From slowing down to morning pages, chef Xanthe shares her priorities with us...

Welcome to our new, regular column where we ask game-changers and tastemakers to share what's important to them, in order to help us prioritise our own lives. First up is Xanthe Ross, a chef, content creator and supper club host based in London. Her approach to cooking and food grew out of living in rural North Wales, where she farmed with the seasons, teaching herself how to grow her own vegetables. Xanthe now brings everything she learnt in the countryside to the city, and we were lucky enough to try her incredible food when she created a feast for the launch of The Priorities Method Journal last November. 

What’s your top priority at the moment?

Maybe this is quite fitting when talking to the Priorities Method, but my top priority is being authentic online. I’m sorry for using a really overused word, but it’s true. I’ve been working on social media for a few years now and I think it’s really important to check in with yourself to not get swept up in the more negative sides of social media. I want to make sure I’m giving people tools to help them in their day to day life, and be a source of inspiration. I’m really focusing on my YouTube channel this year in order to do this. 

How do you make time for what’s important to you?

I switch off my phone every day when I finish work and don’t turn it on until 9 or 10am the next day. This really helps me to be focused on being present outside working hours. I also make sure I don’t overly commit to social plans in the evenings/weekends. I’m a complete introverted extrovert and while I love being around others, I equally really need time on my own. 

What don’t you prioritise? i.e what couldn’t you care less about? 

Ooooh I love this, it’s hard! I hate being hungover more than anything, so definitely don’t prioritise getting to that stage haha. 

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"Self care is slowing down in any way I can"

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Do you have a goal you’re working towards at the moment?

Yes! Good consistent mental health. 

Do you have a habit that’s changed your life?

I started doing morning pages in October last year and can honestly say that that’s changed my life. It’s a habit taken from the book The Artists Way where you write three pages of free hand writing first thing in the morning. I didn’t see huge benefits from it at first but I’ve been doing it pretty much every day for the last three months and absolutely love it. 

Do you have any sort of morning or evening routine? 

Definitely more of a morning routine person than an evening one because I get up quite early. I get up around 6-6.30am during the week, do my morning pages, walk my dogs for about an hour, then maybe do a cold plunge if I’m feeling brave. These three habits genuinely change my mindset for the rest of the day for the better. I’ll always have a better day if I do them all. 

What brings you joy?

Spending time with my family and friends, eating good food preferably. 

What fills you with a sense of purpose?

Cooking, and creating videos for YouTube. 

Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Where there’s a problem, there’s a solution! 

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"My top priority is being authentic online"

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How do you pick yourself up after a tough day?

Turn off my phone, go do a hot yoga class, and have a bath. 

What’s your favourite way to practise self-care?

My form of self care is slowing down in any way I can. That could be a walk with my dogs, cooking a long meal, or just sitting down for a chat with my husband or friends. Also, early bed times are underrated for self care. 

Do you have a beauty or health hack? 

Less is more and gua sha!

How do you stay organised? Journal, scraps of paper or e-diary?

I am religious about using my Ical but also have a paper diary which is more for to do lists and little notes to myself. But my Ical keeps me together, absolutely everything is in there and if it’s not, then it won’t happen! 

Finally, please tell us what to prioritise...?

Eat: Pho

Visit: Vietnam

Listen: Hubberman Lab podcast

Read: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

Watch: Ladybird

Connect with Xanthe on YouTube and Instagram