What are your go-tos if you’re having a rough day?

Turia Pitt: I’ll find time for a workout if I can, or I’ll eat ice cream – anything with Ben and Jerry’s works for me. I also try to watch as much Netflix as I can when the kids are in bed. And I need to remember that even the queen (aka Beyonce) has days when she has self-doubts and doesn’t love herself. It’s surprising how helpful that can be to remember.

How would you describe your new book, Happy (and other ridiculous aspirations), and what do you want readers to take from it?

Turia Pitt: I think when you’re writing in the self-help space, there can be a tendency for it all to be very serious. My book’s about happiness so I wanted to inject a bit of humour and lightheartedness into it. Taking the p–s is good! I think feeling that way can make as happy, too.

More seriously though, I talk about how practising gratitude and really reflecting on things that I’m grateful for lead to a big mental shift for me. We’re wired to think about things that aren’t going well in our lives. So when you consciously shift that focus and look for things that you can be grateful for and appreciate the people in your life who you know will show up for you, then that can help you get into a positive mindset. 

What things do you do daily to keep a positive attitude?

Turia Pitt: I make my bed everyday! Michael sent me a YouTube clip that reveals making your bed every morning can lead to a more productive and happier day so I do that every morning now.

I think it sets the tone for your day. If you can do that, maybe you can also drink those two litres of water and go for that 20-minute walk and maybe even have that difficult conversation with your boss. It’s like a keystone habit from which other good habits can grow and develop.

You’ve got a busy schedule with work and two kids. How important is it for you and your partner to make time for each other?

Turia Pitt: I think it’s to important, but it doesn’t have to involve big, grand gestures. Michael and I haven’t had a lot of date nights yet since Rahiti’s still small. But when we do get time on our own, we’re finding that we always talk about the kids. I’ve heard that it’s bad to do that but I don’t see it that way. The kids are our shared project, like a house renovation. Not that I’m comparing our boys to a house reno, but they’re our passion project who we both really love so I’m fine with talking about the boys with Michael anytime.

Would you like to have more kids?

Turia Pitt: Not right now We’re kind of in the thick of things at the moment and just getting through each day. It’s full on with two young boys. Michael and I will, if we have the actual energy, do a high five together when they’re both in bed at night. If we’re too exhausted, then we just look at each other and know we’re sharing a mental high five.

How has the coronavirus pandemic impacted your work and life?

Turia Pitt: I’m lucky because when I’m writing I can do that anywhere. I’m also happy that I’m not travelling as much at the moment. I love it but it’s been good to have a break as well. It’s actually been a really good time to have another baby. I did have big plans to run a marathon in Tahiti later this year, but that’s not happening now. It’s OK though. I feel really lucky to be here with my healthy boys at home on the beautiful south coast of New South Wales – I’m very happy.