‘For me, every day really is a blessing’
THE 28-year-old reports for Cool FM and Downtown Radio, and lives in Enniskillen with her fiance Shane Mccusker and his daughter Bella (5). No two days working days are the same for Sasha and she has been busy doing live Covid updates on Facebook during the pandemic
Do you take regular exercise and if so, what?
I try to get as much exercise in as possible because it makes me feel better both physically and mentally. I started running last year and I am really enjoying it. I started out not being able to run the length of myself and now I can run 10k. I try to mix up my training with cardio and weights.
What is the worst illness you’ve had?
I used to suffer quite badly from kidney infections and at one stage I was taking one nearly every two months. Thankfully I haven’t had one this year so I am hoping that will last. Apart from that I would be quite healthy.
How healthy is your diet?
My diet would be quite healthy, but my weakness is chocolate — just ask Bella! She tells everyone it’s my favourite food.
I try and limit myself during the week. I don’t eat much in the morning as I don’t have much of an appetite; then for lunch, I would usually have soup or a salad.
If I’m out and about reporting, it can be hard to fit in time to eat healthy and I usually end up at the shop to grab a quick sandwich or something warm.
Any bad habits?
I do like takeaways, but I have IBS and my stomach flares up if I eat too many, so I try and limit what I eat and avoid Chinese food.
Do you drink and smoke, and if so how much?
I drink at the weekends, but I try and avoid it during the week as much as I can — though I do like a Wednesday glass of red wine the odd time. I don’t drink that much, about four or five gins on a Saturday night or a few light beers on a Friday. Though in saying that, the celebrations for our engagement in December lasted about a week and a lot of champagne and bubbly was consumed.
Do you take any supplements?
I take Wellwoman tablets which I find helps my energy levels
and has made my skin better.
How do you take time out?
For me, the best way to relax is just going to my mum and dad’s house and visiting my family. We are very close, and they just make me feel instantly better if I’m down there.
I also love pulling the curtains, putting the fire on, and lying up with Shane and Bella and watching movies.
Being a journalist can take a toll on your mental health at times, given the nature of some stories we cover, so I find it’s really important that I take time out when I’m not working to do the things I like most and take my mind off work.
How well do you sleep?
I sleep like a log and always have done.
Do you worry about getting old?
Getting old used to scare me — but the older I get, the more it doesn’t bother me.
I had a young sister, Roxanne, who died before I was born, so for me, every day is a blessing and it makes me appreciate my time here for however long it is. I always look at my parents and think how brave they are, which really gave me that grounding.
What is your go-to product that keeps you feeling healthy?
A face mask, bubble bath and chocolates cure most things for me!
‘Being a journalist can take a toll on your mental health, so it’s important to take time out’