What do celebrities get up to during their downtime? In our latestMy Saturday column, we discover the weekend perks and pitfalls of Belinda Carlisle.
Originally from sunny California, Belinda Carlisle, now 66, was the driving force behind the groundbreaking all-female band The Go-Go’s before embarking on a successful solo career in the mid-80s. With chart-topping hits like Heaven Is a Place on Earth, Leave a Light On, and Circle in the Sand, she’s gearing up for a tour in the UK this September following the launch of her newest album, Once Upon a Time in California. Belinda is also active in charitable work as the co-founder of Animal People Alliance (APA), a nonprofit dedicated to helping street animals in India and Thailand while creating sustainable jobs for locals. These days, she shares her life in Mexico City with her husband, film producer Morgan Mason, and their son.
Morning Routine at 3:30 AM
Every day kicks off early for me around 3:30 AM. I make a coffee, snuggle back under the covers, and tune into spiritual talks by people like Eckhart Tolle or Ram Dass via Audible. It may sound a bit out there, but I find it calming. I’ve been delving into spiritual topics for years, especially ideas around death, reincarnation, and what lies beyond, which brings me comfort and perspective. My morning also includes some chanting, breathwork, and if I can squeeze it in, a bit of transcendental meditation.
A Walk at 6 AM
By 6 AM, I’m headed out for a lengthy stroll in Bosque de Chapultepec, my local park, which usually lasts between an hour to an hour and a half. Once I’m back, it’s time to wake up my husband, and I jump straight into my Pilates routine. After three decades of practicing Pilates, I’ve set up my own equipment at home and do whatever stretches my body feels like that day. By the time I wrap up, I’m ready for breakfast, typically a simple meal of an egg and toast.
Learning Spanish by 10 AM
I try not to get bogged down in emails over the weekend, but I do a bit each day to manage the pile-up. Afterward, I like to squeeze in a one-hour online Spanish lesson. I’m taking Spanish classes two to three times a week, alongside using Duolingo for extra practice. Being fluent in French gave me a bit of a head start, though I sometimes mix them up now! Learning Spanish is super rewarding, even if it’s tough. I aim to be fluent in a couple of years!
Lunch Plans at 11:30 AM
If it’s just the two of us, Morgan and I enjoy an early lunch. With tons of amazing restaurants around, the choice can be overwhelming! We usually walk unless we want to check out other neighborhoods like Condesa or Roma, in which case we opt for an Uber. It’s funny, but after living in Mexico City for five years, I’m not too into Mexican food anymore. I think I just overdid it! Being vegetarian, I love the amazing bakeries and patisseries nearby, and often we seek out places that offer fresh salads and veggies. If I’m catching up with my Mexican friends, we tend to have lunch a bit later. After eating, we usually stop by another nearby park with an aviary where the birds know my husband because he’s always feeding them peanuts. We like to just chill there for a while.
Afternoon Nap by 3 PM
After lunch, it’s naptime for me! I love jumping into bed to watch movies and drift off. I often struggle to find anything interesting on Netflix since I’m pretty out of touch with new stuff. I tend to enjoy classic cinema, like old Italian or Japanese films. Lately, as part of my Spanish learning, I’m also addicted to the Spanish version of Love Is Blind with English subtitles. I love that show!
Saturday Nights at 5:30 PM
Our Saturday night is usually a cozy one at home. Honestly, I can count the number of nights I go out in a year on one hand. I’m not really into dinners out; I prefer being at home, either cooking or ordering takeout from Uber Eats. Pizza and Indian food are our go-tos when we decide to order in and then maybe catch something on TV. While I took a break from reading, I’ve recently picked it back up and now enjoy biographies and travel literature.
Winding Down by 7:30 PM
Typically, I’m ready for bed around 7:30 PM. I shoot for 8 PM, but with my early rising schedule, I’m pretty worn out. My husband stays up late, enjoying his movie time until about 11 PM. My lifestyle has transformed tremendously. While I loved my rock and roll days and the wild adventures, it wasn’t healthy. Today, I appreciate the peacefulness in life and truly enjoy my daytime routine. I’m thankful for where I am now.
Belinda Carlisle’s new album, Once Upon a Time in California, drops on August 29. It’s available for pre-order here. Don’t miss her UK tour in September!
