From the outside, it might seem like celebrity trainer Michelle Bridges has the work-life juggling act down pat.
But speaking to New Idea, she revealed that there have been times when she neglected to make her own needs a priority – and it left her overwhelmed and struggling.
WATCH: Michelle Bridges opens up on 60 minutes
“There have been moments when the wheels have completely fallen off,” she said, while talking about her role as ambassador of Medibank’s Live Better campaign.
“It’s that feeling when you’re completely pushed against the wire trying to keep everything in life balanced, and you know that you’re not giving yourself any of that balance.”
“You feel completely overwhelmed, anxious, pressured, as though you’re not getting anything accomplished,” continued Michelle, who’s a mum to 3–year-old Axel and stepmum to partner Steve ‘Commando’ Willis’ three children – Jack, Ella and Brianna.
“That’s where I think: ‘OK, I need to give myself some space. I operate best when I have the opportunity to take some time out with some activity.’
Some days it’s a lot of activity, some days it’s just a walk. But I give that time to myself to just be operating at the best level I can be when there’s a lot going on.”
While this once might have been frowned upon as ‘selfish’, Michelle insists it’s quite the opposite – and is helping teach her kids the immense value in self-care.
“We tend to default to putting ourselves last for our families, which is beautiful, but giving yourself permission to have space for you has a huge knock-on effect. My children all see that – not just that I do it but that their dad does it as well. We do it together.”
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