by Prue Henschke | Apr 22, 2018 | Two minutes with interview series
When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?
I’m very focused to finish my to-do list and it’s hard for me to stop before my mental list is done. It’s a very strong inner urge and it is very difficult to stop it - this often means that I will do things and keep doing things until they’re very tired or I give myself the concession to rest. Because of that, I have decided that I will make it one of my tasks on my to-do list! Most recently, I took some time out to just sit somewhere for 15 minutes and allowing myself to just take in the environment that I was in. It’s like a mini holiday.
What are some of your favourite ways to practice self-care?
My “me-time” is scheduling a call with a friend and talking about things that are important to me (or her!) - going for a coffee and enjoying a conversation. I love chats and I love to hear what’s important to my family, friends, colleagues and business partners. I enjoy it more and I find it more energising than being by myself - although calming the mind is something I absolutely need more of in my life rather than additional stimulation.
What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?
Perhaps don’t make it a big thing. It always falls into the “too hard” basket if you think that me time is something that you have to “go to”. Define what it is for you and then make it part of your daily routine (you don’t have to meditate if that’s not your thing I think). It shouldn’t feel like a struggle - just do what you love. Go for a mini walk, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee (or chocolate or wine), watch the ocean if you’re lucky enough to be close to the water and observer your thoughts. I’m always surprised about the mix of stuff that runs around in my head (in two languages haha).
by Prue Henschke | Apr 18, 2018 | Two minutes with interview series
When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?
I find it very rare to have me-time, but I do try to do it even if it’s 30 mins otherwise I’ll go crazy. My last me-time was last week when I went to get my hair done - a cut and colour. It was 2 hours of silence and I sat reading magazines and catching up on instagram work that I needed to catch up on as I’ve been trying to limit the amount of time I’m on my phone in front of the kids.
What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?
Some of my favourite ways to practice self care would be just making time to do things that make me happy, if that’s going to get my eyebrows threaded or getting my lashes done - something that makes me feel good about myself physically.
What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?
I would say try to find support, that someone who can take your child for a little bit of time - that being your parents, in-laws, childcare or even occasional care and doing something for you and no one else. I always tell my husband I’m doing this, at this time can you please look after the girls.
by Prue Henschke | Apr 6, 2018 | Me-time inspiration
I’ve had a shitty week - quite literally. My 4 year old son has been unwell, which added more pressure to an already over stretched schedule. Such is #mumlife.
As I was in the midst of a pity party, I decided to book in a long overdue massage. Close to my work, Jarunee is located in a small strip of shops in the bayside Melbourne suburb of Black Rock. I was able to park at the door.
Apple, was my masseuse for the session. She was welcoming and friendly. The massage room was decorated with Thai fabrics and other touches. The heater had been put on in advance, so the room was comfy.
The hour long full body massage was heavenly. The massage was firm - at my election - and involved the usual stretching, pressure point work and flow someone who has had a Thai massage will be familiar with. If you haven’t tried a Thai massage, I expect you would either love or hate it. The therapists usually use their whole body in the massage - in this case with Apple literally on my back for the first 15-20 minutes. The massage also involved Apple assisting me in pretty deep stretches.
I find Thai massages really help get out the knots and tightness. This was no exception. Listening to the “crunching” sound my back made, as it was worked on, was an clear sign for me to start making time again for more regular massages.
Cost: $70.00 for one hour
by Prue Henschke | Apr 5, 2018 | Two minutes with interview series
When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?
I don’t often have free time as my husband travels a lot for work and when our nanny has the kids I typically dedicate that to my production company. I’ve started a hard routine of putting my phone down at 8pm once the kids are down every night and taking even thirty minutes to myself. I’ll usually watch TV and sip on a tea, luxury as any working mum will know. I also designate shower time ”me time”. I will never ever bring my kids in there with me. I love to stretch and do some deep breathing while locked in the bathroom by myself.
What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?
I find walking, even to the corner store to be very therapeutic for me. I put my headphones in and zone out. I also find that putting in the time to make a healthful meal to be worth it every time as most nights I’m eating my kids leftovers. It’s nice to make a bowl with quinoa, roasted potatoes steamed greens and nuts, seeds, etc. This always makes me feel full not just physically but emotionally and not like a robot catering to other people all the time.
What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?
I find I have to make any me time mandatory or else it won’t happen. I have to consciously put work, phone calls and family on hold and devote those 30 mins or hour to myself regardless of what else is happening. I’ve made a hard rule that unless something life threatening is happening the kids or work can wait. What is that saying, crying builds character? I’m a big fan of that.
by Prue Henschke | Apr 1, 2018 | Two minutes with interview series
When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?
Yesterday. When the girls are both at school and I had a day off work. It was a glorious day in Melbourne, so I took a moment to sit by the pool. Hat, sunscreen & cookbooks in hand. It’s my time to relax & find inspiration in the pages of my role models. Whether it’s Nigella Lawson, Tessa Kiros, or Donna Hay, I find myself lost and inspired in their kitchens. While lying in the sun I ponder… what should I make for dinner?
What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?
Three years ago I saw a billboard on the freeway that said “Run for the kids- 15k fun run”. I’m no fitness fanatic, but I saw the sign… literally.
Gyms don’t appeal & so gradually I began jogging around the suburbs. I discovered it’s something I really enjoy. So now I run along Mordiallic beach 3-4 times a week. I love being by the water, and the view is great. It gives me the opportunity to clear my mind, recentre, refocus & prepare for the day ahead. On occasion, I’ll even get to see horses training down by the water - beautiful.
My goal & personal challenge is to participate & complete the fun run annually. It’s so rewarding to cross the finish line, but truly this is also my time to do something for myself.
What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?
I’m definitely a morning person so I prefer to have my “me-time” before 11am. Fortunately I work part time, so on my days off (after school lunches etc are packed), I throw on my activewear and runners ready to go. I head straight down to the beach or Pilates studio after school drop off. I also use this time to put on the slow cooker, marinate meats & pre cut veggies to avoid the 6pm madness.
My advice would be value all of yourself - your body, mind & spirit. Because you are worth it, because you are a role model, because you are you. Happy mothers make happy households. You’ve got this.
