WHERE IN LONDON DO YOU LIVE AND WORK?

I live in west London and work wherever work takes me! When I’m writing, my favourite place to be is at the local library.

WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF LONDON?

Travelling to Cromwell Road in Kensington for my violin lessons every Wednesday afternoon with my dad.

WHAT MAKES LONDON SPECIAL TO YOU?

London will always be a special place as both my children [Lola, four and Kit, two] were born here and it has been the first home for my family.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE LONDON IN THREE WORDS?

Variety, culture, buzz.

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE LONDONER?

AA Milne, the Winnie-the-Pooh author, because what would life be like without that honey-loving bear, and such beautiful words of wisdom that resonate just as much for children as adults.

WHAT IS YOUR MORNING RITUAL?

I use “Five ways to start your day” from my book, Mindfulness for Mums. As a mum, the daily demands and expectations start from the moment your eyes open, so this short morning ritual gives you a moment for self care before your day begins:

1. Take a moment to ground yourself when your feet touch the floor
2. Place one hand on your heart
3. Take a deep breath in and as you breathe out say the words “Today I choose…” This could be patience, kindness etc…
4. Do a Mountain Pose from yoga
5. Fill up a bottle of water

HOW DO YOU KEEP A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

I am constantly learning and practising how to find a work-life balance. I have found setting boundaries and learning to say no have been two very important lessons. Prioritising what matters and what can wait is essential and also making sure that we don’t put ourselves last on the list while trying to juggle all the plates and keep others happy!

WHAT IS THE BEST BOOK YOU’VE READ IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS?

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy. I adore everything about this book!

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

Be true to yourself and, in a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Izzy Judd is a classically trained violinist and is married to McFly drummer Harry Judd. In recent years she has been outspoken about her struggles to start a family and has written two books and released a podcast about fertility. Her new book, ‘Mindfulness for Mums’ explores simple and practical exercises to ‘help you and your family feel calm, connected and content’