Simone Anderson is one of New Zealand’s most successful influencers. She won the hearts and respect of people around the world with her incredible fitness transformation and continues to inspire and motivate people today. During this time of unrest and worry caused by COVID-19, Anderson is her positive upbeat self, encouraging people to utilise their time at home to get motivated and change their lives for the better.
The Last Fashion Bible spoke to her about how to stay healthy and organised, her daily routine, and the upcoming launch of her new book, So Delish!
You are most known for your weight loss journey that has motivated many people to start their own health and fitness regime. With over 300,000 followers on Instagram, how does it feel to know you continue to inspire so many people?
It still is something that humbles me to the core daily, when I receive messages saying I have helped change or impacted someone’s life in someway I genuinely feel every emotion under the sun. Simply by sharing my life in an open and honest way, and knowing it’s making an impact is the most unreal feeling.
What are your top tips for staying healthy and motivated over the long-term?
My number one tip is to not rely on motivation, why would you reply on something that fluctuates? Create good routines and habits, create a new lifestyle. Then you don’t need to “try” to stick to something.
In your opinion, what do you think is the biggest mistake people make when it comes to exercise and diet?
That they focus on short term fads, they cut things out of their diet and exercise to the extreme. This isn’t maintainable for the majority of people for life. I haven’t cut out any food group and have found exercise I love!
You also have a reputation for being extremely well organised and tidy. What is your advice for people wanting to use this time at home in isolation to organise their life?
Tackle a task a day, don’t try and do it all at once. This will become overwhelming and it may cause you to just give up. I have created a 28-day challenge where we all tackle an area a day, this way everyone can share their own tips in the specific areas and help inspire others to do the same.
What would you identify as the three most important habits for staying organised?
1. Do a little bit each day, don’t ever leave it to build into one big unmanageable task.
2. If it takes less than five minutes, don’t put it off or write in a do-to list. Do it now!
3. Schedule tasks into your calendar. Need to water plants once a week? Add it to your calendar and do it when you get reminded!
What does your daily routine look like?
Every single day is so different and I love that. But I try and maintain structure. My alarm goes off at 5 am I head downstairs, have my vitamins and a big glass of water. I then practice my morning self-affirmations and gratitude. I head back upstairs make the bed, and get changed into activewear. I will then spend 20-30 minutes doing general household chores; washing, dishes, vacuum, take bins out etc. Then it’s time to meditate — 10 minutes outside when I can, weather dependant.
From here I clear my emails and respond to any Facebook and Instagram messages. And spend about two hours working online, and making sure my accounts etc. are up to date. I then train for 45 minutes at F45 training in Mount Eden. Usually, I would then have a few meetings and appointments. I utilise the time between these to continue to clear messages from followers.
The afternoon could involve makeup clients, creating content or speaking at events. I will take Maddox (my dog) for a walk, open and share any PR parcels that have arrived that day (this can take a few hours depending on how many arrive) then prepare and make dinner and sit down to eat with Trent. A quick shower and usually back to an evening event! Home by 9 pm where I’ll shower and get ready for bed, I am to be in bed by 9:30 pm. Then, I practise my evening gratitude and read a book until lights out at 10 pm.
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How do you like to relax?
By going for a walk with Trent (my fiancée) and Maddox.
What is your best stress-relieving advice for those who are really going through it at the moment?
Exercise! The feeling of relief after is incredible.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
To be kind, to everyone. You never know what someone is dealing with and you never know the power you have simply by being there and by being kind.
Your upcoming book So Delish! is due for release in April. Can you tell us a little about what to expect?
This recipe book is designed for your everyday-at-home-cook, you don’t need to be a chef, or have any special health food products. The meals are simple to follow, fresh and delicious. Nothing costs a fortune and you everything can be scoured at your local supermarket. They’re fun ideas for cooking your entire family will love.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram: @simone_anderson
Facebook: @Simone’sJourneytoHealth
What don’t you leave the house without?
The most honest answer would be my cellphone because I can’t work without it! But every day when I take Maddox for a walk I leave my cellphone at home. This is my time to be present, to soak up what I am seeing and to have deep conversations with Trent.
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