I loved it, even from sign up, there was like a license to go, OK, now this month is Sinead's to focus on my health and wellbeing.

Why did you sign up for Take 5, Sinead?

When Take Five came up, I realised it was an opportunity for me to do something for me because often being a working mother, it’s all about everybody else. I wanted to look at my what things I do and what I can improve because I think no matter what you're doing, you can always nudge it forward or make improvements.

What did you sign up for and why?

I knew that I try hard at things – I love my exercise classes, and I have a big family and lots of social connections, my job uses my brain, and I did my PhD on eating disorders and so I feel aware of what I eat. But I wasn’t sure I was drinking enough water – I always have a glass of water on my desk, but I don’t always drink it.

Did you enjoy it?

I loved it, even from sign up, there was like a license to go, OK, now this month is Sinead's to focus on my health and wellbeing. So, I started filling up my water bottle and noticing how much water I was drinking a day and it wasn’t as much as I thought it was. And so, I started to consciously drink and what’s interesting, I needed to go to the bathroom more, which meant that I was getting up from my desk more often and breaking long periods of sitting by going upstairs to the toilet. And add to that because I was more hydrated, I didn’t have my usual 11am craving so didn’t reach for a snack. I was signed up for Hydration but actually there were these ripple effects for my movement and eating.

And did you learn anything from taking part?

Well, firstly I learnt that I wasn’t as hydrated as I had thought I was. And then even though through my work I have studied some of these areas, I think I can always learn something, and I am a curious person which I think helps.

Was there anything that didn’t work for you?

The emails suggested hydration apps and I didn’t get on with them but the beauty of Take Five is that it’s up to you and it’s all about trying things and working out what works.

Did you change your alcohol consumption?

Well, I’m not going to lie, I do like a drink but since Take Five I will drink water alongside alcohol to stay well hydrated. Same with drinking coffee.

And has it made a difference?

I definitely feel better and I went for a facial in December, months after Take Five but I have been keeping up my action and the woman said my skin looks so hydrated. And that was an extra boost. I have the creams, but this made me think, how important basic hydration is for your skin. I'm not saying it has taken 10 years off me, unfortunately, but you notice certain things, you know what I mean? Now when I drink my water in the mornings, I actually visualise that I’m moisturising my skin.

And so you have kept it up, would you say?

I have. I definitely have. That said, when I go outside my usual routine, I sometimes struggle to remember to drink.

Ultimately think that Take Five is a good idea? And if so, why?

I do. Firstly, the emails gave options, lots of them. The thing about it was I could pick and choose. I didn’t start the month feeling overwhelmed. I just went, OK, I'm going to do that but no, not that. And then I really started noticing the difference it made which made me carry on.