Why Claudia Winkleman feels it's important to Take 10

We are encouraging women to 'Take 10' to support our new campaign, 'Twinings Gets You Back To You'. Teaming up with TV's favourite and mother of three, Claudia Winkleman, we hope to inspire women, no matter how busy they are, to take 10 quality minutes every day to focus on themselves and reconnect.

Like Claudia, women today juggle numerous roles on a day to day basis. Whether it is being a mother, housekeeper, cook, employee or friend, new Twinings research has revealed that women all over the UK are so focused on looking after others, they are left feeling time-poor and stressed.

Claudia Winkleman said of the partnership, "As a mum of three, I know what it's like to feel frazzled and have little time for yourself, but taking 10 minutes every day out for yourself is completely achievable…and doesn't make you feel too guilty when there is so much to do. When I take 10 with a cup of tea, I love to read a book or chat with a friend on the phone. The 'Gets You Back To You' campaign shows women that you don't have to spend hours in a spa or go on expensive holidays in order to feel content and refreshed; all it takes is a few short minutes doing something for yourself to help you feel reenergized and get you back to you."

We asked Claudia how she felt about 'Taking 10', and here's what she had to say:

How do you take 10?

I'm racing around after the kids from the moment they get up. One wants crumpets and one wants bacon with pickles (I know, quite odd) and I'm also feeding the baby. Then it's drop off at school and I come back home and put the baby down for a nap and then I take 10. I get properly overexcited, turn the kettle on. I've been known to put on comfy socks. Do not be alarmed.

How important to you is it to take 10?

It's INCREDIBLY important. I am absolutely no fun when I haven't had 10 minutes to myself. That also means spending those precious moments not on my phone, checking emails, manically ordering mustard (I am actually nuts about all condiments) or anything like that. I also absolutely adore tea - especially English Breakfast. I, like every other mother in the country, deserve a sit down and a cup of tea. That's just fact.

How do you feel after you have taken 10?

Like a normal human being and this is the aim. I love my work and I love talking to my friends and I LOVE being with my kids but if I don't have a bit of "off-time" I am like a grizzly bear. And not in a good way.

What are you like if you don't have your 10 minutes out?

Grumpy. Livid. Snappy. Annoying. Annoyed. Come round and see. It's quite scary.

What would you say to those who say they cannot find the time to take 10?

To anyone that feels like they can't find the time to take 10 minutes out to themselves, I would say TRY TRY TRY. They can come and do it with me if they want. We always think we just cannot stop, but the minute we do the world doesn't stop turning. So many of my friends and I feel guilty about relaxing. We shouldn't. Plus, it's a 10 minute break. I'm not saying "book a flight to Greece and have a lie down for 10 days". 10 minutes doing nothing makes everything okay.

How do you take 10 when you're busy working?

I am incredibly lucky because there's usually some "down-time" on a studio day. I always try and curl up somewhere and switch off. I love being with the crew (we talk about baby names, the foxtrot and sandwich fillings) but after an enormous gossip we all slope off for just a bit of relaxation.

What is your favourite tea?

I've always loved Twinings because it's my dad's favourite. I always remember him telling me that I should only drink Assam. I love English Breakfast the best, really strong, tiny bit of milk and two sugars. With a vat of biscuits.

How do you stay relaxed in front of an audience?

I don't. 

Do you think Taking Ten makes a difference to how you approach your day?

You've seen my day. It's pretty bonkers. I'm not complaining, I love it but any 10 minutes I get to relax is absolutely brilliant.

Where is your favourite place to have some 'me' time?

My bed.

What do you do to relax? 

Have a think or a nap and I don't move.

What energises you?

A shower

Who are your inspirations in life?

My parents.

When do you feel most inspired?

When I've slept well.

Do you have a favourite music era (e.g. early 80s)? 

I love the music right now. You can't beat Adele. 

What are your favourite songs or albums to listen to?

Anything that's a compilation. Now That's What I Call Music. Well, quite.

Do you have a favourite novel? 

Pride and Prejudice

Do you ever meditate? 

Nope. But I think it might be excellent.

Do you do Pilates? 

I've never done it but should probably start. I stand like a tortoise.

Do you like cooking? 

I love cooking. I'm not very good at it but I find stirring very lovely. 

Do you make things for your home? 

Crikey, no. My kids paint and draw all the time and there are a lot of walls covered in their pictures.

What is it like being a celebrity mum?

I don't feel like a celebrity at all so I can't answer that. What's it like being a mum? It's brilliant, the best.

What do you do at Christmas? 

I get extremely festive. I love Christmas. I love big winter coats and cold nights and carols. I love buying presents and I am actually crazy for twinkly lights. 

Find out what the other real women think