Latest news with #work life balance
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Fearne Cotton admits the pressures of single-parenthood have left her 'crying in the car' following split from Jesse Wood - as he moves on with former Made In Chelsea star
Fearne Cotton says struggling as a single mother has reduced her tears following her split from her husband Jesse Wood. In her most candid interview since the breakup of her decade-long marriage, the TV presenter admitted that some days she is left 'crying in her car' as attempts to juggle the pressures of raising two young children single-handedly with her media career. 'I'm just dropping lots of balls constantly and never feeling like I'm doing anything particularly well,' Fearne, 43, told Women's Health magazine's new podcast, Just As Well. Reflecting on what it's like to be a single mother, she said: 'We're just juggling so much, it's so full on and I'm dropping balls left, right, and centre in all the basic ways. 'I had nothing the kids liked for breakfast on Monday, nothing. I had cereal, but no milk. I had butter, but no bread. I tried to make pancakes, I had no maple syrup. It is like an absolute s**t show. 'So I'm just dropping lots of balls constantly and never feeling like I'm doing anything particularly well. But enjoying most of it. I would say enjoying most of it.' The veteran presenter announced she had separated from Jesse, the son of Rolling Stones bass guitarist Ronnie Wood, last December after 10 years of marriage. Fearne, who also hosts her own podcast, The Happy Place, said she relies on writing lists to keep on top of everything, while also leaning on her female friendships for support when she is having a bad day. She added: 'When I drop the balls, I probably have a slight tantrum. Sometimes I have a cry in my car, call one of my best mates and go 'Are you having a s**t show too? Yeah. Okay, phew….it's not just me'. 'And then crack on. And then it feels slightly better the next day.' Fearne, who had once vowed never to return to live radio or TV, also told Women's Health editor-in-chief and podcast host Claire Sanderson how a media career had been a challenge to her mental health. She said: 'All of my mental health lows' had been sparked by work, and also spoke about her struggles with anxiety, OCD and depression. 'It doesn't matter who you are, it doesn't discriminate,' Fearne explained. 'You know what is going on in your brain is entirely separate to what other people assume your lifestyle is. So it really important to dispel that myth.' The former radio host said that she focuses on 'trying to exercise, eat well' particularly when she notices she is starting to feel 'a bit anxious' or when 'little patterns' caused by OCD start to arise. The TV presenter admitted that some days she is left 'crying in her car' as attempts to juggle the pressures of raising two young children single-handedly while juggling her career Fearne also told Women's Health editor-in-chief and podcast host Claire Sanderson how a media career had been a challenge to her mental health She said: 'The key to me not spiralling is to be nice to myself and go, 'who cares? It doesn't matter. 'You'll have a better day tomorrow, it'll be fine. You can go for a run if you've got time or eat better or whatever. 'And not berate myself for those days that aren't the perfect health day. And to keep a check on the anxiety by again being nice to myself.' It was due to her mental health struggles, which included suffering from panic attacks before going on air, that Fearne stepped away from live TV and radio in 2015. A key factor in her decision to step away was the impact social media trolls were having on her wellbeing. She added: 'It's the absolute pits, and I think you do have to learn to just see it as a thought in someone's head that has now gone and they decided to write it down for whatever reason and it's nothing more than that. 'But in the moment, it can feel, especially if you're not in a good head space, which back when I was doing Radio 1 I wasn't, but I was still receiving a lot of that and it took me under…I was very close to questioning everything in my life at that point. 'Why am I doing this to myself? Why am I just go and have a quiet life somewhere? And luckily I didn't because I love what I do and I'm glad that I didn't give up.' The blonde beauty kicked off her presenting career at just 15-years-old before joining BBC Radio One in 2005. She later took over Jo Whiley's mid-morning show in 2009 before deciding to leave after a nine-year stint, citing her mental health. Fearne's career is now focused on her wellness business, which includes her podcast Happy Place, as well as several self–help books. The mother-of-two announced her marriage split in December by taking to social media to make the announcement, telling fans 'It is with a heavy heart that I let you all know that Jesse and I are ending our marriage. She added that their priority would 'always be' their daughter Honey and their son Rex. The couple had tied the knot in July 2014 three years after they started dating. They met while partying in Ibiza the year after his split from his first wife Tilly. Since the split, Fearne has admitted she was 'happier than ever' after being romantically linked with TV director Elliot Hegarty, 53. The presenter was spotted passionately kissing Hegarty in Soho earlier this year.
Entrepreneur
17-07-2025
- Entrepreneur
How I've Turned Business Trips Into Kid-Friendly Family Vacations
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Who says business trips can't be a family affair? While the idea of bringing your kids along on a work trip might sound overwhelming, with the right approach, you can transform these trips into unforgettable adventures. Yes, you can manage back-to-back meetings while still splashing around in a hotel pool or exploring a nearby zoo with your little ones. Sound challenging? Maybe. Sound worth it? Absolutely! Take my upcoming trip to Anaheim as an example. I'll be heading to the West Coast Card Show, one of the most epic events for card collectors. But guess what? I won't just be catching flights and shaking hands; I'll also be making memories with my family. Disneyland is just a few blocks away. Over the years, I've fine-tuned the art of blending productivity with parenting, and now I'm here to share my go-to strategies. 1. Look for hotels that are a kid's dream First things first, the hotel. Your choice of accommodation can make or break your trip. Look for options that don't just check the "comfortable bed" box but also offer kid-friendly extras like swimming pools, game rooms or themed family suites. Find the places where relaxation meets entertainment. For example, I once booked a hotel in Orlando with an incredible outdoor pool and nightly movie screenings. While I attended meetings all day, my son and husband were living their best lives watching movies under the stars. Related: 8 Smart Ways to Save on Your Summer Business Travel (and Have Fun, Too!) 2. Pack entertainment like a pro Long airport delays, layovers and endless waiting can test your patience — and your kids' patience, too. That's why I always pack a stash of multi-use entertainment essentials. Think tablets loaded with apps, puzzles, e-books and portable art supplies. My golden rule? Have more options than you think you'll need, because boredom waits for no one. Take our layover in Chicago last summer. I whipped out a travel-friendly card game and some coloring supplies. By the time we got on the plane, my son was still buzzing from our impromptu gaming session. 3. Turn business trips into family adventures Carve out dedicated time for fun, no matter how packed your work schedule is. Research family-friendly attractions near your meetings and make those excursions a guaranteed part of your itinerary. Treat these moments like business appointments, they're just as important! Once, during a hectic schedule in San Diego, I found myself with four precious hours between meetings. Instead of sitting around, I whisked the family to the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. 4. Make travel educational (and fun!) Every trip is a treasure trove of teachable moments. Incorporate sprinkle-sized lessons into your kids' travel experience, and they won't even know they're learning. From geography and history to new cultures, every destination offers something cool for kids to soak up. For example, during a trip to Washington, D.C., every cab ride became a brief sightseeing tour. 5. Scout out kid-friendly eats Finding a great spot to eat in a new city doesn't have to be overwhelming. There are tons of family-friendly restaurants that offer excellent food and kid-approved vibes. Bonus points if they have games, outdoor seating or crayons to keep the kids entertained. During a work trip to Austin, I uncovered a BBQ restaurant with live music and backyard games like cornhole. My son made instant friends and ran around with endless energy. It was hands-down one of the most fun and relaxing meals of our trip. 6. Snacks = parent superpower Meetings and kids often mix like oil and water, but snacks can change everything. I bring snacks everywhere, think granola bars, chocolates or fun reward treats. A little motivation goes a long way when minutes stretch a bit long for little ones. For example, during a quick coffee shop meeting in Seattle, I pulled out cookies I'd grabbed earlier as a tiny "thank you" to my son for his patience. 7. Recharge with outdoor escapes After sitting through long meetings, kids can get pretty antsy (okay, adults, too). This is where outdoor activities save the day! Hit up parks, playgrounds or nearby trails to burn off steam and bring back those vibrant smiles. 8. Encourage kids to co-plan One guaranteed way to keep kids excited about a trip? Give them a role in deciding what to do! Offer two or three activity options from your pre-research and let them choose. Their excitement will skyrocket when they feel like they're part of the planning team. Before heading to Long Beach, I asked my son to pick an activity. He voted for the Aquarium of the Pacific, and I fit it into our schedule. 9. Make the most of early mornings and evenings Early mornings and evenings are golden for family bonding, especially on busy business trips. Use those quieter hours for shared meals, quick activities or even just cuddling in bed before the day kicks off. On a whirlwind trip to New York, we started one morning with breakfast and a stroll through Central Park. Those peaceful moments set a sweet tone for the rest of a busy day. Related: I Take 75 Business Trips a Year — These 10 Tips Save Me Time, Money and Sanity 10. Relax, adapt and enjoy Business trips with kids don't have to be intimidating or stressful. Instead, they can evolve into extraordinary opportunities to bond, explore and show your family that work and fun can coexist. Plan thoughtfully, get creative and lean into the chaos just a little. You might discover that the best memories are made when you least expect them. Join top CEOs, founders and operators at the Level Up conference to unlock strategies for scaling your business, boosting revenue and building sustainable success.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
When I started a new job, I tried to be the perfect employee while also juggling motherhood. My performance review proved I was failing.
When I started a new job, I tried to be perfect while also juggling motherhood duties. My performance review showed me I was failing miserably, and something needed to change. Despite the initial shock, this failure turned out to be a blessing in disguise. My performance review at work stopped me in my tracks. I was in shock when my manager told me I had achieved brilliant results, but my lack of attention led to minor mistakes, which eventually became a pattern and negatively affected my performance. That day, I managed to go back home, keeping my head high but in a fog of confusion. It was only when I arrived at my house and went on my balcony that the weight of what happened piled on me. I felt like a failure. I tried so hard to juggle so many plates: being a great mom to my baby daughter, learning the nuts and bolts of my new job, and keeping it all together. But the mental overload was massive. I was dropping off and picking up my daughter from day care every day, working all day, preparing dinner for everyone, putting my daughter to bed — and often falling asleep next to her — then waking up at 2 a.m. to clean the kitchen and tidy the living room. Something needed to change. On that day, I cried on my balcony for hours, releasing months and months of bottled emotions that needed to be released: anger, resentment, shame, disappointment from everything I accepted despite fuming inside, the unsolicited guidance for my daughter, people's judgment about me coming back to work after only six months maternity leave, and my perfectionism. It was too much. After letting all of those emotions out, something shifted, and I realized I had lost perspective. I was so engrossed in day-to-day life that I couldn't see what was happening. I was on a mental roller coaster, like a hamster in a wheel, and I needed to be stopped. I started to observe what I was doing and realized that I was indeed making many minor mistakes. It was like preparing a chocolate cake; the center is delicious, but the look of the cake repels you from even trying it. When I saw my mistakes with my own eyes, from a place of non-judgment, I had a breakthrough moment and understood why I needed someone to be honest and tell me the truth. From that, I wanted to do better. I created my own audit system to stop making these mistakes, but this "wake-up call" led me to reflect, to stop trying to be "perfect," and to ask for help. I spoke to one of my friends about what happened, and she helped me ask my manager for flexible hours. He agreed to change my schedule, helping me to be less stressed and on time to pick up my daughter from day care. Meanwhile, my husband agreed to bring my daughter to the nursery every morning. When I made these changes, I felt a sense of freedom. I could take the time to do things. I didn't feel as pressured as before, and I could enjoy being in the present. I fell into the trap of isolating myself with very high standards before, and I didn't want that anymore. I wanted to rely on others and focus on the things I can control. This new pace of life led to another change. I came across an article in a personal development magazine, and it resonated so much with me that I bought it immediately. I still wanted to be a great mom, wife, and friend, but I realized one important thing: I had to keep my cup filled, so I could be there for myself and others. This magazine also helped me gain a deeper understanding of what happened to me, sparked my curiosity about wellness practices, such as meditation, and helped me be clear about what I wanted. Failing was the best thing that happened to me. It opened my eyes to asking myself what I truly wanted and to living a more mindful life. Most importantly, it helped me be my best self. Read the original article on Business Insider
