As one of the UK’s best-known TV presenters, Emma Willis is a much loved household name. The mum-of-three, who is married to pop star Matt Willis, turned 50 in March and opens up on how she is embracing her fifth decade. From her advice on grabbing life with two hands, to the importance of trying to take time out for ourselves.
Images: Mary-anne Bailie
Emma’s views on ageing
Women’s Fitness: When you turned 50 in March you said you were excited to join “the club”. In a world where everyone is talking about longevity, what are your views on ageing?
Emma Willis: There’s definitely been a big shift in the way ageing is perceived these days. I don’t think it is such a taboo thing for women to admit their age anymore and I personally love being 50 – I’m surrounded by peers who are the same age as me, if not older, and they are all absolutely fab and embracing life, grateful that we get to live out the second part of our lives.
I’m lucky that my 76-year-old mum is my role model and she has never been negative about ageing; her outlook on life to embrace it and have fun has certainly rubbed off on me. Women at 50 are not disappearing or shying away like they once did; we are grabbing life with two hands!
Mental Health
Women’s Fitness: I know you speak quite openly about the importance of caring for your mental health, as well as your physical health – how do you manage to stay calm and focused at work?
Emma Willis: I’m actually a big worrier and a very anxious person so I try to reframe my mindset into a more positive one when my head starts to overthink. My mum always told me to look for the light in the darkness which is some of the best advice I’ve had. I’m also lucky that I’ve got great people around me, my husband Matt is sensational and we have three knock out kids. I also think that because Matt and I both come from similar backgrounds and working class families, I have learnt to appreciate everything I have.
Therapy
Emma Willis: I also truly believe in therapy and don’t think anyone who has it should ever be ashamed to say so. My therapist is an amazing guy who has really helped me. I think it is a shame though that therapy is not so easily accessible as I think it is so beneficial. We see doctors when our bodies are ill so when our head and mind needs some help, therapy should be much easier to access. My advice is to never be ashamed to admit you have or need therapy.
Beauty and wellness
Women’s Fitness: As someone who juggles a full-time job and three kids, how do you manage to look so well and rested? Is there anything you swear by for giving you a glow and boundless energy?
Emma Willis: That’s very kind of you to say but most of the time I’m just trying to wing it. I take Absolute Collagen and also Omega 3 supplements, as well as red rice extract and magnesium at bedtime. I’m not sure if the magnesium does help me sleep as I’m still getting up at 3am to go to the toilet! I find it hard to switch off so make sure I don’t have my phone on or am checking my laptop before bed. I also tend to have two blood tests a year just to monitor what’s going on with my body.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV · f/5.6 · 1/250s · 55mm · ISO200
Sleep
Women’s Fitness: Do you have any tips on sleep for midlife women?
Emma Willis: Apart from the fact it’s normal to go to the toilet in the middle of the night, there’s something I do maybe four times a week and that is a body scan when I’m ready to go to sleep. I have a super active brain that seems to start going into overdrive when my head hits the pillow so it helps me relax. It basically just involves me moving my attention through my body, from my feet to my head and noticing the sensations without trying to change them. It is a good ‘busy brain’ technique.
I like to sleep in a quiet room but Matt likes noise so it’s a bit of a struggle to find common ground. I suppose that’s why marriage is all about compromise.
Fitness tips
Emma Willis: My best tip is not to beat yourself up if you don’t get round to exercising. I’m someone that enjoys reformer pilates and weight training but I can go days without doing any exercise when life is busy so if you are the same, don’t feel guilty at all. My best advice once you reach your fifties is to try and do some strength training which is so important to keep our bones strong as we age.
Nutrition
I have a sweet tooth so if offered a piece of cake I’ll have it but I also like to eat well. I’ve discovered fibre is my new best friend which is ironic as I have high cholesterol but I’m now realising how important it is for my gut health too.
Biggest tip for women at 50
Emma Willis: I actually have two tips that I have tried to embrace. I’ve always been a people pleaser and never like to say no to anybody but as I’ve gotten older I am trying to put some boundaries in place. Learning to say no is something I’m trying to do as for so long women juggling family life and work put themselves last on the list. It’s important to have some time to ourselves. So my advice is focus on you if you can find even an hour out of the day.
And finally, I try to worry less as I’ve got older about what people think of me. That said, then my anxiety kicks in and my brain starts playing tricks on me but my second tip is try not to overthink how others perceive you.
Emma Willis is brand ambassador for Absolute Collagen, and the Absolute Attitude campaign centred on ageing powerfully, confidently, on your own terms. For more details visit Absolute Collagen