If you find yourself finding it hard to manage your work, family life and simply your own sanity every day, then you might wonder how Dr. Maryam Zamani, 49, who holds down three jobs, as well as being a mum, does it! Maryam is not only an accomplished oculoplastic surgeon, she is also an aesthetics doctor and founder of her skincare brand, MZ Skin.
Finding a healthy work/life/family balance is tricky at the best of times, plus midlife brings its own madness, as it is a life chapter that can make you feel a range of emotions. But far from wallow in the hormonal chaos that midlife brings, Maryam is navigating her second act with purpose and joy thanks to a daily ritual of non-negotiable habits.
“I try to enjoy the moments more and not be so concerned with getting it all done right then,” she explains to HELLO! “I look at my gorgeous daughter, who just brings so much joy to all the little things, and I find myself lucky to have that now because I didn’t do that as much when I was younger.”
Maryam's mood-boosting midlife daily rituals
1. Exercise to clear my mind
For Maryam, exercise isn't just about staying fit - it's a cornerstone of her daily routine that helps her stay sane. “I find that it helps clear my mind - it removes anxiety and tension, and gives me a mental break to refocus on doing something active.”
Whether it's reformer Pilates to realign her posture, personal training sessions to build strength or a leisurely evening stroll with her husband, Maryam is adamant that movement is key if you want to clear your mind and help it focus on the objectives of your day.
2. Nightly rituals for better sleep
After her daughter is in bed, Maryam prioritises her own relaxation and rejuvenation. “Before bed, I take an Epsom salt bath with a few drops of lavender oil, place my phone in another room and finish my to-do list for the next day so I don’t think about it in bed,” she explains. “Sleeping well is very important to me, to support the skin’s natural ability to restore itself. Beauty sleep is not a myth so I try to sleep by midnight.”
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3. Meal prep is non-negotiable
Recognising the link between a good diet and a focused mind, Maryam makes meal prep a non-negotiable part of her day. “Most days I have my lunch made at home and delivered to my office to make sure I have the energy to make it through the day,” she explains.
Breakfast is key for a productive day too, which Maryam eats with her kids. “It’s usually a freshly squeezed hot lemon and ginger drink, with either porridge or two poached eggs with a piece of buttered brown toast.”
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4. Home pamper sessions
Even with her busy schedule, Maryam makes time for self-care with a weekly pampering ritual. Being a skincare expert, she loves using the exfoliators and masks from her own range. She finds face massage nurtures her on the inside too. “I enjoy facial massages as they can lighten your mood, improve circulation and lymphatic drainage,” she explains.
Introducing HELLO!'s Second Act
© GettyHELLO! wanted to create a space dedicated to sharing incredible stories from midlife; somewhere you can find inspiring stories of like-minded women, living their best life beyond 45.
Enter, Second Act...
For too long, we were expected to fade into the background when we hit 45, but we're here to reframe your Second Act as a celebratory, exciting new chapter with endless possibilities ahead.
From women who embarked on new careers in their fifties, to those who travelled the world alone after their children left home, to women who finally felt confident when they reached their forties, Second Act is devoted to celebrating the incredible stories of midlife, and we'd love to have you along for the journey - because being part of a community makes everything more enjoyable.
