Recently we sat down with a talented performer who currently graced the stage as Glinda in the Melbourne production of Wicked. She shares how the Sunlighten Infrared sauna and Airpod mHBOT became essential elements of her weekly routine, allowing her to manage the demands of performing eight shows a week. Join us as she reveals her strategies for prioritising recovery and wellness, the benefits she’s experienced, and what inspires her both on and off the stage.
You have been visiting our South Melbourne Wellness Hub for your Sunlighten Sauna and AirPod mHBOT sessions for a few months now, how do you incorporate your Sauna/Airpod sessions into your weekly/daily routine? i.e-show/post show for recovery, to relax, recover etc.
The Sunlighten Infrared sauna and AirPod mHBOT have been vital and fundamental to my routine whilst performing Wicked in Melbourne. My weekly routine is very important whilst performing eight shows a week to ensure the right amount of rest. I found by doing these treatments weekly it almost acted as a fast track way to recover from the weeks prior fatigue. I would do both the AirPod followed by infrared Sauna on my scheduled day off after a show week. By doing these treatments the day before heading into a two show day I found myself at a lovely baseline for the week ahead. These treatments with additional work physio mid week were the things that helped me get through a 5 month season with no scheduled breaks so it signifies how great it was to add to my routine
You’re currently starring as Glinda in the Wicked theatre production here in Melbourne. What does a day in your life look like for you and how do you prioritise recovery and wellness to perform your best on stage?
On a scheduled day off I ensured to use the Sunlighten South Melbourne Hub and some additional physio, acupuncture with therapy for mental health. Work life balance is very important so post my scheduled time for myself and recovery I have more energy to socialise or go to an event. On a show day, I’d find myself trying to get as many hours of sleep as possible, drink a lot of water, stay fueled well with food and I’d often walk into work to be around nature. With 8 shows a week my schedule can be demanding and most of what I do in my down time is to maintain my show. The more wellness and recovery outside of work equates to better function on stage and therefore better physical and mental health.
Are there any particular benefits you have noticed since having regular Airpod/Sunlighten infrared sauna sessions? Eg. With singing performance, sleep, recovery etc.
I have genuinely noticed so many benefits by having regular AirPod/Sunlighten infrared sauna sessions. Firstly, I found that the AirPod specifically helped my vocal fatigue. After doing my own research I found a story on a patient who had similar benefits in getting their voice back post treatment. I believe there could be more research into this because it was a game changer for me, especially given how much I use my voice and how little time it gets to recover. As someone who is always mentally wired I found both services good for my mental health and therefore helping my nervous system. I believe there is something powerful about allocating time to personal recovery and having the sessions regularly gave my mind and body a good outlet. Sleep improved during the season all whilst at the same time giving me more energy physically and just overall. I found myself with barely any physical injury whilst reaping the benefits of these which is a huge thing considering my work load.
What are four things you do to rest and recover after a big week on stage?
If I had to narrow down to four things that help me rest and recover after each show week it would be visiting the Sunlighten Hub and using both AirPod and Sunlighten Infrared Sauna, Therapy (talk therapy, stress management acupuncture), allocated time for sleep and trying to recharge in nature.
What are five things you do each week to ensure you prioritise your health and feel your best?
I ensure that I fuel my body and eat as intuitively as I can, including taking vitamins to keep my levels right, specifically my iron levels. I find continuing to do what I love in my down time is a great way to recharge creatively, whether that be acting class or having a sing for fun. I take some natural medicine I received from acupuncture which has been very helpful. Mental health is just as important as physical so just making sure I allow myself to watch a good movie, get a lovely dinner or spend quality time with my sister is really important. Lastly, visiting Sunlighten has been a pivotal part of my routine to feel good overall.
What’s inspiring you at the moment? What/who are you reading/watching/listening to/enjoy following on IG?
I am constantly inspired esp. As an artist I find I am always taking inspiration from everything. I’m currently reading The Art Of Living written by Echart Tolle, a great and thought provoking book. One of my favourite artists is Laufey, I find myself listening to her whilst getting ready to perform and outside of work. I find because I’m on stage a lot I haven’t been watching too much but I’m ready to watch a good tv show.
For more inspiring Q&A’s or to learn more about both Sunlighten Infrared or AirPod mHBOT, be sure to visit the Sunlighten journal and AirPod website.
