Ali Pantony is a freelance writer, editor and author. Since going freelance in 2017,she has written for publications including Grazia, GLAMOUR, British Airways High Life, BBC Three, Boots Health & Beauty, Red and ES magazine.

Issue 25

What time do you usually start your day?

Around 7.30am if I'm squeezing in a workout before work. But on the weekends, all bets are off. The weekends are for lie-ins. My friends with kids are going to hate me for that.

What’s one thing you always carry in your bag?

Apart from the boring essentials, lip balm and a nude lipstick. At the moment I'm loving the Gisou Lip Oil and a classic Blistex, and for lipstick, The Nars Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick in 'Breathless' is the perfect blend of colour pay-off without being drying. One for my fellow chapped lip girlies there.

When life is really busy, how do you carve space to maintain peace

I'm not afraid to cancel plans if I'm mentally overloaded, stressed out or having a bad mental health day. My friends totally get it, we all understand that life can get a bit much sometimes.

How do you take your coffee and how many a day?

Black, no sugar. Too many.

Are you most productive in the mornings or evening?

I get random spikes of productivity throughout the day. See answer above.

What is your ultimate indulgence that makes you more productive?

I was going to say 'rest' but then I got sad that hustle culture has made me think of rest as an indulgence. So I'll say chocolate.

Top 3 apps

Instagram (basic), Gumtree (best place for second-hand bargs), New York Times (yes, I still play Wordle). Never WhatsApp. I want WhatsApp to burn.

What does wellness look like to you?

Exercising for my mind, going to therapy, eating food without shame.

Go to comfort outfit?

Trackies or leggings and a big old sweatshirt. My A&P sweatpants are like wearing dopamine (I promise I'm not just saying that), and the Adanola gym leggings are as good as everyone says they are, sorry.

Zoom to telephone call?

Neither. Don't talk to me please.

Perfect way to spend a day off?

Honestly? A day at home doing absolutely sweet FA. Maybe a trip to my local Homebase (shout out to Arena Shopping Centre on Green Lanes where I spend frankly an embarrassing amount of time) because when people told me the renovating will never be done, they weren't lying. And EastEnders. Always EastEnders.

Thank you so much Ali!

Check out Ali on Instagram here

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Non-Negotiable’s with the amazing Ali Pantony.

Non-Negotiable’s with the talented Jaya founder of Sifali.

Non-Negotiable’s with the talented Emily Chin-Sillah, Founder of Chin Chin Prints.