FIVE QUESTIONS is where we ask members of the community to talk about how they stay HEALTHY. Julieanne Formosa enjoys ‘mermaiding’ in the local ocean pools.

1. What did you eat yesterday?

Being a weekend, and knowing I was going to the Eco Living Festival, I started the day with a glass of water on waking. At the festival, for brunch, I treated myself to Dutch pancakes with strawberries, banana, and Nutella (without the icing sugar or whipped cream).

For afternoon tea I had a fruit-free muesli bar, and for dinner I made a creamy tuna spaghetti with items I had at home: spaghetti with lemon pepper tuna, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, Greek yogurt, egg, and melted cheese.

I find what I eat and drink has a big impact on my body, energy, and emotions, and so choose my diet accordingly. I usually eat three meals a day with healthy snacks in-between. I have to have a suitable/nutritious breakfast to get me through to at least lunchtime.

My usual breakfast is a banana & blueberry smoothie – it’s really a meal in a blender! I created it in my mid-20s when I found I had Chronic Fatigue, after having a Glandular Fever a few years earlier. It’s a mix of frozen banana and blueberries, soya milk, a raw organic egg, local honey, biodynamic yoghurt, cinnamon, pepitas, sunflower seeds, LSA, chia seeds, and a tablespoon of my favourite organic coconut oil – with as many organic ingredients as possible. It’s still my go-to start to the day.

2. What exercise did you do yesterday?

I met up with a friend and we wandered through the stalls at the Festival, then along the Maroubra Beach promenade, then across the sand and along, the water’s edge. The waves running across our feet were lovely and cool and refreshing.

This morning, like most days, I went for an ocean pool swim. I love ocean pool swimming – I call it ‘Mermaiding’ – and I swim all year round. There’s nothing like plunging into that cold fresh salt water, I love that cold jolt of invigoration and looking out across the ocean into the horizon. It wakes me up, clears my mind and leaves me feeling revitalised.

3. When did you last see a primary health professional?

Three weeks ago, I visited my local GP for a general check-up, to discuss my ongoing recovery from a back strain, and for a referral for a HbA1c etc blood test.

I also check in with allied professionals as needed because I believe strongly in prevention and ongoing support. These visits keep me accountable and help me stay well.

4. What do you do to improve your mental health?

As a Guided Meditation & Mindfulness Consultant, Wellbeing Mentor, Facilitator, & Founder of my business, The Balance Technique – meditation, mindfulness, and self-care are the foundation of my mental health. I have certain favourite meditations I return to, and I practice mindfulness frequently. And, because I run a wellbeing business, self-care is essential.

I spend time outdoors in nature and purposefully live on the coast; share quality time with friends, loved ones, and animals; mermaid in the ocean pool; frequent community and cultural events; read insightful and uplifting books that inspire and nurture me, and support my growth and wellbeing; listen to my favourite music; dance to live music (or in my lounge room); and attend restorative yoga at a friend’s studio. I also make sure to set boundaries, switch off, rest, and get support when needed.

When I need professional support, I don’t hesitate to see a psychologist. Working with an amazing bereavement counsellor after my parents passed away was invaluable, and I encourage others to reach out for help when they need it too.

Importantly, everything I share in my business is grounded in what I live myself. I’ve trained and certified in meditation and mindfulness, and I continue to update my knowledge so I can bring the best tools to my clients.

Right now, I’m facilitating Guided Meditation and Wellbeing Sessions for The Kogarah Storehouse’s new women’s wellness program HER ZONE – a collaboration I’m really proud of – as well as for some of their multicultural groups.

5. What are your health goals for the next month?

To continue spending quality time with family and friends, maintain my gym sessions for back strengthening, and keep up my ocean pool swims and yoga throughout the year.

On a deeper level, I want to continue developing my meditation practice and creating supportive spaces for others – whether through my community sessions in Kogarah or new programs across central and eastern Sydney, and beyond. I’d love to collaborate with more community and women’s organisations, schools, Indigenous organisations, health providers, councils, other wellness and wellbeing businesses, and individuals. My goal is to help more people create a calmer, more connected, and balanced life – while continuing to embody these practices myself.

Read previous ‘FIVE QUESTIONS’ here

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