Bridget Carmady, a renowned Naturopath and the visionary founder behind Clémence Organics, has dedicated herself to crafting luxurious Australian skincare that is both gentle on the skin and the environment.
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What does self-care mean to you?
Self-care means making time for myself. As a business owner and mother of 2, I’m pushed and pulled in several directions each and every day. Rising early allows me to maximise my productivity and create space for self-care.
Among these, exercise takes precedence as it not only benefits my physical well-being but also helps clear my mind. Additionally, I cherish the moments of long baths and maintaining a skincare routine. These practices collectively contribute to my overall self-care regimen.
How do you know when you’re feeling stressed or burnt out?
There are certainly indicators that signal when I’m stretched too thin. Firstly, I notice a dwindling patience with my children. If I’m feeling stressed I find myself being short with my kids and must consciously remind myself to step back and not let it affect our relationship.
I also know I’m doing too much when I get to the end of the day and I’ve got nothing left. By 5 pm, even the thought of cooking dinner becomes overwhelming, which is unusual considering my love for cooking. It serves as a red flag indicating that burnout is creeping in.
Do you have a regular self-care routine? If so, what does it look like?
Most days I start early, getting up around 6am. I have my lemon water, a piece of toast and then head out the door for a run. Then I’ll come back in, have a shower, make myself a smoothie and then start getting the kids ready for school.
If it’s not a running day, I’ll make time for a Pilates lesson or a session at the gym at some point in the day. I often run a bath in the evening after dinner and give myself time to do my skincare routine properly which is a really nice way to give myself some TLC.
What bumps you off your self-care routine and how do you get back on course?
Work, kids, the usual. It happens all the time but you just need to be diligent and recognise that it’s just as important to fuel your tank, as it is everyone else’s. When I prioritise self-care, I become a better wife, mother, boss, and friend. Taking time for myself allows me to recharge and bring my best self to every role I fulfil in life.
Where do you go for inspiration, ideas or tools for self-care?
I read a lot of books. I love reading about different ideas around healthy ageing (the Blue Zones is one of my favourites). I also love reading biographies. I love learning how other great people live their lives and the things they do to keep themselves healthy and happy. As a runner I read quite a few books about running adventures and they always give me oodles of inspiration.
What do you think you need to improve in terms of your self-care practice?
It has been a journey for me to reach a point where I genuinely prioritise myself, and I can proudly say that I have become better at practising self-care. In the past, I used to feel guilty about indulging in a massage or a quiet bath. Looking back, I realise that those feelings of guilt were silly and merely a product of my own misconceptions. Nonetheless, I am grateful for the realisation and now fully appreciate the value it brings to my life.
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