Ben Shephard has received messages of support after sharing an update during his current This Morning break. Ben, who usually hosts ITV’s flagship daytime show alongside Cat Deeley, is currently in New Zealand.
The 49-year-old recently told fans he would be challenging himself ahead of his upcoming 50th birthday. He previously told his 595,000 followers that he’d be embarking on a health journey, and asked them for their tips on how best to push himself mentally and physically, after spending a lot of time thinking about what being fit at 50 would look like.
The reason for Ben’s This Morning break is that he has signed up to host a brutal new reality competition for ITV called The Summit. The show, already big in Australia, challenges contestants with a trek to the top of one of the world’s biggest mountains, for a chance to win their share of a huge cash prize.
While away, Ben has been keeping his followers updated on his fitness journey, with his experiences so far including cold water swimming, doing 50 pull-ups, running, and using a rowing machine. His latest update is somewhat different, as Ben has shared some honest reflections about his health at the moment.
He said: “Of all the things I’m regularly told by you guys in response to my challenge things like ‘take time to rest’, ‘don’t overdo it’, ‘you can slow down’ and things along those lines. As a rule, it’s just not like me, wanting to slow down, but being in New Zealand, having more time, surrounded by this incredible scenery has shifted my thoughts.
“I’m intrigued as to how that will feel when I’m back home with Christmas coming and life flying at us, but I’m going to try to hold onto what I’ve learnt – rest isn’t wasted time, it’s the foundation that everything else is built on. That feels quite profound – I’m def getting old!” [sic]
Fans have been supportive in the comments section, as one wrote: “So, so true. Well said Ben and thank you for sharing that.” A second said: “Rest is good for mind body and soul and no guilt. Well done” and a third added: “Being still isn’t a waste of time if you acknowledge you’re being still.”