Bianca and Mark discuss juggling their busy schedules, particularly as parents to their young daughter Kyah, and how they maintain a healthy lifestyle, including how their Sunlighten sauna improves their overall wellbeing including sleep and post-exercise recovery.
Join us as we delve into their journeys, uncovering the wisdom they impart on embracing self-care, resilience, and purposeful living in today's fast-paced world.
What is your advice on living a healthy lifestyle, while balancing work, life and motherhood?
Bianca: I’ve always been pretty good at prioritising a healthy lifestyle, However, since becoming a Mum, finding the time to prioritise my health, is a constant challenge. Having stronger boundaries has been a key driver for me. It's about respecting myself enough to say no when necessary and creating space for what truly matters to me. I’m learning to not feel guilty about prioritising myself. Ultimately, if I’m investing in my own wellbeing, it’s going to benefit everyone around me.
Mark: In my opinion, taking the first step towards a healthier lifestyle - whether that be eating better, or exercising more - often leads to better choices across the board. I’m more likely to use my spare/free time better. I've had to manage my diet and schedule to optimise my time with my little one and my partner, so I've learnt to put away the TV remote and mobile phone to spend more time on myself and with my family.
Why did you decide to get a Sunlighten infrared sauna?
Bianca: I have always loved using infrared saunas, especially for recovery. It allows me to take time out for myself and I notice the numerous health benefits, including how well I sleep after using it. In the past, when we put our little one to sleep, we would often find our nights were wasted on the couch watching TV, so we started looking into having an infrared sauna at home, utilising that time to look after ourselves and prioritise selfcare. We even added in a cold plunge to get the benefits of the hot and cold. It is a game changer being able to spend this time investing in ourselves, together, without needing to leave the house.
Mark: We decided on Sunlighten sauna from the moment we walked into the studio. We felt comfortable with the team, they informed us of the products available and what would best suit our needs. We explained to them our desire of wanting to use an indoor sauna outside and they sat down and explained what would be required and were open to exploring this option.
How has your fitness/wellness routine changed since becoming a mum/dad?
Bianca: The way I workout and look after myself has evolved from being an athlete, and even more so since becoming a mum. Now, going to the gym is a bonus, but being able to include some form of exercise during Kyah’s nap times has been a must for me. I feel 1000 times better if I've managed a pilates session or strength workout at home, even if it's just 20 mins. And now with the infrared sauna, I can use that during midday nap time, or at night, and feel completely rejuvenated - mind, body and soul.
Mark: My fitness routine itself hasn't changed that much, it's more about finding the time and energy to put into it. I've done some home workouts at night or gone to the gym early prior to our little one waking up. At times it can be quite exhausting with a toddler, so it's more about staying motivated and utilising my time better to get some quality sessions in, and then I’m always a better dad because of it.
You have been using your Sunlighten infrared sauna for some time now, how do you incorporate your infrared sauna sessions into your weekly/daily wellness routine? i.e. before a workout, after a workout, to recover, relax, etc.
Bianca: My infrared sauna sessions are used as a mix of recovery time and relaxation. I’m enjoying exploring what works best for me. I use it 4-5 times a week, sometimes for 20 mins, or sometimes for 40 mins. I also alternate with a cold plunge for small bursts. I have found it especially helpful when travelling for work. I’m in and out of planes often, which makes me feel lethargic and want to reach for a sugar hit. However, I'm noticing a big difference when I use the sauna once I'm home.
Mark: Personally, I try to use the sauna every two days, mainly at night, after we finish dinner and put the little one to bed. Sometimes I’ll get a sauna session in during the day, but it's easier at night. I try to do this on the days I’m not training and also every second day as recovery or simply to relax. I sleep better after a sauna, so it's about getting a 30 min session prior to bedtime that helps me the most.
Are there any particular fitness or wellbeing benefits you have noticed since using your Sunlighten infrared sauna?
Bianca: After 17 years of being an athlete, I often deal with arthritis pain in my knee and inflammation. Using an infrared sauna has really eased my daily knee pain, allowing me to continue to workout and go about my day without feeling restricted. And an even bigger difference has been in my sleep - if I use the sauna before bed, I notice a big difference in my sleep. I’m also enjoying time off my phone - I enjoy not taking it inside the sauna and having the space to enjoy some silence!
Mark: Definitely my sleep. I've never slept better than after using the sauna. Normally it would take me 30 mins to wind down and drift off, but now it's automatic. I also put the phone down and try not to scroll without reason anymore.
What’s your longest-held wellness ritual and why?
Bianca: My biggest ritual is being kind to my body. Making sure I’m moving my body in some way everyday is important, as is giving back to my body by recovering properly and finding stillness. Whether it be ice baths, saunas or massages, it has always been such a high priority for me, despite it not always being easy to find the time. A healthy body and mind is the best gift we can give ourselves.
What’s inspiring you at the moment?
Mark: My two year old toddler is my inspiration. While it might sound cheesy, I want to live longer, be a better person and maintain a healthy life to give me energy to spend time with her and just be a good role model for her.
Bianca: Mark has nailed it. Kyah (our two year old daughter) has taught me a lot over the last two years. Challenged my way of being. Every day I think about what we / I can do better to live more authentically and have stronger boundaries. This is to ensure we are only away from her for something that really matters, or work that we truly want to do.
Some other recommendations that are inspiring me include Adam Grant’s new book, Hidden Potential as well as Beyonce’s new album Cowboy Carter and I am regularly tuned into The Imperfects and Huberman lab podcasts.
