After packing away a career in fashion, Jane Kersel journeyed to rude health on a wave of self exploration and yoga. For 15 years she has worked as a yoga teacher and wellbeing guide, balancing the demands of a busy lifestyle. From her at-home studio in London’s Notting Hill, Kersel offers a glimpse into a typical day.
I wake early without an alarm, and keep my eyes closed while I imagine my day going really well. My morning beauty prep is simple: cleansing, then tinted moisturiser and a touch of mascara. I’ll opt for a nutritious smoothie rather than breakfast – the naturopath in me remembers to mix in a little skin-hydrating olive oil and sunflower lecithin. I also take fish oils to keep my brain functioning well.
Clients start arriving at the Ishy Shala [the yoga studio Kersel has created at her home] from 9am. Classes begin with meditation, allowing people to take a pause from their busy lives and turn inwards. I’ve studied many different forms of yoga and my approach is about making things relevant and easy to embody. Bodies need to be fit to deal with life’s daily stresses, but yoga is also about being present in that moment. As a trained hypnotherapist, I understand the benefit of reframing, so I empower people to take responsibility for their wellbeing. Classes always end with a nourishing smoothie made fresh in my kitchen.
For lunch, I’ll cook myself something healthy and protein-rich, such as grilled fish. I never eat red meat, wheat or dairy. Unless I have a private client, I spend the afternoon planning my day-long yoga retreats in London, or week-long retreats in Spain. The rest of the day is devoted to creative tasks as I relish doing the artistic work around my business. At the moment, I’m working on a book project and my candle collection. Designed to encourage you to pause and turn inwards, the candles come with a meditation practice saved on a USB – you follow the meditation practice for the length of the candle’s life, by which time you’ve formed a good habit. Another passion of mine is interiors that help create a calm space. I favour an eclectic style and objects with soul – I’ve collected many things on my travels in Bali and India.
Unless I’m going out, dinner’s at 6.30pm, as I sleep better when I eat early. Afterwards I often make a turmeric almond milk, a great digestive aid. My daughter lives at home, but my son is away at university so a good evening for us all is Skyping to hear each other’s news. I’m a mother, above all else, so being part of my children’s lives is important to me.
My tried and tested night-time ritual is enjoying a long soak in the bath with Himalayan crystal salt, surrounded by candles and good music. Skin care is very important to me – it’s about nourishment and bringing a bit of self-time and ritual to my day – so I always cleanse my skin carefully, apply a good moisturiser, then some Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum. I sleep on a silk pillowcase to keep my skin cool and hydrated.
At 10.30pm I’ll read for a while, then do a simple breathing exercise, as I find meditation a great way to prepare for a good night’s sleep. As you get older your melatonin levels drop so, if I’m away, I’ll spray some melatonin under my tongue, which really helps with the jet lag. Lights off by 11pm.
