What is your advice on living a healthy lifestyle?
Firstly you just need to prioritise it. At the end of the day we only have one body, one precious life and why wouldn’t you want to live it to the fullest? As a mum I’ve definitely struggled to put my own health and wellbeing first but you can’t fill with an empty cup. The dishes and the laundry can wait. It should also be an enjoyable practice - not a chore. Find what works for you and fills you up, whether it’s an ocean swim, a good sweat, cooking a delicious healthy meal or meditating and commit to doing at least one thing for yourself every day.
Why did you decide to get a Sunlighten infrared sauna?
I have been a big advocate and fan of infrared for many years. I first purchased a sauna in LA after constantly booking sessions after long days of work to unwind or to help me recover quickly from injuries. It helped so much with my chronic back pain and insomnia that I was so excited to get one in Australia. It has helped me so much with my insomnia and with calming my nervous system.
It’s a game changer!
How has your fitness/wellness routine changed since becoming a mum?
Oh, it's changed exponentially. My only chance to workout now is when my son naps (which isn’t that long) and in terms of my wellness routine, there’s usually a baby wrapped around my legs or wanting to be picked up so I’d say it’s a lot quicker and more low maintenance than before. But whenever he naps, I make sure to do as many of the things I enjoy as I can. I’d love to say I still meditate regularly but sadly that practice has fallen by the wayside a little. But I do go for an ocean swim and jump in my Sunlighten as often as I can with a good book - and that gives me so much energy for the rest of the day. I often find it’s better than taking a nap myself.
You have been using your Sunlighten infrared sauna for some time now, how do you incorporate your infrared sauna sessions into your weekly/daily wellness routine? i.e. before a workout, after a workout, to recover, relax, etc.
I normally hop in the sauna right after a workout or instead of a workout if I don’t have time for both. I find it incredible for recovery and it really helps with any inflammation which my joints have really felt since being pregnant. I really found that it helped with my postpartum recovery and with sleep (since that’s been quite scarce since having a baby too).
Are there any particular fitness or wellbeing benefits you have noticed since using your Sunlighten infrared sauna?
I’ve noticed that I look and feel less inflamed and bloated, I sleep better, my nervous system feels more regulated, I have more energy and my skin looks clearer.
What’s your longest-held wellness ritual and why?
Vedic meditation. Although I don’t do it religiously as I used to, it has had the most significant impact on my wellbeing. I used to suffer from mild anxiety & insomnia, but meditation has helped keep me feeling centered, less reactive, more clear & productive.
What’s inspiring you at the moment? What/who are you reading/watching/listening to/ enjoy following on IG?
Reading: It’s a bit trashy but I just finished the Fourth Wing & Iron Flame series and am just about to start None of This is True by Lisa Jewell.
Watching: Three Women on Stan.
Listening: Hermanos Gutierrez.
Enjoy following on IG: Emily Yates, I love Em, she has a beautiful aesthetic but is also ridiculous and funny.
To read more inspiring stories from our Friends of Sunlighten, be sure to visit our LotusLife Library and stay up to date by following the Sunlighten Australia Instagram page.
