The most in-demand Bollywood actress on the planet, who currently has a leading role in US hit superhero drama Supergirl, Amy Jackson is no stranger to the limelight. It’s part of the reason why almost nine million followers tune in to her daily Instagram updates on her latest fitness regime and fashion and beauty picks, as well as life with her hotelier fiancé George Panayiotou and their adorable eight-moth old son, Andreas. Here, she shares how she’s getting through the lockdown, from daily meditation sessions to her top beauty must-haves and anxiety-busting tips.
My Morning Routine
I set my alarm for 6am every morning – that way I know I have a full 60 minutes of ‘me time’ before my little boy, Andreas Jax, wakes up. First I have a cold shower and then do a thorough skincare regime. I always change into my gym kit before leaving the bedroom, otherwise I don’t get round to putting it on later in the day and that means my workout doesn’t happen. Afterwards, I head downstairs and make a cup of hot water and lemon along with a ginger and honey shot, before practicing 20 minutes of meditation. I did a three-day meditation course with Beeja Meditation where my teacher, Will Williams, gave me my own personal mantra and taught me how to meditate. Now I do it every morning and evening.
It’s taken me years to perfect my morning beauty regime, trialling and testing so many different products, but I’ve finally found the perfect lotions and potions for my skin. I keep it simple in the mornings and start with a facewash; I alternate between Alteya Organics Rose Otto Face Wash, and Aesop Fabulous Face Cleaner followed by 111Skin Anti Blemish Tonic on any problem areas. Then I use Glossier’s Super Bounce Serum or Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixir which is great under make-up, as it gives a lovely smooth base. I’ll also add 111Skin’s Rose Gold Radiance Booster if I want extra glow. To finish off I use the Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream, which is great for tackling fine lines and dark circles.
My Fitness Fix
I change this up every day, because otherwise it can get repetitive and boring. I have two trainers, Lee Mullins and Bradley Simmonds, who I work out with over Zoom or Instagram. Lee’s sessions are all about toning and sculpting, while I do intense, energetic HIIT workouts with Bradley. He’s currently running them daily on Instagram for anyone who wants to get involved. When it’s just me, I love using the Alo Moves app, which has hundreds of classes and trainers to choose from.
My Go-To Foods
Early on in lockdown I decided to do a three-day juice cleanse with Presscription Juices. After just the second day I had way more energy, my skin was glowing and my tummy was flatter. It inspired me to keep this healthy lifestyle going as part of my vegan diet, so I stocked the fridge with tonnes of fruit and vegetables and that’s pretty much what I’ve been living off. For lunch I’ll rustle up a quinoa bowl with spinach, broccoli, hummus, avocado, tomatoes and courgettes, drizzled with a homemade lemon and honey dressing. I’ve been getting lots of cooking inspiration from Instagram accounts: my favourites are @veganreset, @veganvultures and @georgiamaysalamat
My Must-Have Supplements
I take several supplements each day, including vegan collagen powder for strengthening my skin and Ashwagandha tablets, an Indian Ayurvedic herb that helps boost energy levels and reduce stress. I also take a spoonful of Manuka honey as a powerful antioxidant.
My Culture Picks
STREAMING
I’ve been watching The Sinner on Netflix, which follows a different compelling – and brutal – crime each season. Jessica Biel stars in the first season and has executive produced all three. To me, she’s a goddess!
FILM
The last film I loved was Vice, which I watched purely for Christian Bale and his ability to make each role as authentic as possible – trust me, you won’t recognise him! It’s a biographical drama about Dick Cheney (played by Bale) and how he became the most powerful Vice President in American history. It’s also stars Steve Carell, who’s one of my favourite actors.
BOOK
I’m currently reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. The author thought she had everything she wanted in life, until it took an unexpected change in direction. This leads her on a self-diviner’s journey across the globe, from Italy to India to Bali. I loved the film and I wanted to get excited about all the places we’re planning to travel to once we get our freedom back, Bali being one of them.
PODCASTS
I’ve just discovered GABA, which is a weird and wonderful way to meditate – the host, Adam Martin, has the most soothing voice, accompanied by unique music and sounds. The Scummy Mummies podcast always has me in stitches – it’s the truth behind being a mother. I also love Oprah’s Master Class, which is full of inspirational stories that really push you to act on your dreams.
MUSIC
I’ve been listening to ultimate feel-good songs by Elton John, Lionel Ritchie and Madonna. I’m a big house music fan, so I’ve had Peggy Gou blasting in the garden when the sun’s out, which always puts me in a good mood.
MY GO-TO APP
Morpholio Board, which I use as a mood board. I’m all about visualisation and manifestation – I find it such a creative way to be productive.
My At-Home Wardrobe Staples
I’m currently living in my gym kit. My favourite designs are from Aloyoga – their pieces are so comfortable and shapely. For our Friday date nights I treated myself to a chic shirtdress from JW Anderson – it’s perfect for a chilled evening. Sunday nights are made for Olivia Von Halle silky pyjamas – their new designs are fun and fabulous. And for lazy days I love to lounge around in my Soho House teddy bear dressing gown.
My Evening Wind-Down
After I put AJ to bed I pop on a facemask and have a long bath before putting on my Milk Makeup vegan milk moisturising body cream, which is so thick and luxurious. Then I do my 20-minute evening meditation. It’s so important for me to get that final meditation in, because it calms my mind and helps me sleep. Then George and I will have a light bite and watch a film in bed. We’ve been enjoying rewatching all the Nineties classics, like Goodfellas and Pretty Woman.
My Latest Projects
For the last decade I’ve been non-stop filming and travelling from India to Canada to the US, so I’ve really appreciated this time to work on personal projects that have been on the back burner for years. Just before the lockdown was announced, I invested in a high tech professional camera, as photography is one of my passions. The plan was to spend the summer travelling with my family, capturing the culture and wildlife from all the different places we visited. Obviously that’s been postponed, but I’ve been planning and prepping for that when we get the go ahead.
My Home Comforts
Lockdown has made me realise how much I adore my home and how important it is to have a safe haven to rest your head at night. I’ve started to explore Feng Shui and really take an interest in home design. I’ve got a couple of home projects that I’m prepping – one of them is to turn the balcony into a meditation space, a little corner of peace and quiet.
My Relationship Learnings
As a couple, having this extra time together has reinforced our relationship and given us the chance to really take an interest in each other’s passion projects. Over the last couple of years George has been setting up his charity, the Power to Live Foundation, which supports those with mental health struggles. With this extra time he’s been able to put it into motion and it’s been such a learning experience for me, from understanding the business side to finding out more about the charity’s message and aim.
My Failsafe Ways to Combat Anxiety
Since lockdown I’ve started a journal. I get anxiety when I overthink, which leads to fear and dread, but by writing everything down my feelings become a lot clearer and easier to handle. If I need a quick pick-me- up, I play a guided sound meditation from GABA or Beeja. – it completely rewires my whole way of thinking and gets me into a positive frame of mind. This extra time has allowed me to sit with myself and take the time to listen to what my mind, body and soul really needs. From introducing diet staples like bee pollen and substituting the aggressive morning TV with a bit of wanderlust from David Attenborough, to having my daily dose of quiet time before the rest of the family wakes up, these have all become the new norm and have helped enormously with my wellbeing.
My Lockdown Lessons
Seeing how Mother Nature has thrived with the cleaner air and liberated wildlife since we’ve been forced to take a step back has been a real eye opener. It’s made me hopeful that we can all play our part in reversing the damage that’s been done to our planet. In light of that, I plan to continue my vegan diet and live a more minimal lifestyle – I’ve already rearranged my wardrobe and bagged up dozens of bags ready for my friend’s brilliant sustainable fashion brand, Officially Worn. Pre-loved clothing is definitely the way forward.
