Celebrity Health – Dr Clodagh Campbell

Photography © Brid O’Donovan

Known as the Wellness Psychologist, Dr Clodagh Campbell is the presenter of the award-winning podcast Unspoken. Here, the Dublin-based mum-of-three speaks to Rude Health about her new book, The Steps, and lifts the lid on her personal wellness routines, including meditation, journalling, sea swimming and cacao ceremonies.

Hello Clodagh. As a psychologist, author, podcaster and mum-of-three, you have a very busy life! How do you ensure that you keep fit and healthy?

Well, I enjoy healthy eating and cooking. I always start my day with oats and berries. I’m also a big fan of magnesium – it’s amazing for calming and regulating the nervous system. I love sea swimming too because I find it really invigorating. One of my favourite wellness rituals is to drink some cacao while I meditate and do some journalling. Cacao is hugely beneficial for our health as it’s rich in antioxidants and magnesium. Originally, the Mayans used to drink it for medicinal, spiritual and ceremonial purposes in South and Central America. Drinking cacao helps me drop into my body, connect with my emotions, and engage in self-reflection. It’s a gorgeous time for me to pause, connect to my roots and check in with myself. Sleep is a huge priority for me, as well as making time for myself, connecting with loved ones, and doing things that bring me joy. I find that engaging in these mindful practices brings clarity and inner peace.

Could you tell us a little bit about your new book, The Steps?

Of course. So I’m a psychologist, and I often sit in front of women who ask me questions like, “How do I quieten my inner critic?” “How do I lower my anxiety?” “How do I love myself more?” and “How do I navigate my relationships?” Psychology can be quite difficult to access – there are long waiting lists, it’s expensive and it can be hard to digest. I really wanted to bring my experience as a psychologist and combine it with my personal healing journey to create a book that acts as a guide – something that readers can learn from and return to whenever they need support. Throughout, there are healing exercises – meditations, journal prompts, and reflective activities – to help readers build awareness and process past experiences. My intention is that once they’ve read the book, it will live on their bedside table. And then they’ll return to it on those days when they feel anxious or they need a self-worth boost or a reminder of how to regulate the nervous system.

You referenced your own healing journey. Does the book draw from your personal experiences?

Yes. I share personal snippets throughout the book. It makes it really concrete and it makes it really relatable. And the language is also very accessible for people. In terms of my own healing journey, I’ve struggled, probably my whole life, with self-worth, fear of abandonment, anxiety and an inner critic that was always very present and very judgmental. So, The Steps reflects on these struggles and the methods that helped me to heal.

Are there any daily practices you recommend for managing anxiety and stress?

One of the simplest and most effective things we can do is check in with ourselves. Ask, “What do I need right now? What am I struggling with? How can I meet that need?” We do this naturally with children – when a baby cries, we wonder if they’re hungry, tired, or need comfort. But we rarely pause to ask ourselves the same questions, often, because our lives are so busy.

Different things work for different people. Some find meditation helpful, others might benefit from a walk in nature, connecting with loved ones or journalling. Incorporating at least one of those practices into our lives as often as we can is going to make a huge difference.

Would you say that exercise plays an important role in mental wellbeing?

Research consistently shows the benefits of movement for mental health. But it doesn’t have to mean running or intense workouts – any form of movement that feels enjoyable can be beneficial. It could be yoga, a walk by the sea, or dancing in your living room. It’s about what feels good for your body.

Do you have any plans for the year ahead?

I’ll be hosting some wellness retreats and healing meditation sessions. I run a private practice offering psychological consultations and share insights on my Instagram page, The Wellness Psychologist. Additionally, my podcast Unspoken will be returning for season 4 soon.

The Steps by Dr Clodagh Campbell is published by Gill Books, priced at €19.99.

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