When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?

I schedule in three movement classes a week which are non-negotiable me-time (one dance class and two iyengar yoga classes). I also have two massage/body work sessions a month. I book and pay for all these sessions in advance so that I must go! I look forward to these sessions and see them not as indulgences but as part of my self-care routine. 

What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?

For me self-care essentially embodies what I call the eight foundations of health: nutrition, hydration, movement, sleep, breathing, stress management, spending time in sunshine & nature and connecting with people. Each of these 8 pillars is fundamental to our health and wellbeing. If one or more is lacking, our foundations start to crack and our health is comprised, either in some minor way or more acutely. I try to invest in each of these pillars daily to the greatest extent possible. Eating a nutrient-dense diet of whole unprocessed foods that are ethically sourced and properly prepared, keeping well hydrated with filtered water, bone broth and unprocessed whole dairy, moving my body as nature intended and minimising sitting (eg use a standing desk), getting a minimum of 7-8 hours sleep per night, breathing in fresh air (I live close to the sea and also love breathing in Young Living essential oils which I diffuse at home), connecting deeply with those instrumental to my life, doing a bushwalk every second weekend in nature with close friends and family and having a positive mental disposition and an open mind with whatever life throws my way … these things are in and of themselves the best way to care for myself. Sure things like having a relaxing bath with essential oils, listening to great music at home or in the car, filling my house with bunches of flowers from my weekly market trip, getting a massage and having my hair done might make me feel good too… but getting the foundation right is far more instrumental and conducive to achieving vibrant health and lasting happiness.  

What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?

As a single mother of two young kids there have certainly been times in my life where some of the foundations of health were somewhat neglected. For example, when my kids were babies, when I was opening up my retail shop and when I was renovating my house, movement classes went out the window and I struggled to get enough sleep. But I tell myself that this phase is temporary and will pass and I can resume them when the timing is right. Even during these difficult times when much of my energy is going elsewhere (to my kids, my business or my house) even if I’m not exercising or sleeping as much as I should be, I never deviate from eating well, keeping myself well hydrated, pouring my heart out to close friends, having the occasional lunch meal out in the sunshine and trying to retain a positive mental outlook. 

Sometimes life is a bit of a compromise and me-time is done with my kids in tow eg:

- going for walks with kids in the pram or in a front pouch or back back, 
- doing some simple yoga poses instead of sitting on the bench while kids were playing in the playground (it’s amazing how many other mums joined in!), 
- doing yoga at home while kids were crawling all over me, 
- dragging the kids on bushwalks even when they can’t see the point of it (they’ll cherish that time when they are older!), 
- getting kids involved in cooking nutrient-dense meals in the kitchen (it’s messier but hey it gets done and gives them an appreciation of preparing real food), 
- putting on my favourite music and dancing around in the living room with the kids 
- taking my kids to massage, movement or osteo sessions and setting them up in a corner with food and activities,
- having to take a bath with my kids as opposed to alone,
- connecting with friends while our kids were playing together (often difficult to finish a conversation but it’s better than not catch up at all!)
- spending time at the beach with my kids is our all round favourite activity that ticks so many boxes for all of us. 
I also encourage young mums to take turns in looking after each other’s children while the other has some me-time.

The struggle happens because children require an entire village to be raised not just two or even one parent. Calling in as much support as you can from your tribe is essential not only for our children but also for each mothers’ sense of well-being and to feel connected.