Photo by Adela Loconte/WireImage
While you might believe that A-list celebrities like Heather Graham have plenty of time and resources at hand to help them relax and de-stress, the truth is, a day in the life of a celebrity is often not glamorous and can be super exhausting. From endless events to intensive film roles and a constant lack of privacy, it’s no wonder celebrities like Heather Graham look for ways to feel calmer and happier.
ALSO SEE: 8 simple steps to happiness
And, being a well-known celebrity can be isolating too. In a candid interview with Esquire, George Clooney admitted that “The big house on the hill can be isolating. There are restrictions to this kind of fame. I haven’t walked in Central Park for 15 years. I’d like to, you know?”
In an exclusive interview with W&H, Heather Graham, 49, shares what makes her happy as well as how she relaxes amidst her busy schedule.
How Heather Graham finds her happy
Take the time to enjoy the small pleasures
We don’t spend enough of our lives thinking about pleasure. We’re always on the go, trying to figure out what we want to achieve, or what we need to get done in a day, but to actually stop and think, “Well, what’s fun for me? What would give me pleasure?”, makes you feel so much better. I try, every day, to think of the things I’m grateful for. They seem like such tiny thoughts, but they can make all the difference.
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Find hobbies that make you feel relaxed
Gardening relaxes me. I have a really lovely garden at my house in LA, and I’m just learning how to take care of it. It’s really quite easy, because I have the luxury of sprinklers. Rocket grows well there, and I’ve had strawberries and tomatoes… and some really sad-looking mutated carrots and potatoes! I managed to grow a gigantic zucchini at one stage, too! At the moment, I’m trying corn and avocados. It’s great, when you’re making a salad, to be able to go right into the garden and pick your own produce. It feels good to think that you could sustain yourself with food growing on your own property.
Take care of yourself with good food
Guacamole’s a bit of an obsession of mine. I make loads of it. I cook healthy food, and love getting creative with salads – one of my favourites is a salad with broccoli, hazelnuts, feta cheese and cherry tomatoes. It’s delicious. I also make a really good endive, beetroot, walnut, and blue-cheese combination.
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Escape real-life stresses with a good book
Give me real books over e-readers any day. I love reading. I ploughed through The Fault in Our Stars by John Green at an airport bookshop, and I’ve just read comedian Jim Gaffigan’s book, Dad is Fat, which was hilarious.
Try yoga
I absolutely love yoga. I can practise properly on my own, but I do like the energy of a class. My yoga teacher in LA is a friend, and I’ve often said her classes are like healthy raves. She plays upbeat music, which not a lot of yoga teachers do, and it distracts you from the pain. I’ve discovered a lot of great musicians through yoga classes. You get into a sort of athletic euphoria. I guess you’re releasing endorphins – a good backbend will do that to you.
ALSO SEE: Yoga for beginners, the basics
Surround yourself with bright, vibrant colours
There’s no doubt that bright colours make you feel happy. I love wearing reds and blues, and I’m very into shorts and rompers for summer. As far as designers go, Dolce & Gabbana are timeless. I feel really pretty in their clothes. I’ve also just discovered a store in New York, called Reformation, which makes new items with vintage fabrics. It’s a fun concept.
Love yourself above all else
If you want to be a loving person, you might as well start with yourself. I’m intrigued by spirituality, and the idea of being kind to yourself. Almost all of us are our own worst critics; we find it so easy to be kind to other people, but not to ourselves. We criticise our bodies endlessly in our heads – patience for yourself doesn’t come naturally, but you’ve got to find it!
Embrace your age
The older I get, the happier I feel. I just care less about what others think. It’s liberating. Of course, it’s a gradual process, and I still have a way to go, but I’m smarter, and better, at choosing what’s good for me. Life’s always going to throw you curveballs, but as long as you’re making yourself happy, and surrounding yourself with good people, you’re okay.
ALSO SEE: 5 Things Jane Fonda Knows About Agelessness
Keep your friends close
I have a great group of girlfriends, and we’ve been getting together for the last seven years or so, to talk about all our deepest desires. We’ll discuss them, and then wish them for each other.
By Freelance Writer, Tammy Jacks
