Make-up artist Connie McGrath: Becoming a mum has encouraged me not to sweat the small stuff

I am not a morning person at all. Our two-and-a-half-year-old son will usually waken around seven o'clock and my husband will see to it that he is dressed and entertained until I take over at around 7.30/8am when I will get the breakfast ready.

A cup of coffee and porridge with dates and honey.

I don't usually eat lunch, as the porridge keeps me going, but I might have a cereal bar or a banana to sustain me until teatime.

I love to cook when I have the time. I'll try to prepare something in advance, so I can focus on putting my son to bed. Curries, stews, and salads would be my go-to type of dish.

Nutrition is very important to me. I take cod liver oil, vitamin C (and vitamin D throughout winter).

When I was a bit younger, I tried dieting, maybe, but they never lasted more than a few days. Nowadays, I just try and eat the things I love in moderation and keep a balanced diet. I did cut out bread recently which made me feel more energetic and helped me sleep better.

Indian or Thai takeaway - with a glass (or two) of red wine.

I have a gym membership and I take a circuits class on a Thursday evening. I also love to run three or four times a week, which helps to keep me physically and mentally fit. Running for me is an instant mood lifter – I just stick on some cheesy 80s rock music and away I go.

Keep moving. On the days I don't get out for a run, I can clock up a good few steps just by doing housework and chasing after Bruce.

No bad memories at all, I am happy to say. I absolutely loved PE at school.

Tipple - I'm too old for hangovers, though, so I tend to take it easy these days.

The stairs... but only if the lift is out of order.

I just finished American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins and I am currently reading The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles.

I love to watch the comedy specials and the documentaries. I also enjoy watching anything true-crime related. In another life I think I would have been a forensic pathologist.

That I can remain calm in high-pressure situations and that I don't hold grudges.

During the pandemic, I was awarded funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland to create my own ‘Deadly FX' online make-up school. Learning how to navigate film editing software was extremely rewarding.

I switch off and relax by watching films, going to the gym, running, reading, catching up with friends, visiting museums and art galleries and spending time with my family.

To be the best mum I can be to our son and to keep improving on my skills as a make-up artist. I recently won three awards for my make-up which was such a wonderful start to the year. I will continue to juggle parenthood and freelancing and work as hard as I can at both.

I'll be in bed for about 11pm and read until midnight. I can always do with more sleep, though.

I have very few gripes and no regrets, thankfully.

Since becoming a parent, my priorities have changed dramatically. There really is no time (or energy) to worry about trivial matters in this life. Becoming a mum has encouraged me to not sweat the small stuff and focus on what matters most.

Giving birth at the beginning of the pandemic was both exhilarating and extremely frightening. I want to be around for my son for as long as possible and leading a healthy lifestyle is the best way for me to achieve that. ‘Your health is your wealth,' as the saying goes, and I feel at the age of 41 I am creating good habits for the future.