Singer-songwriter Janet Devlin: I finally got a therapeutic plan that works

So, I usually waken around 7.30am and then I take an hour first thing for ‘me' time. That could take the form of scrolling on TikTok, watching some videos on current events or making a list of things I need to do for work or for my personal life. I do this so I don't feel like the only reason I'm waking up is to do the work I need to do. I'll still give myself my ‘me' time hour, even if I'm waking up at ‘silly o'clock' to catch a flight.

A giant crumpet with Lotus spread.

Apple slices and peanut butter and soup or a sandwich.

Because of my lack of culinary skills, it's usually a balanced microwave meal with no additives or nasty bits – ha-ha. My sweet tooth always kicks in, so I'll have a packet of gummy sweets and a chocolate bar, too.

It's definitely been important to me in the past - especially when I used to train six days a week. Now that I temporarily can't because of medical reasons, I'm not as strict. I do take a vitamin D supplement every day, though – I wear Factor 50 sunscreen all year round.

I used to have an eating disorder so, since recovering, I vowed never to track calories or follow any fad diets again. I just eat when I'm hungry and try to make good choices that will either nourish my body or my soul.

I go to the bakery every Sunday to pick up a croissant and an iced mocha. I've barely missed a weekend since starting this routine five years ago.

Sadly, with my medical issue I'm temporarily out of the game for hitting the gym regularly, but I'll always try to get my steps in. As for mental fitness, I'm lucky that I get to be creative a lot – especially with writing songs. That definitely keeps the cogs turning.

Well, I don't have a car at the minute, so I have to walk everywhere – even if it's to the train station.

Surprisingly, I was very into sport. I was on almost all of the sports teams, except hockey and soccer as I just didn't enjoy them. My main gig was long jump and long-distance sprinting/running. At one point I even managed to get accepted to train for the NI running team. I definitely would want to forget running 20/30 laps during PE instead of getting to play tag rugby.

I've been completely sober now for over four years. Before that, I was sober for three-and-a-half years. As much as I'd love to be someone who could have a glass of wine with dinner, I know I'm too much of a “go hard or go home” type person who doesn't know what moderation is.

Stairs mainly, although it depends how many... I don't want to do a Rocky Balboa in the London Underground.

A book on ADHD and the science behind it.

I'm not watching anything, currently. Sometimes, I'll dip in for the occasional rom-com.

Probably that I have a personality disorder called BPD. As every emotion and situation was so intense during lockdown, I found myself in a place where I wanted to have answers about my behaviours and my reactions. It was the best thing I ever did, as it's helped me understand myself so much better and finally get a therapeutic plan that works and meditations that help.

I've started building Lego sets – just a little thing I always wanted to do, but never got around to. I made a list of hobbies and activities I want to try in 2023 and I'm slowly starting to tick things off.

I put my phone down and on ‘Do not disturb'. I open up my old iPad that has notifications off and watch a podcast or something. I might go hangout with my housemate and have a good chat.

To get back out to Nashville and record my album and to start filming a new documentary. I also want to upload more music, covers, poetry and podcasts to my YouTube channel. Hopefully, I'll play some more live music. Honestly, I just want to take as many opportunities as possible and have a fun time doing that.

I definitely get enough sleep. I go to bed around 10pm and usually I'm asleep by 11pm. I used to have insomnia, so I'm glad that's over and now I will take as much sleep as I can get.

I don't think I have one. I don't want to spend time looking back on things that I can't change.

Only, for the positive. Since doing lots of therapy and putting work into myself, my whole world is just much happier. My priorities are still the same – to make art and have a good time doing it.

I think getting sober, getting therapy and the right medications has definitely changed my outlook on life. As someone who used to curse the sun for rising daily, I'm so glad I'm in a place where I can welcome every new day. For the first time, I'm happy to be here, even when life throws curveballs.