Katie Piper reveals how she looks after her mental health both personally and professionally

Katie Piper wants to encourage us all to take a moment to recentre ourselves during what has been one of the most turbulent years in a lifetime.

The model, television presenter, and activist has long espoused a message of self-care since her story captured public consciousness back in 2008.

Now, 12 years later – with two bestselling books under her belt, and a thriving media career to boot, Piper continues to stress the importance of self-care and mental wellness, which she believes can help with our struggles; big or small.

Katie Piper is not a fan of New Year's resolutions (Credit: Dan Kennedy / Supplied)

Katie Piper on ditching New Year's resolutions

"It’s very easy to fall into the ‘new year, new me’ mantra," Katie tells us. But now, at the age of 37, and as a parent, she concedes that she's reached a new stage in her life.

"I think with age, experience and becoming a parent, there are significant shifts in how you relate to yourself. I know who I am at my fundamental core, and I’m happy with that."

As a result, this year she's going to be opting out of setting any New Year's Resolutions. She says: "I actually don’t love New Year’s Resolutions. I believe if you can, start today, start tomorrow – don’t wait until a New Year."
Instead, the mother-of-two is choosing to do something different. "When it comes to mental health goals – I think they are possibly the most important type of resolutions," she explains. "Specifically, practising gratitude, appreciating acts of kindness and acknowledging how important they are in day-to-day life."

Katie Piper The model is a big believer in self-care (Credit: Dan Kennedy / Supplied)

Mental health goals

"I’ll also be continuing to ensure each day is started with affirmations and a positive outlook," she adds.

"I need this positivity personally and professionally, and to ensure I am the best I can be to run my charity, The Katie Piper Foundation."

Of course, many of us will be familiar with The Katie Piper Foundation, and her story. After Katie: My Beautiful Face, the Bafta award-winning documentary aired in 2009, Katie became a household name – and her recovery, and subsequent memoirs – have inspired countless others facing adversity.

For those who don't know, at the age of 24, Katie was brutally attacked by a 19-year-old assailant, who threw sulphuric acid in her face outside her flat in North London. The perpetrator, it transpired, was recruited by a man with whom Piper was briefly involved with.

Unsurprisingly, taking care of her mental health and practising self-care has remained a vital part of Katie's toolkit. And this is one of the reasons why she's partnered with Superdrug to bring self-care to the masses, through a range of simple products that can be incorporated into even the most hectic of lifestyles.

Katie wants to encourage others to prioritise self-care (Credit: Dan Kennedy / Supplied)

Prioritising self-care

"This collection has genuinely been crafted with the hope it will encourage people to practise self-care," Katie tells us. "Even if it’s just by taking a relaxing bubble bath with a lovely scented candle."

Acknowledging that simple acts of kindness towards ourselves are even more important in the aftermath of the unprecedented year that was 2020, Katie touched on some of her personal self-care practices, which are refreshingly relatable.

"My self-care techniques vary," she tells us. "From spending time with my family, to watching TV with a bar of Dairy Milk."

Aside from therapy by way of chocolate, she does believe in the power of exercise. "Running is my therapy," she says.

"In terms of my mental wellness, exercise is really important. It helps me to feel both mentally and physically strong, and ready to take on anything. A healthy diet keeps me feeling energised and also helps me keep up with my girls."

Like all of us, Katie has had her life irrevocably impacted by the coronavirus. But the pandemic has had some positive impacts, in that it has put the focus on reflection. "I will be focusing on remembering the lessons this year has taught me," she says, "it's so important to press pause on life sometimes, and [realise that] opportunities for personal growth can be found everywhere."

"I definitely want to continue this attitude around self-reflection well into 2021 and beyond," she concludes.