ITV favourite Alison Hammond has made a strikingly honest admission about her tendency to overwork, revealing the crucial personal lesson she has embraced over the past year.
A Workaholic's Realisation
The 50-year-old presenter, a mainstay on ITV’s This Morning and co-host of Channel 4’s The Great British Bake Off, confessed she is "a bit of a workaholic." However, she shared a recent epiphany: "Sometimes we need to stop. You don’t have to be on the go all the time. You can stop."
"That is a lesson I’ve noticed in the last year. I don’t have to keep going," Hammond stated, despite her profound love for her career. To maintain her equilibrium amidst a hectic filming schedule, she relies on a strict personal regimen.
This includes taking plenty of vitamin tablets, receiving love from family, regular massages, consistent exercise, and eating high-quality food.
Roots in Gratitude and a New Mission
Hammond credits her enduring positive outlook to her late mother, who taught her to wake up each day saying thank you simply for being alive. "I’m very grateful to even be alive. I’m 50 years old now – 50 years in this world and I’m very happy and grateful to be here," she reflected.
Her philosophy involves consciously switching a negative mood by focusing on gratitude. "Feel grateful because there’s always someone worse off than you," she advised.
This mindset fuels her latest venture as the new recruit for the Specsavers Home Visits team. The campaign aims to ensure thousands of people who cannot leave their homes easily still receive essential eye and hearing care.
"I had no idea just how many people are missing out on really important healthcare simply because they can’t leave their homes without support," Hammond said. She was moved to act after recalling her own mother's needs, adding, "I came away feeling so emotional."
Combating Winter's Dark Days
Hammond also spoke candidly about managing her wellbeing during the winter months, a time when approximately 45% of adults report feeling lonely, according to government data.
She personally dislikes the lack of sunlight and uses a ‘light box’ in her bedroom each morning, a common tool for tackling Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). "I use that purely because it just makes my mood better," she explained.
Her winter self-care also involves simple comforts like enjoying bread and butter pudding, but she emphasises that connection is key. "Being around family and friends keeps me grounded too," she said.
Hammond makes a point of checking in on friends, even with a brief half-hour call. "You will be surprised how much it picks you up." She urges people to think of neighbours or relatives who might be alone, stating, "Giving half an hour to somebody really makes a difference."
For those feeling isolated, she suggests watching This Morning—"We’re like your friends on there"—or seeking out online community groups. "There’s so many people in your position who are feeling exactly the same and need someone to talk to," Hammond concluded, offering a message of solidarity as the days grow shorter.
