by Clarissa Hartley

At 45, this influential actress-turned-health and fitness coach credits her enduring vitality not to weight loss regimens, but to a deliberate pursuit of happiness. She attributes her thriving state to consistent fitness routine, particularly running, which she says aligns her “feel-good hormones”. When muscles activate, the body consequently releases antidepressant hormones, triggering an uplifting effect.

For her, running requires minimal effort and concentration; in fact, it’s the rhythm of her feet striking the pavement and her beloved music that propels her forward, transporting her memory to happy times and significantly aiding her cognition. Perhaps unexpectedly, running is not just a physical activity for her; it’s an integral part of her mental health strategy. Rarely does she regret a run, save for the times clumsy detours off-road have resulted in ankle rolls.

Having completed two London Marathons and a home-based marathon during a lockdown, she believes in this sport’s cognitive benefits. During her home marathon, she raised an impressive amount of over £30,000 for the National Health Service, which was a significant motivator. Connecting with people live, receiving supportive messages, and sharing nostalgic 90s house music made the experience even more uplifting.

She also discusses her use of a ReOxy machine which simulates an oxygen-depleted state, forcing the body to adapt and hence improving its efficiency in utilizing oxygen. She noticed a significantly improved recovery after long runs, with less post-exercise depression, aches, and reduced inflammation.

She also suggests weight training as an effective way to strengthen muscles and increase overall body strength. Exercising to upbeat rhythms enables her to focus less on counting reps and more on enjoying her workout.

As a firm believer in the importance of electrolytes for overall body functionality, she advocates for starting the day with a dose of magnesium, sodium, calcium, and potassium. These directly impact brain function, energy levels, and are most necessary when exercising. She advises against relying solely on bottled water for hydration, as the essential minerals can flush out, leading to dehydration.

Her three simple and free health hacks include skipping sunglasses to regulate circadian rhythms naturally, earthing to reduce inflammation, and practicing cold water exposure for an inexpensive, yet effective health boost.

She has taken an entrepreneurial leap, founding a science-driven, female-focused community and supplement brand, and authoring a book while running a weekly podcast series. This dynamic woman continues to inspire her followers to hack their health by prioritizing self-care, fitness, and most importantly, happiness.

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