“Get into moving the body, it relaxes the mind.”
Jamie and Marcus from London based duo Majik met as room mates whilst living in Leeds. They produce moody electric pop music and supported artists inclusing EDEN across Europe. In 2015 they released debut single. We caught up with Marcus from the band to talk about veganism, dealing with bipolar disorder, and exercise.
What are you listening to, reading and watching at the moment?
I am enjoying music from Sonder, Allan Rayman and uncovering Jorja Smith’s new album. Currently, I am recycling 90’s DVD’s on a vintage Mac (pre WiFi life) but am missing my Vice Docs as they’re my go to. I end my evenings reading a book about creative living beyond fear by Elizabeth Gilbert.
What has been your biggest life challenge so far and what did you do to overcome it?
I had a very dysfunctional childhood. It’s been a very challenging (and often self-inflicted) personal battle overcoming all the internal feelings I didn’t know how to process. Combined with mental health illness, I began abusing substances to keep afloat. For the longest time, addiction was something only the closest people in my life knew about. Now, instead of using drugs to camouflage my bipolar disorder, I have found my diet and my exercise to be my biggest aids. I am now vegan, and rowing at club level – a sport I was involved in throughout my childhood that I used as a natural form of escapism. Both of these disciplines are helping me a lot.
What would constitute a ‘perfect’ day for you?
Waking up with balanced energy, taking in a good breakfast, working on music with Jamie, then having the time to exercise enough to channel all my energy into something positive. My favourite thing to do after all of this is to take a stroll in nature (a precious daily ritual).
For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
The ability to have faith. This evolves into all aspects of life be it music, health or relationships. It is the secret weapon to success and doesn’t need to be defined by religion as it goes far deeper than that.
Complete this sentence: “Ace mental health for me means…”
… having manageable anxiety levels, surrounded by people that support me and having the control to make the right decisions.
What do you eat to stay healthy?
The vegan diet I live on and love keeps me topped up with all that I need to maintain my strong physical health. I like to eat fresh food that come from nature with as little processed food in my diet as possible. Of course, one still needs the occasional brownie every now and then (just to feel human)!
Do you have a daily routine of exercise or do you make it up as you go along?
I have a general need to exercise. If I’m not walking for miles in nature, I like to be out on the river rowing, or in the gym lifting weights. This has offered structure to my routine and gives me balance. I’ll always find a way to get active!
Here at The Mind Map we remember playing football and ‘tag’ – running around the playground everyday and loving it – can you share a similar memory?
We used to play “stinger” using a tennis ball. The ball was thrown at the wall at random with a group in front of it – whoever caught the ball can throw it back at whoever they choose but you can dodge / run to avoid getting hit. It certainly left a mark if the wrong person got hit and the range was very short!
What three songs lift your spirits?
Tennessee – Allan Rayman
Hopes Up – Drama Duo
Help I’m Alive – Metric
What is your favourite self-help book, or motivational quote?
“The more we choose to accept responsibility in our lives, the more power we will exercise over our lives.”
Mark Manson – The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
Says it all in the title.
What advice do you offer to friends when they are feeling overwhelmed?
Make sure you have a personal go-to ‘self help list’ incase you feel isolated. This can be exercise, cooking, whatever really. While picking up the phone and calling a loved one is encouraged, it’s not always easy to do when you’re in a low point. I’ve found immersing yourself in something you enjoy first to become level-minded then reaching out far more helpful. The few deep breaths alone before contacting someone else often helps me express what I’m experiencing accurately to whoever’s on the other line, giving me the help I need in return. Get into moving the body, it relaxes the mind.