep,” she says.

“But you never regret doing it afterwards. On the days when I genuinely can’t be bothered getting up and walking, running or heading to yoga, I remember how good I felt afterwards last time. It always helps.”

3. Find happiness in every day things

“Happiness is always found in the simple things,” London says.

“And so often we spend our lives chasing the things we think will make us happy, but won’t. Your issues will chase you on holiday. Your problems will stick around even if you double your salary. Your self-esteem won’t magically change if you drop a dress size. We need to learn to find happiness in the everyday.”

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Originally published as Radio star Ash London’s tips on exercise, motivation and happiness