Growing up, Anjali’s Mahto’s life was never confined to one place. Her family moved to UK from Jammu & Kashmir during 1970s and then shifted to Saudi Arabia for a couple of years during the Gulf War. Anjali lost her father at 12 and was brought up by her mother, who instilled in her the drive to work hard and the importance of having independence. Perhaps this is the reason why Anjali not only became an extremely successful dermatologist in the UK but was also able to author the The Skincare Bible two years ago, a book that gives access to dermatology to everyone, especially those who are unable to see or afford a dermatologist. Here’s what she has to on what keeps her going on the most chaotic days:
On how she starts her day:
My morning routine varies depending on whether I am starting with a clinic day or a non-clinic day – I split the week up to be able to have a portfolio career which allows me to see patients, write, partake in speaking events, or carry out media work. Half the week my morning starts by going to the gym or personal training before work. I do strength training twice a week and then go to HIIT classes 2-3 times a week on the other days. Exercise is an important part of my routine – I find it good for my mental wellbeing and it energises and sets me up for the rest of the day. The days I don’t start with a work out usually involve catching up on emails and the news over coffee.
On organising her working hours:
I see patients three days a week and my clinics are busy. The other days are set aside for admin, media type work and exercise. I recognise I am in a privileged position to be able to prioritise my work-life balance and this allows me to enjoy every part of what I do without burn-out. As I have aged and recently turned 40, I am fully aware that time is our most precious commodity. We have to make the most of it.
On the one beauty myth she wants women to stop believing:
That acne is a beauty or cosmetic problem not a medical one! For the majority of women with acne, the cause is largely down to hormones and genetics but the beauty industry often lets us believe we just need a new face wash or toner!
On the one thing that helped her get through her struggles with acne:
My acne started when I was 12 and it is still something I struggle with on and off. I have come to a place of acceptance that this is my lot in life, so to speak and my acne may always come back even after treatment. That acceptance has not been easy, and there are days where it feels so gut-wrenchingly unfair that there is no permanent solution. But I think there are a number of things that have allowed me to be in a place where I largely feel at peace with it – partly having good support networks, partly knowing that there are treatments even if the spots come back, partly getting older and recognising that my self-worth does not come from what I look like and the big one – talking to an excellent clinical psychologist who made me see all these things and practice gratitude for what I have.
On how she stays organised:
I am super organised when it comes to my work and diary keeping but my husband, Nik, will vouch for the fact that when it comes to our social life, I never know what I’m doing or where I’m supposed to be. I’m notorious for agreeing to do something then forgetting to put it into my diary so frequently staying on top of it on a week by week basis helps.
On managing stress:
Making sure I stay in shape mentally and physically. Exercise is a huge stress reliever as is talking through things with my family and close friends. Close social networks, bashing out ideas (or a punch bag!) all help!
On relaxing at the end of the day:
My husband, Nik, is an amazing cook – so a nice meal and some Netflix usually does the trick!
