“I’m a single mum, working full-time and running a household, trying to do a million and one things,” Ada explains.
“Trying to find the time for self-care and the pleasures in life and not feel exhausted to do them all, it can be a real challenge,” she says.
“When you become a mum, any spare time you have, you want to be spending it with your child! I have to remember I need to look after myself as well. But you do feel guilty.”
Ada shares 7-year-old Johnas with her ex-husband Chrys Xipolitas and has been with her partner, businessman Adam Rigby, since 2018.
As part of her campaign with Groupon, about helping Aussies end their own ‘pleasure drought’, Ada spilled on the ways she findstime for romance in her relationship.
“Adam and I try and have a date night once a week. So at least we can get out and do something just with the two of us. That’s quite important. Otherwise if you don’t set aside time, then life just does take over,” Ada confesses.
“When you become a parent, then you’ve got even less time. So, a date night once a week, or buying your partner something special … exercising together. Whatever it is. It’s important.
“Even just leaving little nice notes for each-other; it’s about letting the other person know that you’re thinking of them.”
Ada has been playing recurring character Leah on Home and Away for close to 20 years, a job she describes as being a “dream”.
And the former Heartbreak High actress isn’t going anywhere – she just loves her job too much.
“It’s a pleasure going into work each day. They are my family. I’ve been there since I was 21, I know everyone really well,” Ada gushes.
“It’s just a great job. I feel really lucky to be doing something that I enjoy and working with people I actually want to see.”
Unpredictable shooting schedules can make it difficult for the brunette beauty to squeeze in a gym session to maintain her enviable physique, but Ada says she’s more confident than ever in herself since entering her40s.
“I used to go to the gym five or six times a week. But a lot of times now, I literally go to the gym at 4am. Sometimes it’s the only time I can fit it in! I feel so much better within myself when I exercise,” Ada explains.
“I feel like I’m in my best shape ever, and I think that’s because I’m more confident.
“I obviously don’t have a 20-year-old’s body, but I feel better now. I’m more confident within myself, I understand my body and how to dress it and how to do my hair and makeup. I’ve grown into my body.
“[But] I think you should be happy within yourself no matter what age you are!
“There’s a real issue with young girls these days not being confident within themselves.
“I’m all for any campaign that makes you feel good about yourself.”
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