Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Jessica Day: I moved to Oxfordshire earlier this year and find my commute gives me chance to digest the working day, whilst the geographical distance between the office and home subconsciously creates space. My husband and I make sure we cook and sit down to dinner together every night and from that moment on it’s personal time and I’m switched off.
What’s one thing you do after the work day to help you unwind?
I’ll put on some music and have a drink, usually a cocktail. I love trying something new so it’s good to have a recipe book to hand. I’m currently making my way through Claridge's – The Cocktail Book which is packed full of history, beautiful photography and has a cocktail to suit every mood.
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
Walking. I’m lucky enough to live in the countryside and find being outdoors surrounded by nature really helps clear my head.
What’s something you’ve read, listened to or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker changed my life. It was fascinating to learn how much sleep and dreams can impact our physical and mental health. I’ve become quite strict with my night-time routine now, although it doesn’t make getting out of bed on a cold, rainy, morning any easier!
After home and the office, where’s your favourite third space ?
Spending a lazy afternoon in a country pub reading the papers and enjoying a Sunday roast with a good bottle of red. A dog and roaring log fire are non-negotiable!
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
Fresh bedding, a podcast, and an early night. I’m enjoying BBC Radio 4’s Soul Music, and Modern Love by the New York Times at the moment.
Best reason you've had to turn your Out of Office on recently?
This summer I spent a blissful couple of weeks hiking in the Swiss Alps followed by a relaxing break in Lake Como. I still miss the serenity of being high up in the mountains, and nothing beats an aperitivo overlooking the lake at sunset.
Your go-to Out of Office outfit: Dresses from Rixo and Adidas Gazelles.
Your happy place anywhere in the world: Ragusa Ibla in Sicily. It’s where I got married and is a magical place.
Your favourite bar or restaurant: A beach in Malaga eating grilled swordfish with plenty of garlic, accompanied by a cold glass of white wine.
Something you booked recently that you'd recommend: In Conversation with Fran Lebowitz at the Barbican. I adored Pretend It’s a City on Netflix, and she was just as intelligent and witty in real life. Her recent book, The Fran Lebowitz Reader is brilliant.
Something you've listened to or read recently that you'd recommend: The Overload, the debut album by Yard Act. Such an exciting new band that I had the pleasure of seeing live earlier this year. They’ve been shortlisted for the Mercury Prize Album of the Year. If you haven’t listened yet, you should!
A hobby you'd like to cultivate: Gardening.
A luxury that’s actually a necessity: A Neom Wellbeing Pod.
Best luxury under £25: A bare root rose from David Austin.
If you'd like to contact Jessica Day, please email [email protected]
