Aussie Hermione Underwood is based in London and is currently in lockdown, while also juggling her brand consulting business The H Collective and the successful jewellery brand she co-founded, Atelier Romy. Here she shares her typical routine, the non-negotiable things she needs to get through the day and how she manages to separate work from relaxation time.
What does your day currently look like?
In true Aussie nature, I usually wake up naturally very early. Lately I’ve been doing the Deepak Chopra 21-Day Abundance Meditation Challenge so I do that first thing, after making a hot water with lemon and ginger.
Most days I then jump on an early morning call with my major Australian clients, as it’s their evening so we can catch up on the day. Once I’ve handled all of my urgent morning emails and calls, I’ll go for a big walk around Notting Hill or through Hyde Park and call my parents and friends in Sydney, before buying my daily baguette and coffee on the way home.
Once home, I dress for the day, take and post my daily outfit selfie on Instagram (!) and get cracking on the real work day… baguette with butter and jam, in hand. I’ve been cooking a lot during lockdown so I’ll make lunch and dinner and I’ve started running so most evenings I’ll go out for a run. And REPEAT. It’s pretty much the same day after day at the moment.
What’s your current favourite way to start the day?
I’ve never dedicated myself properly to meditating so having the time and space of late to really lean into it has been incredible and I’ve noticed a real shift in my positivity and focus. I’m really enjoying waking and starting the day with the task and guided meditation and connecting with my group on WhatsApp.
What are your current self-care practices?
I’ve luckily been extremely busy with work so I am just making sure I make the time to get out and exercise as the work days have been very long.
What are three non-negotiable things that you need to do to get through the day?
Baguette – Butter – Jam haha. On a serious note, it would be exercise, connecting with friends and switching off (my phone/work and allowing myself to chill).
How do you wind down at the end of the day?
During lockdown I’ve been switching off by cooking. I’ve been working through my friend Stephanie Conley’s cookbook, At home with The Hostess, which has been really fun because the recipes are beautiful but easy to get right for an amateur like me!
What are your favourite ways to relax right now?
Running, meditating, allowing myself to rest… Netflix, Netflix and more Netflix!
How do you stay productive while working from home?
I’ve always worked from home so it’s not a major difference for me but it’s difficult not having my team here because I draw so much inspiration from their energy and I miss bouncing ideas with them! Zoom is not quite the same but I’m focusing on mapping out my goals for the month and then breaking down my weeks and days into segments to get everything done.
What’s the current highlight of your day?
EATING!!!! I’ve never eaten so much in my life. It’s a never ending cycle of thinking about what to eat next, buying food, cooking, eating, repeat haha.
How do you separate work time from down time while isolating?
I find structuring your day helps but, like most, I’m really having to draw on self discipline. I have hyper productive days and then less productive days, which I’m finding is common amongst friends, too. I figure you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself as it is a strangely uncertain time.
What’s your current go-to WFH outfit? And current go-to relaxation outfit?
It’s spring here in London and the sun is shining so I’m slowly transitioning out of my usual suits / denim and into dresses which is fun.
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