Karen McMullan is a a PE teacher at St Mary's Holy Faith Secondary School in Glasnevin, Dublin
Up and at it – what is your new morning routine? How has it changed?
Before Covid, I didn't really have a conscious morning routine, but now that I am delivering classes online, I start the day with a 10-minute mediation, followed by filling in a gratitude journal, then a cold shower and some breakfast before online teaching for the day. Over the lockdown I found out that this routine was very beneficial for my mindset and helped me stay focused on my tasks. At weekends, I tend to deviate from it and go for a sea swim in Newcastle Harbour.
What might you eat in a typical working day for…Breakfast?
Porridge, loaded up with banana, grapes and some natural yoghurt. I can't start my day without it.
Lunch?
Normally some form of eggs – my favourite is poached.
Evening meal?
Whatever is on my mum's menu!
Have you been able to work from home – if so, how have you found it?
Yes, I moved back up from Dublin to my home in Co Down where I am currently teaching from home. The second lockdown has been somewhat different to the first one in terms of weather and darker evenings but I am making the most of being able to get outside into the fresh country air each day. As a PE teacher, it can be difficult to engage with students online but I am lucky to be working in a very supportive and proactive teaching environment (St Mary's, Glasnevin, Dublin).
Best/easiest lockdown meal?
The best lockdown meal is a fruity chicken curry – a recipe stolen from my mum. If I was in my apartment in Dublin, I would normally 'bulk cook' on Monday evening to facilitate individual and team training during the week, so anything simple like chicken/ fish and rice would be the easiest and quickest to make.
Weekend treat?
A weekend treat for me would normally be something sweet like cake (mum's baking). My favourite treat is dipping a club orange into a cup of tea.
How have you kept physically and mentally fit during lockdown?
Routine. I am lucky to be surrounded by beautiful areas such as Slieve Croob, Castlewellan park and Tollymore forest park in Co Down, so I am not short of places to keep physically and mentally fit. I find being surrounded by nature is great for your mental wellbeing, along with reading and trying to stay away from screens as much as possible.
What has been your daily outdoor exercise?
In 2020, when restrictions allowed, I was lucky enough to continue training and competing in the sports that I love – camogie and ladies' football. In addition, I have a new appreciation for the Mourne Mountains, as walking and hiking became a daily outdoor activity for me. With such a busy lifestyle pre-Covid, I never had the time to hike, but now I appreciate the area that I am lucky to call home.
How do you relax?
Spending time with family, specifically quality time with my nieces. I also enjoy sea swimming, reading and watching something on Netflix.
Teetotal or tipple?
Throughout the year, I play both inter-county camogie for Down and club camogie and ladies' football, so I don't really have much time for drinking. When I have a rare weekend away from sport, I do like to have a few drinks with friends.
What book are you currently reading?
Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King. It's a fitting book to start the new year with, the key message being: 'Be the best version of yourself'.
Best Netflix?
Virgin River – it's an easy watch. A very close second is The Fall – gripping from start to finish.
Most surprising thing you've learned about yourself?
For me, I learned how resilient I am. I think as life paused during the first lockdown, we all recognised the unique opportunity that we had in life to turn towards personal growth and to really take the time to get to know ourselves. So, for me, it was being able to understand that I needed to improve my mindset and my relationship with myself. I now have a better appreciation for life and try to stay in the present moment as much as possible each day.
On a scale of one to 10, where have you been in relation to cabin fever and where are you now?
I am lucky that I can go outside into the countryside where I live, so thankfully cabin fever hasn't hit me just yet.
What are the three things you missed most during the beginning of lockdown?
Socialising with friends, going out for dinner and being able to fly somewhere.
Where will you go and what will you do when restrictions are fully lifted?
I lived in Sydney for three-and-a-half years, so I am missing the sun these days. A short break somewhere in Europe would be nice.
Biggest gripe?
People complaining for the sake of complaining.
Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?
Definitely. I have a new-found appreciation for life. We can sometimes be engrossed in negativity and we forget to be grateful for the simple things such as our health, family and having a roof over our heads. Each day should be lived to the absolute fullest as tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Any new skills or hobbies?
Sea swimming, which has became a daily ritual.
What would you like to see change for good when this is all over?
I think there definitely needs to be improvement in our healthcare systems.
Has coronavirus changed your attitude towards your own mortality?
I appreciate now the importance of life and try to really enjoy each day. All we can do is be the best version of ourselves, be kind to each other and be happy with the journey of life itself.
