Director Emma Jordan: 'Living in the moment makes both the past and the future that bit more manageable'

When I'm in rehearsals, I am up at 7.30am – quick shower and cuppa and out the door. I like to get into the theatre early – closer to the eye of the storm. I love easy weekend mornings with nothing planned so I can go with the flow. Life is so busy and timetabled that I really enjoy the days when the plan is that there is no plan.

I love breakfast and dinner – but I often skip lunch. I have been known to drive miles to buy really good organic eggs – poached egg and wheaten are hard to beat. I make dinner every evening for me and my three girls. I really enjoy cooking and try to mix it up according to our mood, but Sunday roast is a big favourite in our house.

I buy nutrition supplements but that doesn't necessarily mean I take them. I have good intentions but bad follow-through. I have been doing a lot of research re supplements to aid the journey through menopause and always take probiotics and vitamin D and C.

I have been on many diets, some more successful than others. I have just joined Slimming World on the basis that I can still eats spuds, so let's see how that goes. My willpower used to be so much stronger – I think when it comes to diets, it's the mental strength that makes it a success or failure.

We love a takeaway on a Friday night – the variety of choice in Belfast is fantastic, so we all take turns in picking our favourite cuisine. I love Hatch and Wolf in Belfast and there is nothing like an Indian from Ruchi on the Ormeau Road.

We have two Springer Spaniels, so walking them keeps me active – I live right beside Orangefield Park which is a brilliant, dog-friendly environment with a real sense of community. I try to practise mindfulness as I find it a really useful tool for managing stress. Living in the moment makes both the past and the future that bit more manageable.

For me, yoga works – it is good for the body and the soul and the spiritual aspect of it makes it a 360-degree experience. I do eat a lot of vegetables and try to drink as much water as I can every day.

I was never into sport at school and am still haunted by the smell of the changing rooms – unforgettable, and not in a good way.

Tipple, but with a conscious effort to saving the wine for weekends.

Lift, if there is a choice.

Marzahn, Mon Amour [by Katja Oskamp] – a recommendation from the brilliant booksellers in No Alibis bookshop. It's translated from German and is a brilliant and funny story of a woman in the midst of a mid-life crisis.

I am addicted to great drama series – we are so lucky to be living in an era when TV is so good. The most recent series I really enjoyed on Netflix was Ozark, and HBO's Succession is genius, with an amazing performance from Brian Cox.

Not really a surprise, but I am a rubbish baker. I did give it a good 'go' during the pandemic, but the results weren't always equal to the effort.

I love design and am constantly changing colours and furniture. Decoupage is a really soothing and satisfying pastime. I also really enjoy gardening too, it's such a relaxing habit and it's wonderful to see the fruits of one's efforts – so rewarding.

With my family and friends, glass of wine in hand and candles lit.

I have some exciting projects coming up including Prime Cut's tour of Removed in Belgium and Australia, so travel and adventure are on the cards.

I am an insomniac so my sleeping patterns are erratic. I tend to stay up late which is preferable to lying looking at the ceiling, so I am fond of an afternoon nap. I have tried everything to help my sleep pattern and find sleep apps really helpful.

Northern Ireland's political landscape is very frustrating – the lack of appreciation of the massive contribution art and culture has made to the rebuilding of our society is top of a long list.

Yes, the passing of my husband three years ago has certainly confirmed how precious life is. Family first - you are only as happy as your unhappiest child.

My understanding of mortality is something that is certainly evolving - grief compounded by the strange times we live in makes me all the more determined to live life to the full.