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Becoming a new parent in the modern age brings its own set of challenges and obstacles. Put a pandemic, social distancing, a new work and family life setup in between seems synonymous to Mission Impossible. Below, we raise a conversation about being mother during an unprecedented time and explore why the upkeep of a healthy and positive lifestyle is particularly important for balanced wellbeing with our knowledgeable and passionate expert, Happy Healthy Ila.

 

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU

 

Happy Healthy Ila: Everyday is non-typical for me because it is always full of surprises! I am currently working on a number of projects, which really keeps me on my toes and varies each day. Besides work, I wake up between 7 and 7.30am each morning and I drink a warm glass of water mixed with lemon 30 minutes before breakfast to aid detoxification of the body accumulated from the night’s sleep. I am always generous to give myself a full hour to an hour and a half lunch break, preparing each meal fresh on the spot using recipes designed myself or passed down from generations before. In the evening, I start my meal with raw vegetables, making sure I consume a palette of reds, oranges and greens before practicing Yoga in the evening to unwind and break away from the day’s demands.

 

WHAT ARE YOUR NON-NEGOTIABLE POSITIVE LIVING HABITS?

 

Happy Healthy Ila: First one and a very important one too: drink plenty of water, preferably 2L per day of filtered water. Consider investing into a good filter to remove toxins but tops up on the vital minerals because after all, it goes into our bodies! Minimum 7 hours of sleep per night, a cold shower to start each morning, which may be hard at the beginning but I assure you, once you start you cannot go back. There is a wealth of literature online that explores the health benefits of this wonder tool, from improving skin to spiked energy levels. Lastly, set the morning with gratitude by finding something you are thankful for before closing the day asking for something for someone, carving a path of humility, positivity and good will.

 

YOU'VE RECENTLY GIVEN BIRTH TO A BEAUTIFUL BABY GIRL, CONGRATULATIONS! 
AS A NEW MUM, WHAT DAILY RITUALS HAVE YOU ESTABLISHED TO MAINTAIN BALANCED EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH? 

 

Happy Healthy Ila: I chose a natural birth and because my daughter arrived 5 days prior to lockdown, this became a great challenge in itself, both mentally and physically. Since I had to depend on myself, my newfound maternal instincts and of course, my husband, I was able to unravel new depths to my resilience bound within. I also turned to books, spoke to other mothers and carried out my own research online in preparation for the new journey called Motherhood. Day to day, I have learned to trust myself by staying confident, relaxed and very importantly, to listen to my baby instead of asking questions, which has really helped me find peace in this new job!

 

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU'VE NOTICED SINCE BECOMING A MUM? 

 

Happy Healthy Ila: My quality of sleep has definitely seen changes since motherhood. Although I fill myself with at least 8 hours of sleep a night, it tends to neither be continuous or a deep sleep as the mother instinct is always switched on, receptive to any of my baby’s sounds and movements.

 

HOW DO YOU SEPARATE WORK-HOME LIFE FROM HOME-LIFE WHILE BEING CONFINED AT HOME?  

 

Happy Healthy Ila: My work-life and home-life have never been separate because I work from home and on occasion, welcome clients home for personal Yoga and coaching sessions. I find that maintaining a balance between the two whilst working from home a particular pleasure because it grants me the biggest asset: flexibility. Flexibility to cook while tuning into a favourite podcast and the option to engage in a heartfelt conversation with a good friend without being rushed. This therefore allows me to take proper care of myself while being productive and creative in a space I am comfortable in and trust.

In the future, when my little girl grows up, I would like to bring her along to a family retreat. I find retreats particularly useful in cataloguing work life from family life because when we are bound to the same environments, we become complacent. Knowing that she will one day grow up to live life on her own, we want to make the most of our time together as a family. Our primary goal is to maintain a strong and robust relationship with her but most importantly, to give her the invaluable opportunity to spend time in nature, be wild and have fun.

 

A MESSAGE TO YOUR PRE-BABY SELF

 

Happy Healthy Ila: Be confident, trust yourself and follow the natural rhythm of the journey! Most importantly enjoy it! You have the ability to be a good mother and ambitious in the pursuit of your goals and dreams.

 

YOU ARE JUGGLING SO MANY ROLES! HOW DO YOU REMAIN FOCUSED AND DETERMINED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF HOME WITHOUT FEELING DISCOURAGED? 

 

Happy Healthy Ila: I carry a multi-faceted personality so, because I juggle between many roles, it excites and drives me. I listened to a famous Ted-Talk a few years ago and realised I am what is called a multi-pod and I am proud to proclaim it! I have an unceasing hunger to learn and know more on a variety of things but the key is, as always, to remain balanced, keep calm and not get frustrated.

 

ANY TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME EXPECTANT MUMS, RECENTLY TURNED NEW MUMS AND CURRENT STAY-AT-HOME MUMS IN DE-STRESSING AND STAYING CALM IN AN UNCERTAIN TIME? 


Happy Healthy Ila: 
It has definitely been intense to say the least! What brings me to today and continues to keep me grounded day to day is the connection I share with my baby. Always tune in with your gut instinct and do not let opinions of others or online advice drown out that little voice inside. You share something special with your baby, trust it and embrace it. One thing I have learned is to accept the current circumstances for what it is and to turn this time into an opportunity.

 

YOUR FAVOURITE QUOTE TO TURN TO

 

Happy Healthy Ila: If you don’t like something, change it and if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it and react it. Most times, what may be considered a big problem can be turned into an opportunity but it depends on our reception and perception on the issue.