On course with...
Iona Stephen
Welcome back to our Vitality Magazine column, where we catch up with Ambassadors and friends of Vitality
As a broadcaster and former professional golfer, Vitality Ambassador Iona Stephen knows how important it is to look after her wellbeing while navigating a busy career. We caught up with her to discover the everyday habits, routines and mindset shifts that help her stay grounded and feel her best.
What’s one small thing that instantly makes your day better?
The first smile from my little boy in the morning. That, or a genuinely good cup of coffee. Ideally both at the same time.
What’s your favourite way to treat yourself?
I’m in love with the city of London and going for meal in the big smoke at one of its great restaurants always feels like a treat. There are still so many cool new restaurants I’d like to try.
What does progress, not perfection, mean to you in your own life?
It means accepting that worthwhile things are rarely built in one perfect leap. Whether it is broadcasting, business, motherhood or golf, I try to focus on becoming a little better, braver or more capable than I was yesterday. Perfection can be paralysing; progress keeps you moving.
Do you have a hidden talent?
I studied architecture, so I can draw and sketch reasonably well. I also played international-level hockey, although these days I’m not sure my body would thank me for trying to prove it.
Is there a healthy habit you used to overcomplicate but now keep simple?
Exercise. I used to think every session needed to be long, structured and incredibly productive. Now I know that a walk, 20 minutes of strength work or simply moving my body is still worthwhile. Consistency matters far more than creating the perfect workout.
How do you spend your downtime?
Getting outside with my family and the dogs. Broadcasting requires you to be very present, alert and socially switched on, so I love anything quiet and uncomplicated afterwards.
What might surprise people about life behind the scenes in golf broadcasting?
How much preparation goes into making something sound spontaneous. You collect pages of research, statistics and possible storylines, knowing you may use only a tiny fraction of them. The art is doing all that work and then being willing to abandon it when the golf creates a better story.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Trust your gut. Your instincts are usually gathering information long before your conscious mind has found the words for it. Every significant step in my career has involved listening to that quiet feeling and being brave enough to follow it.
What do you do each day to look after your mental health?
I try to get outside, move my body and create a little pocket of quiet, even if it is only for 10 minutes. I also try to stay close to the people who make me feel most like myself. For me, mental health is protected through small daily choices rather than one grand solution.
What are you most looking forward to this autumn and winter?
Slowing down a little and having proper time at home with my family after a very busy golf season. This year has brought enormous change, so I’m looking forward to quieter days, long walks, fires, and watching my little boy experience his first autumn and Christmas.
What’s one small thing that instantly makes your day better?
The first smile from my little boy in the morning. That, or a genuinely good cup of coffee. Ideally both at the same time.
What’s your favourite way to treat yourself?
A very long bath, something sweet and watching something completely undemanding on television. Although I’m not sure pleasure should ever make us feel particularly guilty.
What does progress, not perfection, mean to you in your own life?
It means accepting that worthwhile things are rarely built in one perfect leap. Whether it is broadcasting, business, motherhood or golf, I try to focus on becoming a little better, braver or more capable than I was yesterday. Perfection can be paralysing; progress keeps you moving.
Do you have a hidden talent?
I studied architecture, so I can draw and sketch reasonably well. I also played international-level hockey, although these days I’m not sure my body would thank me for trying to prove it.
Is there a healthy habit you used to overcomplicate but now keep simple?
Exercise. I used to think every session needed to be long, structured and incredibly productive. Now I know that a walk, 20 minutes of strength work or simply moving my body is still worthwhile. Consistency matters far more than creating the perfect workout.
How do you spend your downtime?
I feel like I have quite an active mind, so I’m always doing something. Whether it’s working on my game, playing golf with my daughter, going to the beach with my kids or just working on something Ryder Cup related – I don’t sit still too often during the day.
What's your current obsession?
Giving the European Team the best possible chance of success at Adare Manor.
What’s your favourite way to switch off after a busy day?
How much preparation goes into making something sound spontaneous. You collect pages of research, statistics and possible storylines, knowing you may use only a tiny fraction of them. The art is doing all that work and then being willing to abandon it when the golf creates a better story.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Trust your gut. Your instincts are usually gathering information long before your conscious mind has found the words for it. Every significant step in my career has involved listening to that quiet feeling and being brave enough to follow it.
What do you do each day to look after your mental health?
I try to get outside, move my body and create a little pocket of quiet, even if it is only for ten minutes. I also try to stay close to the people who make me feel most like myself. For me, mental health is protected through small daily choices rather than one grand solution.
What do you do each day to look after your mental health?
Slowing down a little and having proper time at home with my family after a very busy golf season. This year has brought enormous change, so I’m looking forward to quieter days, long walks, fires, and watching my little boy experience his first autumn and Christmas.
