by Prue Henschke | Jul 29, 2018 | Two minutes with interview series
When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?
I have ‘me-time” quite regularly. I NEED it. This for me can be a sleep in (which is generally still only 8am) but my husband will bring me breakfast in bed at least once a week. However my biggest me-time is going to my exercise classes. I go to Aleenta BARRE approx. 2-3 times a week. They roughly go for an hour and have mediation at the end. This used to make me uncomfortable but now it is the best thing ever. It truly helps me manage the everyday stresses of parenthood, working and studying.
However I was lucky enough to have had a massage yesterday and stroll around the shops solo. I also love to spend time at home alone to clean and doing the washing in silence. I find this weirdly relaxing!
What are some of your favourite ways to practice self-care?
I ensure that I have a shower every morning and get ready with the kids. We have a pretty good routine in our home and this makes it easier. Plus as the kids get older it makes it easier to be able to do things for yourself rather than only doing things last minute. I also express when I know that I need some of my own time. My husband, mum and sister are also amazing and help out whenever they can. In my home all household and parenting duties are shared which allows us both to appreciate what we do for the kids but also each other.
I also find spending quality time with my husband is also crucial for my self-care. I like to ensure that we go to bed every night we are home together at the same time. We both work shift work and I find doing this ensures we can maintain quality time together and not just tag team with parenting.
Also I find the best way to ensure that I practice self-care is to be open about it. It may feel like you are being selfish but at the end of the day if you aren’t looking after yourself how you can look after someone else?
What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?
My biggest advice is to make self-care part of your routine. It also can be any small thing you do just for you. This could be as simple as getting up 20 mins before everyone and having a shower or a coffee on your own. Or something bigger like weekends away with friends once a year (or more if you can) but simply ensuring that you remember you are also a person with needs. Looking after yourself is the best thing you can do for your family.
by Prue Henschke | Jul 26, 2018 | Two minutes with interview series
When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?
Last night I had a bath with some salts and oils. But before that was last week when I Wentworth on a five hour shopping spree completely solo and it was heaven!
What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?
I love taking one night a week where I give myself a mini pamper session.. face mask, body scrub, do my nails and hair. Bliss!
What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?
The only way it will happen is if you make it. As soon as the children are in bed I head straight to the bath or read a book, whatever self care means to you. If you delay and get jobs done first you’ll get too tired and it won’t happen. Also if someone offers to watch your children for you just say yes and take an hour or so to yourself. People don’t offer to hear the words no thank you, they want to help.
by Prue Henschke | Jul 24, 2018 | Two minutes with interview series
When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?
Last time, I had me-time was Sunday morning, my husband ran me a bath, made me breakfast, took the boys out for an hour and I read a book - bliss!
What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?
I love to exercise everyday. Read! I read about 3 books at a time, it is my escape. I get my nails done once a fortnight and my hair done regularly which I love. I also eat a very balanced clean healthy diet which is really important for my over all wellbeing. I also pray (so good for my soul).
What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?
It is a balance and work in progress but being organised is key so you have time. Schedule it with your partner, book appointments, get up an hour earlier or stay up an hour later.
by Prue Henschke | Jul 19, 2018 | Two minutes with interview series
When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?
I am so fortunate that my husband insists that I have regular “me-time” so that I can be the best version of myself. Without his gentle reminders I wouldn’t take the time I need for my soul to recalibrate. With four children, a husband, three dogs, and a super busy business it’s quite a luxury to steal some “me-time” moments, but it’s really important.
My last “me-time” adventure I went to explore a crystal store in Las Vegas and ended up having an aura reading. So much of the time I spend by myself is very spiritually based. I love spending time in good bookstores as well.
What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?
I am totally obsessed with high-vibe self care rituals. Even if they just take a couple of minutes, they are a MUST for me. I love taking baths with essential oils. I eat mainly vegan food. I meditate and spend time with my crystals. I go to the gym, but I use that as a way to incubate new ideas which I find makes me enjoy running a lot more. Having quality sleep is also part of my self-care routine.
What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?
The best advice I would give mamas struggling to find “me-time” is to remember that if they don’t take time to show their kids how to practice self-care, then their kids won’t know how important it is. Even if it’s two minutes to stop everything and slowly drink a long glass of water, it’s something! Life is pieced together by moments, and there are more than enough moments in a day to devote to yourself. I used to feel so much guilt taking time for myself. Now I know that I’m not a very fun person to be around if I don’t have time to nuture who I am in the world away from my identity as a mother. At 39, I now know that it’s all about balance, integration, letting go of comparison and self judgment and just loving who you are right now.
by Prue Henschke | Jul 15, 2018 | Two minutes with interview series
When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?
Prior to our holiday I went to get eyelash extensions, it saves me so much time in the mornings and it’s such a luxury not to wear make up whilst still feeling fresh all day! Also a great way to get a one-hour nap whilst getting them done.
What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?
To be honest, I’m not the best at making time for myself, with two relatively small (and wild) kids at home there is little time for myself or for us as a couple. Photographing is a way for me to relax and I enjoy the creative outlet it gives me.
I often find my mind running when I have time to sit on my own and to simply put my phone down, get a pen and paper to write down dreams, plans, goals and what not makes it easier for my mind to rest and to relax - before having kids I used to do yoga and meditation and I hope to be able to pick that up soon again!
What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?
Most of the time I find that it’s myself that puts a stop to self care, simply starting to actively decide to ask for help or time off is harder than I thought.
My resolution for the 2018 new year was to spend more time on myself. I booked several trips (short ones and some long ones) without the family to be able to get a break and to grow mentally as well as to grow my photography portfolio. I find the day to day me-time very tricky to fit in but it’s been a blessing to have these getaways to sleep, eat, experience and have fun being just ME! And to realize I’m a better mom and a happier person when I get back home again.