by Prue Henschke | Nov 15, 2018 | Two minutes with interview series
When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?
The last time I had some true, uninterrupted ‘Mummy time’ was when I had a facial the other week. It was a good hour of pure, peaceful bliss. I left Sonny with my husband and a bottle of expressed milk, it was beautiful to know that they had some nice Daddy and son bonding time, while I was able to switch off for a whole hour.
What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?
Some of my favourite ways to practice self care would be to sit down with a good cup of tea, or coffee, all technology turned off (except for some music) and just zoning out for 15 minutes. A peaceful walk around the block can do wonders too and funnily enough baking can actually relax and centre me, plus you get to enjoy whatever goodies you’ve baked at the end too. Win - win!
What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?
“Me - time” really should be just as important as brushing your teeth everyday. It should come naturally, but for some reason for a lot of us (myself included) it can be harder to practice than we think and it can also have some guilt that follows. One thing that I always try to remind myself is that you can’t fill from an empty cup! If someone offers to help, or watch bub for 10 minutes, take them up on it! Sometimes 10 minutes can be all you need and it can feel like a huge weight off your shoulders. And always be kind to yourselves Mama’s, it can be a tough gig! But it is so worth it.
by Prue Henschke | Nov 13, 2018 | Me-time inspiration
I celebrated my 40th birthday recently and part of my day I wanted to spend at a day spa. I had few criteria - I wanted a memorable experience. I wanted the treatment to be something unusual. I wanted the spa environment itself to wow me. I wanted to be able to extend the experience with use of a pool or sauna or similar.
I’ve been fortunate to experience some pretty amazing spas and treatments on my travels - which has made me rather fussy when it comes to paying $250+ for a spa package - I want it to be something amazing. So for weeks before our trip I asked around, DM’ed mamas I knew from IG, and googled every possibility on the Gold Coast (GC). Eventually it occurred to me to try Byron and Gaia (which I had oohed and ahhed over many times over the years) was an obvious choice.
And it didn’t disappoint. The setting of the retreat is quite simply stunning. With rolling green hills and manicured gardens - I immediately felt a million miles from the hustle and bustle of the GC. The spa itself is set in a Balinese style building with a gorgeous pool/spa/sauna area which is available to guests of the spa. The staff were friendly and professional. After changing into my robe and slippers I sipped tea in one of their lounging areas until my therapist fetched me.
I had booked one of their signature treatments - the 2 hour inner serenity package. Described as a “spiritual treatment [which] begins with a Swedish massage to assess energy flow and re-balance the body’s energy field. During [the] massage [the] therapist will perform healing work drawing from reiki and intuitive energy. A 30minute hot oil scalp massage with a smudging ceremony will soothe body mind and soul”.
My therapist explained that the session was personalised. The session was to be a massage but with energy healing, reiki and chakra work. My session was more healing than massage but I was completely fine with that because I was looking to experience something different. My therapist spoke during parts of the session almost as you would expect in a guided meditation - with lots of visualisation. I was encouraged to feel rather than think as I experienced sensations.
At the end of our session we had a debrief about what had come up and how I was feeling. I was given a small plate of beautiful fruits and tea to enjoy. I then made use of the spa and pool set in the lush gardens.
It was a beautiful morning and certainly made the day special.
Cost - $270.00 for 2 hours
by Prue Henschke | Nov 4, 2018 | Two minutes with interview series
When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?
The last time I had “Me-Time” was actually this past weekend and it was magnificent!
What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?
Practicing self-care is so important and one way I like to practice is by allotting myself one hour at the end of each day to do something I want to do. It could vary from watching my favorite tv show to making my favorite snack.
What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?
My favorite piece of advice for any mama is a “happy mama” makes a “happy baby!” Do what works best for you.
by Prue Henschke | Nov 1, 2018 | Two minutes with interview series
When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?
Recently I have really started to take care of my skin. Facials are my “me-time” and I feel like it’s a great way to relax and make yourself look and feel better. Right now, I’d rather spend my money on my skin to help preserve what I have before it’s too late.
What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?
I really enjoy meditation right before I go to sleep. It really helps decompress all of the tension that gets built up during the day. Another way I like to practice self care is through Yoga. My body feels so different afterwards, which makes me think that I need to do it more than twice a week! Lastly, Podcast! Since I don’t have much time to actually sit down and watch a tv show, let alone a movie, I really enjoy listening to podcasts when I am getting ready for the day or when I am driving to get dinner. Any downtime when I am alone I listen to a podcast!
What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?
I just started making “me-time” a priority in my life as of this year. Two kids later and I am finally realizing that I need “me-time” in order to stay sane. Let’s get real, being a mom is no walk in the park. It’s a 24 hr job! “Me-time” is essential in order to give your best self to your children. Because they deserve it and so do you! So with that being said, “me-time” needs to be a priority in your life. It can be something so simple as going outside for a quick walk about the block, or for a ride to the grocery store by yourself. Whether you are in the very beginning stages of motherhood, toddler stage, or teenager land make “me-time” a priority. No excuses.
