Up and at it. What is your morning routine?
My morning routine is: wake up, walk for 20 minutes, meditate, drink coffee and then get straight into some form of work.
What might you eat in a typical working day for...Breakfast?
Coffee.
Lunch?
For the last few years, I've followed the one meal-a-day protocol.
Evening meal?
At the moment, I eat primarily oatmeal, chicken and greens. I drink lots of water and a little too much black coffee. I'm also a sucker for a Coke Zero. If I'm extra hungry, I'm a big popcorn fan.
Is nutrition important to you – do you take health supplements?
I make sure to take vitamin D and recently I have been taking Tongkat-ali. I've found great benefits after using both. I'm also a big fan of Alpha GPC when writing.
Ever been on a diet, if so, how did it go?
Oh, many times...
They always fail. The only way to get consistent results is to make a lifestyle shift and find a way of eating and exercise that you enjoy and can stick to long-term. Fasting is an absolute godsend for me, but may not suit everyone. It's also worth noting that most of the times when I've dieted, I've made the mistake of trying to lose too much weight too fast - and usually needlessly (I'm already only sitting at around 60kg). Showbiz can be a toxic job in terms of making you want to lose or gain weight quickly.
Weekend treat?
Ice cream and cookies. No question. Pizza doesn't hurt either.
How do you keep physically and mentally fit?
I make sure to get in 10-15K steps a day - usually more. Working on a treadmill makes this super-easy. Working out is great too and I try to get in some sort of weight training daily, but if I'm sore and fatigued, I'll skip it and prioritise recovery. Mentally, meditation and journaling has been the key to my mental wellbeing, as well as deliberate study on the subject of personal psychology.
Best tip for everyday fitness?
Walking is probably the best fitness tool invented. Walk more. We aren't meant to sit down all day.
Were you a fan of schools sports/PE or do you have a memory from those days that you would rather forget?
I hated it – but that's because I wasn't good at sports. I was physically very small and went to a school that glorified rugby… not a good recipe. I think the PE teachers actually put me off exercise. I'm glad I found my way back. Health is wealth.
Teetotal or tipple?
I'm pretty much teetotal. Once or twice a year I'll maybe enjoy a drink, but the mental and physical trade-offs that come with regular drinking aren't worth it for me, especially with such a crazy schedule. But if I had to choose a drink, it would be an espresso martini.
Stairs or lift?
Gotta be honest, I take the lift almost daily… guilty.
What book are you currently reading?
I'm currently reading Man's Search for Meaning (Viktor Frankl) and Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand) and highly recommend both.
Best Netflix?
I loved Stranger Things but I don't watch much on Netflix. I love the cinema, though – a great way to check out of the world for a while.
Most surprising thing you've learned about yourself over the pandemic?
That learning can actually be fun – school had convinced me otherwise – and that I really enjoy time by myself and that I don't have to feel guilty about that.
Any new skills or hobbies?
I'm ‘attempting' to become a better cook. Will report back...
How do you relax?
The sauna always works well for me. An evening stroll and spending time with my girlfriend, brother or friends always lights up my day.
What are your goals for 2023?
I've suffered with chronic back pain for three years now, so my primary goal is to have that cleared that up. But, as a magician, most of my goals are secret…
What time do you get to bed and do you think you get enough sleep?
This is something I really, really struggle with. I usually survive on about (as of this month) two-to-four hours a night (primarily because of back pain) which is not healthy. But I'm aware of it and trying to improve. I'm an early riser though, usually up no later than 5.30am or six o'clock and I track my sleep with an Oura ring. I'm definitely not here to give sleep advice.
Biggest gripe or regret?
I wish I had cared less about what people thought of me from an earlier age. And I really wish I'd stood up for myself more in situations that definitely didn't serve me well. I also wish I'd started reading books sooner.
Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?
Most of my adult life I put business and achievements before my health and relationships. Turns out if you don't have health and relationships, nothing else really matters.
Has coronavirus – or any health epiphany or life event – changed your attitude towards your own mortality?
Coronavirus made me realise that if I had died, I would have had a lot of regrets – not because of the things I had done but because of the things I hadn't. Covid gave me a mental breakthrough to take more risks and to go after the life I really wanted. It also made me a lot less self-conscious. If we could die at any moment, and within a couple of weeks, realistically most people will forget about us anyway… I'm gonna wear Crocs and socks to Tesco. No regrets.
:: Joel M takes to the stage in new show, Impossible, coming to local theatres this November. Venues include Armagh Market Place Theatre, November 2; the Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, November 3; The Mac, Belfast, November 18; Marine Hotel, Ballycastle, November 24; and The Court House, Bangor, November 25. Tickets on sale through www.shine.net and at venue box offices.
