As a busy mum, journalist, and PR consultant, Nicole Madigan-Everest has learned to balance her lifestyle so that she can stay fit, healthy, and active.
Madigan-Everest, who was a News Limited journalist for some 10 years and a Channel Nine on-air reporter and presenter, has discovered that finding time for herself is one of her biggest challenges since becoming a mother.
“It isn’t always easy, but I do my best to completely focus on one thing individually,” said Madigan-Everest. “When I’m with my boys I’m totally focused on them, likewise when I’m writing, although there are times when this isn’t possible. The most difficult aspect is finding time just for me, but I do try and dedicate some time each day,” she said. “Even if it’s just 10 minutes to flick through a magazine or to have a decent shower after the kids go to bed.”
The perfect lifestyle for Madigan-Everest would consist of having enough time for work, exercise, and pleasure.
“In an ideal world we’d have ample time for all three, but unfortunately that’s not often the case,” said Madigan-Everest. “Work dominates for most people. However, it’s important to dedicate some time specifically for exercise and pleasure.”
With young children aged 1 and 2 years and working from home as a freelance journalist, Madigan-Everest confesses that it would be easy to adopt poor health and fitness habits.
“It’s easy to slip into bad habits,” said Madigan-Everest. “I have limited time for exercise, though I try to do what I can whilst spending time with the kids. For example, taking them for a brisk walk or doing crunches and squats while they laugh and count along with me,” she said. “The earlier this takes place, the better the work-out tends to be. I also try to stock up on fruit so that we have a steady supply of healthy snacks, as we all like to graze.”
Madigan-Everest suggests using incidental exercise or your environment as an exercise medium, if you find it hard to find time to go to the gym.
“Dedicate some time to you every day, even if it’s just 10 minutes,” said Madigan-Everest. “And, if you don’t have a lot of time for exercise, try to make it incidental. Exercise doesn’t have to be a gym class. It can be anything from housework to dancing to a Wiggles DVD with your children.”
