Susannah Constantine, writer and former TV presenter, shares a glimpse into her Sunday routine, filled with simplicity, reflection, and a few indulgences. From early morning anxiety to the peace of the South Downs, Susannah enjoys the quiet life she always wanted.
Early Riser and Morning Routine
Susannah is an early bird, waking up at 6:30am every morning. “I wake every morning with anxiety,” she reveals. It’s something she’s dealt with all her life. Her breakfast is a unique choice – broccoli and a tin of tuna. For Susannah, it’s essential to get in the right balance of vegetables and protein, especially as she ages. As for coffee, she’s quite particular, preferring to make it herself, brewed strong enough to “stand a spoon up.”
Staying Active With Running and Cold Water Swimming
Exercise plays a significant part in Susannah’s life. She runs at least three times a week, either enjoying music or the soothing sounds of nature around the South Downs where she lives. In addition to running, she has embraced cold water swimming, a practice she’s been doing for five years. “People roll their eyes when you mention cold water swimming, but it’s so good for you,” she says.
During winter, she’ll plunge into a barrel of cold water for up to two minutes, depending on the temperature, using a meat thermometer to measure the water’s chill. Occasionally, she takes a trip to the sea with friends for a brisk swim.
Family and Visitors
Sundays are often quiet, but Susannah enjoys visits from her children, friends, and occasionally her mother-in-law. Her long-time friend and co-host, Trinny Woodall, doesn’t visit as often anymore, which Susannah understands. Their lives have diverged, with Trinny staying in the city and Susannah fully embracing country life.
Peace and quiet are luxuries Susannah now treasures. Her home is filled with the company of her two dogs, an Italian greyhound and a Parson Jack Russell, along with two Bengal cats. Over the years, they’ve had a range of pets, from snakes to ponies, and they even have their own pet cemetery in the garden, where their beloved animals rest alongside friends’ pets.
Solitude and Simple Pleasures
Reflecting on her childhood, Susannah notes that her Sundays today resemble the quiet, solitary Sundays she grew up with. “I’m living the life now that I was always meant to live,” she says. While her 15-year career with Trinny was exhilarating, she views it as a “diversion” from her true calling.
Now, Susannah indulges in simple pleasures. Though she doesn’t drink alcohol, she enjoys tonic water and has a drawer in her fridge stocked with her favourite chocolates, which fuels her passion for running.
Evenings and Writing
Susannah’s evenings are tranquil, with an early bedtime if she’s alone—sometimes as early as 7:30pm. She loves to read, having just finished All That Glitters by Orlando Whitfield. Writing provides her with a sense of freedom and solitude, and she’s working on ideas for both a novel and a non-fiction book.
