TV presenter Anita Rani: 'Choosing what to wear is the joy of my life'
If I’m away filming Countryfile, we might start at 6am, so I get up an hour earlier to do my make-up and blow-dry my hair. I’m always up super-early anyway, as I like to start the day with a cup of Yorkshire tea in a china mug, or, if I have time, I’ll make a pot of Assam – there’s something beautiful about the ritual.
I have a varied schedule – TV presenting, hosting a podcast, recording interviews, filming the Strictly Christmas Special – so I try to find some calm before work. I either do Iyengar yoga at a class in east London or practise sun salutations at home for 20 minutes.
Choosing what to wear is the joy of my life and also the biggest pain because it’s so important when you work in TV. As a teenager I dressed down, but now I make an effort to be more glamorous. Saying that, I film Countryfile outdoors, so then it’s all about layers – thermals and cashmere are my best friends in winter. If I have a meeting, I’ll wear a dress and boots with a red or maroon lip, so then I feel ready for business.
On nights at home with my husband Bhupi, I like to wind down. I’ll head to our local organic wine shop, then pour a glass of red and cook something special. My comfort food is spicy, vegetarian Indian dishes.
If I’m feeling stressed, I light a scented candle or use my oil burner. At this time of year I go for cinnamon and orange scents. In fact, I spend so much on candles (especially Diptyque and Jo Malone) that I could bankrupt myself. I don’t tell my mother how much they cost.
Last thing before bed, I take time to massage in moisturiser, then I might listen to the radio or read, but as soon as my head hits the pillow, I’m asleep.
Anita’s new podcast ItsAnitaRani is on listen.itsanitarani.com
Anita’s rules to get ahead at work
Wake up wanting to seize the day.
Be flexible and take opportunities that come your way, even unexpected ones.
Remember that guilt is a waste of energy.
Steal 10-minute breaks to decompress. I check my Instagram between takes. I’d go bananas otherwise.
Have a uniform for trips. Mine is a white shirt and T-shirt, trousers, trainers, and a dress for dinner.
My signature scent is… Coco Mademoiselle – I wear it every day. ￡82 for 50ml edp Intense, Chanel
My favourite book is… The Master and Margarita, by Mikhail Bulgakov. It’s an amazing read about the devil’s visit to Russia. ￡7.99, books.telegraph.co.uk
I start the day with… Fortnum & Mason Assam Superb Tea, when I’m feeling indulgent. ￡10.95, fortnumandmason.com
My secret weapon is… Tom Ford Lip Colour in Ruby Rush because it makes me feel so good. ￡40, tomford.co.uk
I couldn’t live without… Hot Hands Hand Warmers. If you see me with my hands in my pockets on TV, this is why. ￡1, halfords.com
My inspiration is… Michelle Obama. I love her grace, humility and intelligence.
