Women’s Health

When Jennifer He died from Speak Pastiloff was eight a heart attack up years old, she got into shortly after, an argument with her aged just 38. dad over smoking. “I thought I had He’d promised to quit caused the stress but wasn’t following that killed him,” through. She flushed Jennifer says. “I a load of his menthol was so ashamed cigarettes down the that I wouldn’t toilet. “I told him he allow myself to always broke promises grieve; I thought and I said, ‘I hate you!’, I didn’t deserve the way young kids do to be a person. in those situations,” I developed she says. “It wouldn’t anorexia as I tried have been that big a to fade away.” deal, but it ended up She eventually being the last thing that I said to him.” 200 Practising self-compassion is linked to better heart health, found a study of this many women SOURCE: HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY 52

MIND recovered from her her honest essays Shame is actually encourage eating disorder, were met with particularly difficult healthy change. but she still carried support online. to overcome With shame, you shame from the “When I saw how because “it causes think, ‘I am bad’.” experience and sharing helped people to feel as Tainted character her father’s death, people, I decided if they’re flawed feels harder (if which destroyed I was finished at their core”, says not impossible) her confidence in hiding,” she says. June Tangney, to change, so it other aspects of Jennifer is now a professor of causes people her life. “I lied all a yoga teacher, psychology at to isolate and the time, saying author of On Being George Mason withdraw. Women I wasn’t sad about Human: A Memoir University and and younger my dad, or that I Of Waking Up, author of Shame people are most was auditioning Living Real, And And Guilt: likely to struggle for acting roles Listening Hard and Emotions And with this emotion, when, really, leads ‘Shameloss’ Social Behavior. research shows. I was working workshops on “With guilt, you And that has very at a restaurant. self-acceptance. might think, ‘I’ve real consequences. And I refused “Being honest and done something Feeling shame on to admit I had a vulnerable in spite bad, but I’m not a day-to-day basis hearing disability.” of shame – that’s a bad person,’ is associated with a my superpower,” and that can higher likelihood of When she was she explains. developing anxiety, 34, Jennifer had depression, low had enough and self-esteem and began writing in eating disorders, an effort to heal. studies suggest. To her surprise, “Shame Made Me Lose Myself ” “I’ve been taller and I’d always imagined. don’t even hate bigger than most Still, that mean voice in other people?’ people my entire life. was there, albeit But it didn’t bother quieter. Then one It was really me until I was 10, night, I saw a meme of transformative. I gave when a little boy told a woman at the gates myself permission me I wouldn’t be so of heaven listening to to let go of the fat if I didn’t eat so God talk about her embarrassment, much. The correlation life: 96 years on earth, because it never made stuck: food = fat; fat 65-year marriage, me lose weight, but it = bad. After that, I’d four kids, 15 made me lose myself. go on ‘diets’ where grandkids. She asks Situations that would I’d starve myself God, ‘What was my have been my for weeks. biggest worry?’ He nightmare in the past, checks his notes and such as struggling to I had a cruel inner says, ‘It was being get into a wetsuit on dialogue all the way overweight.’ That holiday, are no big through university struck me. I thought, deal anymore. The but slowly, after ‘Have I spent my difference is that I graduation, my life entire life in complete recognise my beauty, expanded. I found self-loathing for… no and I’m not fixated I was a talented one? Did I sacrifice my on anyone’s opinion. graphic artist, moved health and self-worth And that has brought cities, said yes to being ashamed me so much joy.” everything and of something I started living the life – MADISON FITZPATRICK NOVEMBER 2022 womenshealth.com.au 53

It can also lead physical health RSHA ME#2S T O P P E “Shame to health problems issues, shame is R is Like beyond mental one of the biggest Share, wellbeing and health hurdles Share, Sunburn” disconnection. we’re up against, Share According to Tangney says. The “In the Mormon a study in the good news is that Shame convinces church, expressing Journal Of Health while you can’t people that they’re your sexuality is seen Psychology, the escape shame – it’s better off keeping it as taboo. Obedience, shame people feel a universal human modesty and chastity about contracting emotion – you can a secret, but the herpes (which learn to manage only way to heal are foundational can range from it. Let our experts shame is to expose values. I knew as a thoughts like ‘my guide you. It just it and connect with life is over’ and might be the most others so you feel teen that I was ‘no one will ever important work less alone. That polyamorous and love me again’ to you do for your doesn’t mean you bisexual, but I thought severe depression health right now. have to blast it from that meant something and suicidal the rooftops/social was wrong with me. ideation) can cause Stick feeds if that’s not Shame is like sunburn: so much stress to the your style. “Find a hot and tender to the that it triggers Facts safe person you can touch, but eventually more intense and talk to about it, the dead skin starts frequent outbreaks When you’re feeling whether that’s to slough off. You of a common and ashamed, answer a friend, family end up rubbing and typically harmless these questions member, partner or picking at it. It’s a skin condition. honestly, says therapist,” advises shedding process, Those thoughts Tangney. Was this Tangney. “And be of other people’s also keep herpes- a mistake, or specific; when you judgements... until positive people something I do all hear yourself say it your new skin comes from being the time? Is this out loud, you sort of through. I started honest with new really something I realise that what picking at my sunburn partners, making should feel bad you’re saying isn’t at an African dance it more likely to about? Are my that big a deal.” class, where I felt both spread. No surprise current emotions Feel you can’t open embarrassed and then that shame about this up to those around excited looking at permeates doctors’ productive? How you? Look for group myself in the mirror, and therapists’ would I respond to therapy or support thrusting my open offices, too, a friend who was groups near you or hips. Then there was a leading patients dealing with this? online. “You can trip to Maui, where I to withhold Am I letting myself find your people got my first taste of information, such feel bad for not being with multiple as how often they meeting a societal if you let go people. I now have drink or exercise. of expectations two loving, long-term standard that I don’t Because of its even value? Your of what that’s partners. I only link to so many answers can help supposed to look recently told my serious mental and you see where like,” says Jennifer. you’re stuck and And remember, “we parents – I was SHA ME nervous, but they how to pull yourself fall in love with supported me. The out of it. people when key to living beyond shame is trusting that #1S T O P P E they’re the most sharing what’s in your vulnerable and heart can never be human”, she adds. wrong in the long run. If you really want to feel alive, start telling the truth. I’m no longer plagued by the sting of shame when talk of relationships comes up. I feel happy in my new skin.” – NATALIE FULLER 54

MIND #3S T O P P ER SHA ME Practise Be s e l f-T L C Kind PHOTOGRAPHY: MILLENNIUM IMAGES/GALLERY STOCCK; ALLIE HOLLOWAY; THE VOORHES. UPPORT Jennifer calls the voice of shame your GET S FOR inner enemy. “It can ADVICE AMREONUTNADL pop up at any HEALTH moment, so battling Contact an organisation shame has to be a regular thing,” she such as says. A few methods BEYOND BLUE she teaches: start beyondblue. each day with org.au a self-love 1300 22 4636 meditation. “Touch LIFELINE a part of your body that you’re feeling lifeline.org.au shame about and 13 11 14 say, ‘I love you and I’m listening,’ while you practise deep breathing.” When done, pick a mantra for the day and preface it with “May I remember…” You might say, “May I remember that I am enough.” “That phrasing puts the power back in your hands,” explains Jennifer. “It’s saying you’ve always been enough and you know it; you just forgot and needed a reminder.” She also suggests you “write down anything you feel shame about, so it’s off your chest and you can move on.” Another powerful exercise? Write yourself a letter from the perspective of someone who loves you, about how they see you. “When people read these, they realise, ‘This person I respect sees me this way, and I’m not living like that’s who I am,’” says Jennifer. “You deserve to. You get to have happiness.” WH NOVEMBER 2022 womenshealth.com.au 55

MIND CHELSEA POTTENG caonmadicnmhd,iefssdupailtenaaetksiseorn, entrepreneur atonodtmhbarvuesrhicekr ER GET IT DONE A DAILY NON- Chelsea Pottenger NEGOTIABLE… “Scheduling my After her experience of postnatal mental and depression, this physical health... motivational speaker and author of The like a calendar Mindful High entry – a 10-minute Performer (Murdoch, meditation at 2pm, $32.99) is on a mission to help us for example. recharge, feel less Otherwise, we get burnt out and show our mental health swept up in the some vital TLC. business of the THINK day, don’t we? If DI F F E R E NTLY01 02 03 I’m in an Uber, on a walk or during AS TOLD TO LIZZA GEBILAGIN. PHOTOGRAPHY: YUKI DESIGN COOwn Your First 8-10Detox Your PhonePrioritise Energya plane take-off, I might have a “Don’t let the world come “When I was 19, my mum – “Sleep is really important for block in there for in and dictate how you start who is the most amazing wise my mental health. My husband a meditation.” your day. Instead of looking counsel – said to me ‘Darling, knows that, so ever since [our every September I want you ◆ at your phone for the first to spring clean your phone. daughter] was born, we’ve eight to 10 minutes of your Anyone who is bitchy or toxic, [slept] in separate rooms. He THE BOOK I snores a little and I fidget, so RECOMMEND… morning… lie in bed and or who you walk away from we sleep better [separately]. “Jessica Rowe’s think about a few things and then feel like there are memoir Is This My you’re grateful for. Every 24 knives in your back, delete This is [an] individual Beautiful Life? was hours you get to start fresh, their number’. I was like, [preference]. But if one of you such a light source so feed [your brain] the good ‘Wow, that’s ruthless’ and she goes to the toilet all the time, for me. I thought, stuff. I wake up, do that and said ‘Yes, but it’ll be vital for or goes to bed really late and then I make my bed – there’s your wellbeing’. The people the other goes early... it could ‘If she can go so much cool [research] we spend time with shape be a consideration. [It’s about] through postnatal about why that’s important the person we end up being. [depression] and [for mental wellbeing]. Then Now, I say to my daughter, coming from a place of love I brush my teeth with the ‘The most beautiful thing and compassion. You speak to recover, maybe opposite hand. That sounds about being human is you each other so much nicer when I can too’.” super random but it’s a really get to choose the people you’ve had a good sleep.” WH mindful exercise because, you spend time with. Only ◆ I promise, you’re going to choose people who lift you make a hot mess with your up and make you feel good, MY GO-TO toothpaste if you’re not ENERGY HACK… and always be kind’.” paying attention.” “A hot shower followed by a cold water shot at the end, only for 30 seconds. I find it’s good for focus.” ◆ ON MY VISION BOARD… “I want to live to 95 and skid into my coffin with a glass of Bollinger in my hand, going, ‘Well... that was a fun ride’.” Want to hear more from Chelsea? Listen to her Uninterrupted episode by scanning the QR code 56 womenshealth.com.au NOVEMBER 2022

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LIFE DESTINATI O N: Cassowary Coast WH’s digital editor explores the awe-inspiring nature and captivating history of this North Queensland spot By Nikolina Ilic 59

Venture south of Cairns along the quiet stretch of the Tropical North Queensland coastline, and you’ll eventually find yourself on the Cassowary Coast – the closest point to the Great Barrier Reef on the mainland. Flanked by Babinda, above the and 30 more lush rainforest, Baby historic sugar- minutes at the dreamy milling town of the wheel, beachside Leaving the Gordonvale. A we reach the enclave, with bustling streets pit-stop for keen small town of Mission Beach of Cairns, our hikers, the 6km Babinda, home is at its heart, group starts the return walking to the famous is known for journey by car track to the Babinda Bakery its meditative, south, towards summit is tough, as well as the laid-back vibe. the distinctive but trust me, iconic Babinda But don’t let silhouette the 360-degree Boulders, a that fool you; of Walsh’s view at the top collection of there’s heaps Pyramid: a is worth every huge granite on offer in this 922-metre- sweaty second. boulders that untouched part high mountain shape the town’s of the country. that sits just After a quick swimming holes. refreshment 60

LIFE Paronella, set you and laugh. LOV ES#WH sail to Australia While cassowary The holiday PHOTOGRAPHY: TOURISM TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND; SHUTTERSTOCK It’s also where The story of with a vision of attacks can be TRAVE accessories you’ll find crystal the park is a one day building deadly, the birds we’re packing clear mountain real-life fairytale. a castle and are actually streams, a A pastry chef garden for his quite shy and This watch is freshwater from Catalonia future wife. It attacks are water resistant to swimming hole in northern took him six pretty rare. If and spectacular Spain, José years to build you keep a safe 50m. EM0993- waterfalls Pedro Enrique the castle by distance and 82Z, $499, – all tucked hand, where avoid provoking away behind Coast he and his wife them, you’ll citizenwatches. lush green Gems eventually be alright. com.au rainforests. raised their My tip? Reach I Ate... two children. In Another A durable mug out to Babinda 1935, the Park animal to be a to keep your Kayaking. We The famous meat was officially little more wary spent a day pies at Babinda opened to the of across the drink hot or cold. on the water public, offering majority of the $24.99, thermos. and I just Bakery (yes, movies, dances North Coast is couldn’t believe expect a line). and parties. the crocodile. com.au somewhere so What’s left is No waterway relaxing and And make a an enchanting in northern The Sail bag’s magical was booking at maze, packed Queensland leather process less than an Castaways with history can ever be uses less water hour from a Resort & Spa and intrigue. considered and chemicals. major city. Mission Beach crocodile-free, From $399.95, for mouth- Mission so avoid walking A Rich watering Accepted the beach at au.ecco.com History dusk and dawn, L PLAN seafood. It feels a little and book a tour The journey ironic that one with Croc and The Cassowary continues as we I Stayed... of the most chill Wildlife Tours Coast covers travel another coastal towns on in Mission 4701 km2 from 56km down the In an Airbnb the Cassowary Beach instead. Garradunga to East highway to our called Stu’s Coast is home Palmerston and next destination: Lookout, which to one of the Aside from Cardwell. Fly into Paronella Park. stars sweeping world’s most the wildlife, Cairns and travel Eco-certified, views of Mission dangerous birds Mission Beach south by car. heritage-listed Beach and a – but it’s not as is considered and completely bad as it sounds. one of carbon neutral, lush pool. Mission Beach – Australia’s this five-hectare a locality made favourite mystical I Saw... up of four small skydiving wonderland towns spread destinations. comes complete The endangered along a 14km While I didn’t with a castle, cassowary stretch of palm- have the chance waterfall and fringed beach to give it a more than 7000 walking up the – supports go, I can only tropical trees driveway of the highest imagine how and palms. our Airbnb. density of the breathtaking cassowary, an the views would I Learnt... endangered be. Maybe next bird native time. What I did To watch out to Northern do, though, is for marine Australia, and enjoy more than stingers if you ask the a few freshly- (including locals if you squeezed juices should be relaxing on the box jellyfish) worried, they’ll sand. The from October probably look at beach life truly is for me. WH to June. NOVEMBER 2022 womenshealth.com.au 61

A Over to New him Frontier Contraception is entering a new era – not for you, but for men – and it could be a great thing. We crash the lab for an early look By Andrew Zaleski Caitlin Kinast couldn’t help feeling a bit salty during the 12 months her husband, Seth, was on birth control. “His energy was up, through the roof,” she says. “He was super happy, like a teenager again.” She pauses. “I wish my birth control was like that.” 62

LIFE 70 The after a shower. The Science couples agree to Aussie women of reproductive have otherwise age who use birth control Bit unprotected sex once SOURCE: AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE  Seth’s first hurdle: a month for a full year believing the stuff The Kinasts body – and hers hundreds of other was legit. He’d read (bonus encounters are sitting in a alone – that had couples who would, encouraged) while basement fertility to deal with the over the course of about previous researchers conduct lab at the University ramifications of a year, use NES/T attempts to develop regular semen and of Washington in trying to have sex as their only form a male contraceptive, blood analyses to Seattle, one of 15 while trying not of contraception. including ones that track NES/T’s effects. sites around the to get pregnant. No condoms. No required hormone The gel is formulated world running Seth, also 34, felt Pill. Just the gel. to subdue sperm the first real-life powerless to help. The NES/T study, a injections given road test of a He was nervous phase II clinical trial by a doctor, which production by groundbreaking that a vasectomy launched in 2018 somehow seemed suppressing a man’s male contraceptive might not be and expected to more “real”. The gel. We’ve barely reversible, and reach its conclusion NES/T gel, on the luteinising and exchanged wasn’t that the in 2023, is playing other hand, looked follicle-stimulating pleasantries when only option left out in a time when like a hand sanitiser hormones, the crucial Caitlin, 34, starts to him? Then one other attempts you’d grab at the chemicals needed to recounting the day, on Reddit, he to develop male store. “It smells like make sperm. This years of frustration saw a post from a contraceptives Purell; it looks like comes courtesy of the that brought them guy who claimed have stuttered or Purell,” he says. “Can branded progestin here. She’d tried to be enrolled in failed. In fact, the it really work if it’s just Nestorone (the “NES” just about every a medical trial very idea of male going on my skin?” in the gel’s name and kind of birth control for something birth control has In theory, yes, says a synthetic hormone – one prescription called NES/T. often been treated Dr Diana Blithe, of that’s been used for after another – but The drug, this as a futuristic the Contraceptive years in a vaginal never found one person wrote, was joke. But many contraceptive ring that didn’t cause an experimental in the scientific Development and for endometriosis complications. form of male birth community, Program at the US treatment). “It drives Seth tried wearing control, a super- including the National Institute condoms, but they goop that goes on University of of Health, which is these sperm- irritated Caitlin’s the shoulders and Washington site funding the trial. producing hormones skin. The couple suppresses sperm researchers who Here’s how it works: down to almost zero,” already had one production. Yes, granted access test subjects (men says Dr John Amory, child and agreed Seth thought. to the trial and ages 18 to 50 who they weren’t ready participants, are in monogamous a professor at the for a second. Yet it And that’s believe that relationships with University of was always Caitlin’s how, in 2019, he NES/T could women ages 18 to and Caitlin found be the solution. 34) rub one pump Washington and themselves in a a co-investigator on volunteer pool with of NES/T onto the Seattle trial. It each shoulder also all but eradicates every morning, testosterone production, which would be counterproductive to sexual performance, so the drugmakers added in some testosterone – the “T” – to replace what’s lost. “It drives these sperm-producing hormones down to almost zero” NOVEMBER 2022 womenshealth.com.au 63

Handling Passing Hormones the birth control baton While millions “kind of like being became a habit, even I’m taking care of Bartley, 33, estimates of women deal in high school again.” though Seth kept the it, I know it’s OK.” that he missed a dose with it every day, Caitlin adds, laughing, bottle in plain sight or so every month reproductive hormone “Any kind of physical next to his deodorant. For what it’s worth during his year in manipulation is a new endeavour... he had One day, Caitlin had to – although not any the NES/T trial. “I frontier for most men. a little bit more rush his NES/T to his less aggravating for forgot for whatever But Dev Bellman, endurance.” The office because he had women to hear about reason,” he shrugs. a 29-year-old from application process forgotten to apply. So – NES/T may be more “My sperm counts Seattle who considers presented some he, like millions of forgiving of user error were always still zero.” himself “kind of a challenges though. birth-control-taking than the Pill. A man’s feminist,” has always The gel takes four women before him, sperm count doesn’t been curious about hours to fully absorb, set a recurring alarm just bounce back to the possibility. He which means Seth’s on his phone. “I normal after a day joined the NES/T trial bare shoulders definitely trusted that or two of missed in 2019. It all seemed couldn’t touch anyone Seth was going to do gel applications, so low risk enough, else’s skin during that this right,” Caitlin says. the chances of an especially since any time. Worried it would “But at the beginning, unintended pregnancy effects were meant to rub off on his toddler I was always asking, seem low. Mike be reversible, and his son (and somehow ‘Did you put your gel partner of four years cause the two-year- on?’ It’s just one of was totally on board. old to sprout a those things where it “She was like, ‘Hell 5-o’clock shadow), had been on me for yeah. Men should Seth sprinted to almost 10 years. When be taking more cover his delts every responsibility,’” he morning. When the says. “It was really family took a vacation nice that I could step to Hawaii, Seth had to in and be like, ‘Let me bow out of morning meet you at your level excursions to the and see what you’ve beach to keep his been going through.’” NES/T from sweating Not that everyone off or washing away in in his life was so the surf. (Formulation supportive. “I got the and application most pushback from tweaks may happen family and people 35 down the line.) and over,” he says. “Like, ‘Don’t do that. Plus, the whole It’s scary. What if you thing never quite become infertile? That’s just unnatural!’” For Seth, NES/T came with an unexpected kick. His testosterone level had always been on the lower end of normal, so the T in his birth control actually resulted in a higher libido – “a lot more spontaneous erections,” he says, 64

22% LIFE Deep water weight to his of women find their Impact frame. Not ideal but contraceptive manageable, he says. method a hassle As other guys on What did throw him NES/T will tell you, was his heightened SOURCE: ‘TIME TO TAKE CONTROL’ SURVE Y, BAYER AUSTR ALIA LIMITED state of sensitivity. it’s not all blasé “I had these moments A Bright professor of medicine whoopses and where I would just Future at the University high-school-level of Washington and horniness. Dev, a start crying,” he Once this NES/T study a lead investigator visibly fit guy as of reveals. “I’d be really is over, the next step is on the Seattle trial. last year, spent the a phase III clinical trial early weeks of his emotional and get involving thousands Dev would gladly trial logging extra way more upset of couples (and likely go on the gel again hours at the gym about something a pharmaceutical if it were available in partner that believes pharmacies, he says. because the that normally would in its commercial The way he sees it, hormones added be nothing.” potential, Amory today’s younger notes). Then, couples are more Still, he’s a fan. Being experience may not hopefully, eventually, open to confronting on NES/T helped set be the norm. Mike FDA approval. The outmoded relationship the stage, he says, for says his year on the entire process could norms, including those deeper empathy with gel was emotionally take another 10 years, that revolve around his partner, who had but Blithe says the contraception. “Even and physically real-life feedback the way divorce looks struggled with uneventful. He signed that’s been pouring now versus in earlier unwanted mood up for the trial and... in has immense value: generations – people effects from the Pill. “The response from were staying in “I never fully grasped that was kind of it. men has been, ‘We unhappy marriages, what that was like,” Sure, he had some wish we could and now millennials, he says. With his own skin dryness on his continue to use it. if they’re unhappy, emotions now shoulders, but he When is it going to be they’ll up and leave,” running so high, experienced none available?’” she says. he explains. “It’s the he became better of the changes or “And the women are same with birth at communicating, challenges the others saying, ‘I really don’t control. Who says it a skill he’s worked did. Sitting in his want to go back on my has to be this way to carry forward. “I garage surrounded by method. I liked it when forever? Why can’t learned to talk about camping gear, he now he was taking it.’” we make it different?” my problems,” he struggles to recall explains. “I no longer anything remarkable At the time of this For now, post- at all. Most days, he’d writing, after more NES/T, Mike’s sperm bottle it up.” just apply the gel than three years of count has climbed But as gratifying as after his morning bike testing, exactly zero back to normal. Same it may feel to have couples have gotten with Dev; he and his “increased emotional commute and pregnant while using partner are currently intelligence” as a workplace shower, NES/T. The number using condoms and side effect for a new then go about his day. might well change, ovulation tracking as men’s drug, Dev’s “I didn’t really notice but it is exciting. “We birth control. And Seth anything,” he says. have had no serious and Caitlin, who had a PHOTOGRAPHY: COLIN ANDERSON/STOCKSY; MILLENNIUM IMAGES/GALLERY STOCK. The gel “was just adverse events and second child last year I would say, overall, and are now debating kind of there”. no big surprises,” says having a third, wish Dr Stephanie Page, a they still had access to NES/T while they figure it out. Instead, Caitlin is back, once again, to bearing the contraceptive burden solo. WH NOVEMBER 2022 womenshealth.com.au 65

In Australia, 1 in 4 young people experience a mental health difficulty but only 30% of those who need help actually get it. Anxiety and depression can make us feel alone, but when we have brave conversations about mental health, we can be... BRAVE TOGETHER. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SCAN TO LEARN MORE



They say eyes are the windows to your soul, so that makes the skin around them… the frames that weather life’s storms? OK, too heavy on the analogies there. The point is, the eye area – though it makes up only a small percentage of our face – is telling. “It’s the thinnest skin on the body and tends to show fine lines and wrinkles before other parts,” says dermatologist Dr Tracy Evans. The area’s fragility makes it more susceptible to irritation and inflammation, but with care, your eyes can feel better and brighter. Look this way... 68

1Dream AislePampering your peeps used to be Break BEAUTY limited to creams, but now there’s Point a variety of forms. “Skincare for OD’ed on screen 3 the eyes is not one size fits all; 2t0i7m-12e0? -T2r0y the it’s customisable,” says cosmetic rule TA P P E D I N dermatologist Dr Christine Choi Kim. (p71) to give “Personal preference may dictate eyes a break. Be über whether you reach for a lighter serum gentle with or gel versus a heavier cream or balm.” product and ICYMI, eye care happens during the follow these day too – not just before bed. Think: application light-as-a-feather serums for a.m. and heavier balms for p.m. To maximise the steps perks, layer ones that have different benefits. “For instance, you may want 1 to reduce puffiness and lighten up dark circles,” Kim says. The only rule: thinner Begin with products go on first, followed by thicker freshly products to seal them in. Here’s how they rank, from light to heavy: cleansed skin Serum Balm Cream 2 “These generally The queen of “Moisturisers Apply a small have smaller thickness, balms contain bigger amount (the molecules so are great for molecules, so size of a cooked they can extra-thirsty they protect, grain of rice) of penetrate skin, as they maintain and eye formula to deeper and fight flakes and hydrate skin,” your ring finger home in on plump fine lines. Pekar says. Not specific issues,” Layer them over sure which 3 says celebrity any of the product to aesthetician previous forms choose? Start Starting from Ildi Pekar, for an ultra- with this one. the inner corner founder of Ildi moisture lift. It’s the OG – Pekar Skin Care. TRY Tula Rose you really can’t of your eye, TRY Aesop Glow & Get go wrong. distribute a Exalted Eye It Cooling & TRY Susanne few dots along Serum, $125 Brightening Kaufmann Eye the under-eye, Eye Balm, $45, Cream Line T, outside of the Gel mecca.com.au $103, mecca. bony orbit, com.au working your If you’re prone way outward to clogged pores and milia, Kim 4 recommends a lightweight gel Tap the eye or a water-based cream in gently, formulation. Just know these being careful won’t be quite not to rub or as hydrating. pull on the skin TRY Olay Niacinamide 5 + Vitamin C Brightening Eye Wait a minute Cream, $59.99 or two for it to absorb before 2 Bonus Boost moving on to the next step in Gua sha massage helps the product absorb and will your routine depuff. Give it a go after you’ve applied all of your skin care. “Glide the stone from the centre of the face to the temple, down to the ear, then to the neck,” Pekar tips. NOVEMBER 2022 womenshealth.com.au 69

TreatmPelanntWant something If You Have 6 a little stronger than what you Crow’s Feet… Clean might find in a Slate bottle? In-office We’re all here for embracing procedures take the fine lines that smiles Removing eye results up a leave around our eyes. But if make-up and you’re someone who wants cleansing before bed 4 notch or two to soften them, that’s OK is crucial – skipping too. “We get crows’ feet increases your due to ageing skin and also chances of irritation, the regular movement of inflammation, the muscles in that area,” infection and eyelash says Dr Naomi McCullum, breakage. Plus, even founder of The Manse Clinic. the best eye cream Neuromodulators (such can’t get to work if it as Botox) can relax the isn’t applied on muscles around the eyes, cleansed skin. First, giving the skin a smoother peepers – Kim appearance. The effects recommends holding typically last an average a remover-soaked of three months before cotton pad over your gradually wearing off. eyes for 30 to 60 secs to allow make-up to If You Want To Fight dissolve before swiping away. Follow Hyperpigmentation… by cleaning your face. Developed with Lasers near the eye area can level up your complexion. One derms, CeraVe note, though: “We need to examine the patient and see Hydrating Foaming what the cause is of the darkness as it could be it freckling, Oil Cleanser ($26.99) melasma, blue veins, vascular or shadowing of a tear trough,” gently cleanses – says McCullum. “The cause or the target will determine which including dissolving energy based device or treatment will be most effective. make-up – without We can use multiple devices, from RF microneedling to drying. It also stars IPL, ablative lasers and vascular lasers for that area.” essential ceramides and replenishing oils Tea If You Deal With If You’re (hey, squalene) to Trick support the skin’s Dark Circles… Super Puffy… moisture barrier. Allow a herbal tea bag Voilà! So fresh to cool completely, Sometimes they’re genetic Search for a dermatologist and so clean. then lay it on your in your area who can talk under-eye area for and no matter how much you through the options, a soothing treat. sleep you get, a cream (or such as microneedling or more Zs) can’t fix them. But a non-surgical under-eye a filler might. “We can use blepharoplasty. The latter a combination of skincare, is a procedure typically filler, skinbooster, PRP and performed under local energy-based devices to help anaesthetic with with dark circles under the minimal downtime. eyes,” continues McCullum. 5 GOLDEN RULES OF EYE CARE 1 2 3 4 Always apply Replace Wash your face Use gentle sunscreen mascara and at night (zero ingredients around the liquid eye make- excuses here!) to around the eyes - up every three ensure you go save AHAs/BHAs eyes and wear to bed with clean and retinols sunglasses for months to skin and avoid for the rest of UV protection prevent bacteria the chance of eye your face buildup infections 70

BEAUTY 8 Optic Oasis From hard-working cleansers to lash lifters TRINNY LONDON Be Your Best Enzyme Balm Cleanser, $60 This balm melts residue without tugging or stripping. Cool LASH Factor THERAPY Keep eye Growth Serum products in the Mascara, $44.95 fridge for an Strengthen extra-refreshing lashes while making them application. Ahhh… stand out. ADDITIONAL WORDS: IANTHA YU. THE SCREEN THE LASH REHAB PHOTOGR APHY: MARY FIX /GALLERYSTOCK . STILL-LIFE PHOTOGR APHY: JOHN RINTOUL FAC T O R The Eyelash Eyes bothered and bloodshot? We’re staring Growth Serum at screens for way too long. Follow the Original, $79.95 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a Conditioning 20-second break from your screen and look agents nourish at something 20 feet away, says optometrist lashes so they’re Dr Jennifer Tsai. “We don’t blink as often tougher and less as we think we do when we stare at close likely to break. things.” If your eyes are dry and itchy, eye drops can help. And even if you’ve never LA ROCHE-POSAY had eye issues, a yearly optometrist visit is a must – you never know when bacteria Respectissime will find its way to your eyes and lids. Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover, $23.95 Lifts stubborn formulas, such as waterproof mascara. GARNIER Micellar Cleansing Water, $13.99 Sweep away dirt, sweat, and make-up – no water required. MAYBELLINE NEW YORK Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, $25.99 The bamboo extract-infused formula = lashes that look full without being weighed down. WH NOVEMBER 2022 womenshealth.com.au 71

CAN I DERMAROLL AT HOME? It’s said that a derma roller can minimise wrinkles, scars and fade stretch marks. But if you’re opting to DIY, know what you’re doing to reap the benefits By Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist 72

BEAUTY Dermarolling: it sounds like a minute, allowing Your KIEHL’S Winter Olympic sport, but it’s for more targeted After-Care actually a type of ‘skin needling’ results without Toolkit Calendula Deep that helps treat issues such as the dragging of Cleansing acne scarring, large pores, dermarolling. Get the most Foaming Face stretch marks and certain types out of your Wash, from $28 of pigmentation. The treatment When performed treatment Cleansing is the involves a drum-shaped roller in clinical settings, with these first step – your device covered in tiny needles – it microneedling is products skin must be looks like the love child of a lawn safe and effective clean and free mower and a hedgehog – that is for those with and MCO BEAUTY from bacteria. rolled over target areas of the skin. without specific This cleanser skin issues. A Invisible Facial foams up gently numbing cream is Sunscreen SPF which can take applied before the off the day’s dirt needling device is 50+, $35 and grime. passed over the In-clinic Different length and skin experts, skin, which may be procedures can needles are used who cite inaccurate red and puffy or make skin more depending on use by both feel dry and tight sensitive to the the targeted skin professionals and after the procedure, sun. As always, area. When the at-home users. but usually settles avoid prolonged needles prick the Without proper within a day or so. sun exposure skin, it creates a monitoring, needles Multiple sessions and take safety controlled injury, can become blunt are often required, precautions, one that doesn’t over time and usually four to six including an SPF really hurt or cause drag the skin in an weeks apart.  (always read the lasting damage but uneven manner, label and use triggers the skin’s which can cause For best results, as directed). natural wound- tearing. It’s also speak to a medical AS TOLD TO CHLOE BURCHAM. ADDITIONAL WORDS: IANTHA YU. PHOTOGRAPHY: CONTENT PIXIE/UNSPLASH. healing response, difficult to know, professional, such OLE HENRIKSEN STILL-LIFE PHOTOGR APHY: JOHN RINTOUL increasing collagen without proper as a consultant production in the training, if you’re dermatologist Dewtopia 20% affected area. applying the right with an interest in Acid Night Collagen is a amount of pressure aesthetics. Check protein, a building while rolling. And if your practitioner’s Treatment, $85 block of healthy you don’t sterilise credentials; they Want gentle dermis, which is devices properly, need to avoid areas exfoliation? created naturally you run the risk of active acne and PHAs have in the body and is of infection. be able to treat any key to maintaining issues that may larger molecules plump skin and The wider arise, such as an than AHAs and reducing sagging. needling technique eczema flare-up. BHAs, so won’t You begin to lose to boost collagen If you have darker collagen from production is called skin, you may also penetrate as your mid-twenties, microneedling; need pre-treatment deeply into so any treatment dermarolling is just to reduce the risk that boosts it can one type of device. of pigmentation. delicate dermis. be a positive. Electrical pens – clinical devices As for DIY HABITUAL That said, though used by qualified dermarolling? I BEAUTY dermarolling is all professionals – are suggest avoiding it. over social media, a better alternative. Microneedling is a Hydrating it’s largely fallen out These are more medical procedure Serum, $125 of favour among accurate in terms of that should only Maintaining a dermatologists needle penetration be carried out by healthy skin depth and can professionals. WH barrier will help make more ‘holes’ your complexion or channels per recover more effectively. Look for serums with hyaluronic acid to boost hydration. NOVEMBER 2022 womenshealth.com.au 73





SPORTS BRAS S TA R S SMART THE ONE FU L LY TECH WITH THE CUSTOMISABLE FRONT ZIP Whoop Body adidas Any-Wear Rockwear FastImpact Sports Bra, Velocity Zip $109, shop. Luxe Run whoop.com Medium High- This Impact medium- Sports Bra, Support Bra, support bra $69.99, $110, adidas. securely rockwear. houses your com.au com.au Struggle to pull As well as Whoop device, off your sweaty adjustable so it can bra? Same. shoulder track your Enter: this ace straps, you’ll medium- find hooks on performance support pick, the chest band data while you which features that let you sweat. It also a front zip to tighten and make changing loosen the fit comes with a breeze. around your removable underbust. cups and a 76 racer back for breathability and comfort. SUPER SOFT Nimble Rhythm and Flow Bra, $69, nimbleactive wear.com Super stretchy yet soft as cotton, this bra is one to have on high rotation – whether you’re flowing through reformer or sipping coffee on the beach.

STYLE VERY A HIGH- V E R S AT I L E IMPACT WINNER Heaven Active Women’s UA Sports Bra, Infinity High $69.99, heavenswim Blocked wear.com.au Sports Bra, With its cross-back $80, design and underarmour. flexible material, this com.au gem provides Fitted with stellar support wide straps and style that’ll and a firm take you from underbust barbell to band, this brunch. offers support, comfort and FOR C O N TA C T range of SPORTS motion with zero chafing. Zena Z1 The one-piece Impact figure-eight Protection padding adds Vest, $169, shape and zenasport. separation to com.au Designed to eliminate protect against jiggle, too. breast and rib injury, this is GREAT FOR tested and YOGA supported by Deakin’s Centre Lululemon For Sport Like A Cloud Research. It’s lightweight, Bra, $69, plus there’s a lululemon. GPS pocket for performance com.au trackers. Think: buttery-soft material to see you through yoga, long walks and cycle sessions. We love the strappy back and sweat- wicking fabric. NOVEMBER 2022 womenshealth.com.au 77

FROM EVERYDAY BRAS ATHLEISURE W O R K D AY APPEAL TO The Upside WORKOUT Aloha Rory Lorna Jane Compress & Knit Bra, Compact $89.99, Sports Bra, theupside. com.au $79.99, Paired with lornajane. jeans, a skirt, tracky dacks or com.au activewear, this Designed to comfy knitted support you bra instantly through daily life upgrades any and exercise, this look. Cosy and will become a cute all in one. wardrobe staple. It also comes in THE colourways to SECOND suit a range of skin tones. SKIN BIGGER Jockey BUST Skimmies Bralette, FAV O U R I T E Berlei Lift & $29.99, Shape T-Shirt jockey.com.au Bra, $69.95, berlei.com.au Smooth lines, Designed with a flattering a unique spacer technology that plunge neckline, flatters your wire-free natural shape, support and this bra moulded cups provides optimal support make this for those with bralette so cup sizes from D seamless to G. Hello, that you’ll sweet relief.  forget you’re wearing it.  78

STYLE MATERNITY BRAS THE LACY Perfect Fit NUMBER Found your favourite? SPORTS BRAS:Good stuff. Now over to Kate EVERYDAY BRAS:TriumphMinin, Triumph Lingerie’s bra MATERNITY BRAS:Amourfitting specialist, to help you Maternity Lace Bra, score the dreamiest fit $64.95, M AT E R N I T Y au.triumph. Generally, a Your bust During TO NURSING sports bra shouldn’t the first com should fit a ‘spill’ over trimester, Seraphine With its subtle little tighter the cups, but you’ll likely Samantha and chic lace than your the cups also experience Seamless Bra usual bra, shouldn’t breast size 2-Pack, $75, design, this but comfort have slack. If fluctuation theiconic. bra offers is still the they do, and fluid wire-free main priority. check sizing. retention, com.au comfort and ----------- ----------- so swap drop-down Make sure If the straps moulded, This is all about feeding cups. the fabric of are digging underwired supporting you The sizing the cup/ in or leaving styles for during and after ranges from front sits marks, try a pregnancy. The 10C to 18E. smoothly bigger size soft, soft cups and against your or look for a wire-free LEAK body with no style with bras. You adjustable PROOF wrinkles (an straps that might find it underbust are indication of sit centrally comfortable Modibodi it being too on your to wear a made of Breastfeeding bra in bed stretchy big) or body. – try a light bamboo jersey Bra, $57.50, spilling (too ----------- seam- and to roll with your modibodi. The centre wire-free top. changing small). front should ----------- shape. com ----------- If you’re Forget To test for a sit flat keen to disposable comfortable against your exercise, breast pads. diaphragm, a good This bra from fit, you maternity the iconic should be not curl or sports bra leak-proof able to easily lift, while will help you undies brand is slide your you want an avoid breast fitted with cups index and underbust pain and that absorb strap that ligament milk, as well as middle sits level damage. front clips, an fingers around your ----------- adjustable between the back without Your third hook-and-eye top straps riding up (if trimester is closure and and your it does, try the time to comfy straps.  body. A a band size stock up on wider back down as the bras with strap will fit may be drop-down usually too big). cups for disperse ----------- flexibility, weight Sit and move if you’re better and around to planning to provide see if it feels breastfeed. more good during Your breasts support. everyday might begin ----------- activities. leaking milk, Jump and so look for move around machine to get a feel washable for the bras. WH support it provides.  NOVEMBER 2022 womenshealth.com.au 79

Woera shirt and shorts; Bandier top; J.Crew earrings; Loewe sunglasses; Bottega Veneta bag and shoes 80

STYLE oawMgldheeoeslethhsGaasrr,seefbsacsesehocGiomohmnea-enfooeafrmnhweI,anrtrshadtetavhgPilberTaie-smt.uuHrrieneceorsetdna,-ttpshhtleeyasln5e…k7-sg-yutoeruahre- r Photography by Garrett Naccarato Styling by Grece Ghanem NOVEMBER 2022 womenshealth.com.au 81

Khrisjoy tracksuit; Chanel bag; Missoma earrings; Bottega Veneta shoes and sunglasses 82

STYLE Frankie Shop blazer and trousers; Mango sports bra and sunglasses; J.Crew earrings NOVEMBER 2022 womenshealth.com.au 83

House of Sunny jacket; Acne Studios dress; Brésac sunglasses; Missoma earrings 84

MAKE-UP: NISHA GULATI AT THE PROJECT, USING DIOR BEAUTY AND ORIBE. STYLE PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT: MAXIME GUAY Tibi waistcoat; Chloé trousers; Missoma earrings; Celine necklace; Bottega Veneta sunglasses, bag and shoes WH NOVEMBER 2022 womenshealth.com.au 85

Ways to Strength Showing your mind some TLC can help Train younavigatesetbacks and achieve goals. But don’t take our word for it – we’ve Your recruitedthehelp Mind of those for whom forging mental fortitude is a job, to share with you how to deploy it at home, By Tom Ward and Scarlett Wrench in the workplace and during your workouts 86

M E N TA L H EA LT H NOVEMBER 2022 womenshealth.com.au 87

I’M A HOPELESS PROCRASTINATOR. HOW DO I WORK UP MORE GET-UP-AND-GO? 10 minutes practising Let go of the concept the guitar you bought in of creative inspiration lockdown, say, rather than or having to be ‘in the the intended 30 minutes. zone’. There will never This approach is rooted be a right time to get the in evidence: when one work done, and if you’re group of participants waiting for the mood to in a study were shown strike, you’ll be waiting a pictures that motivated long time. James Clear, them to exercise and author of the bestselling another group were asked behavioural change guide when and where they Atomic Habits, advocates planned to do it, 91 per committing to a schedule, cent of the latter group rather than a deadline. exercised, compared to Be specific about when 35 per cent in the other you intend to carry out group. The lesson? Stop the task you’re delaying. waiting for your get-up- If life gets in the way, cut and-go, and diarise it. it down to size – spend 88

M E N TA L H E A LT H I WANT Confiding in a partner about your “Gratitudeisa TO OPEN mental health can feel daunting, but UP TO MY doing so can be incredibly rewarding. mindsetthat PARTNER Amy Morin, psychotherapist and cannudge author of 13 Things Mentally Strong youtowardsa ABOUT People Don’t Do, says that if words healthgoals” MY POOR such as ‘depression’ feel too heavy at first, you might find it easier to MENTAL centre the conversation around HEALTH. stress. “Say you’re feeling more stressed than usual, or that you’re ANY not handling your stress as well as ADVICE? you’d want to. You might even ask if your partner has ever felt similarly,” she suggests. “This can open the door to a bigger conversation about depression, anxiety or mental health in general.” And those are the chats that are worth having. I’amlosvterudgognlien,gbaufttIenreloesdintgo be strongWfohramt cyafnamI dioly?. I need Don’t suppress your IS GRATITUDE “Being ‘strong’ isn’t achcaanregeer, fears. Instead, look JOURNALLING about refusing to cry, but I’m them squarely in the REALLY WORTH or pretending that worried I’ll eye. “I find it helpful STICKING WITH? your grief isn’t regret it. to imagine the worst- affecting you,” HsouwppcraenssI case scenarios: ‘I’ll Yes, and here’s why. says Morin. She lost never work again, Being grateful isn’t her mother and her ftehaersse? I’ll have no money, about passively husband while she my partner will leave accepting your was in her twenties, me,’” says Elizabeth circumstances, nor so her advice is Day, creator of the forged as much by How To Fail podcast does it need to involve personal experience and author of an aesthetically as by professional Failosophy. Once expertise. “A great you’ve scared pleasing leather-bound display of strength is yourself suitably notebook. It’s simply a showing your family shitless, write your mindset that can nudge how to grieve in a worries down; studies healthy way. Allow show that seeing your you towards a whole yourself to feel sad fears in black and host of health goals. or angry and deal white reduces their Studies have linked with all of the power. “Now, let feeling thankful with emotions that come your logical brain everything from better with loss.” By doing analyse how much sleep and lower stress so, you’re also of what you fear is to a healthy immune providing your family likely to happen,” system and, yes, better members with the suggests Day. “You mental health. So, if space to process their may realise that you won’t do it for the feelings – openly, you have relatively zen benefits, do it for not just privately. little to fear from making that leap.” the strategic kind. NOVEMBER 2022 womenshealth.com.au 89

I’m lost I’M COASTING WITH MY imposisnibalne FITNESS – HOW I CAN AMP UP MY PROGRESS? work project. “Exposing yourself to the temporary How do I discomfort of new stimuli is the only kreeesoplvmey? way to see continual improvements,” says Tom Foxley, who overcame a heart Honestly? Perhaps you shouldn’t. condition to become a CrossFit coach. The sunk-cost fallacy wrongly “I’ve found that the only way to grow is to embrace hardship. Doing so will implies that just because you’ve show you that you’re far tougher invested time in something, that than you give yourself credit for.” makes it worth persevering with – even if it’s a bit so-so. “In reality, WHENEVER I HAVE TO there are times when continuing a PRESENT, I FREEZE. HOW DO I MAINTAIN project is counterproductive, COMPOSURE? and quitting is the intelligent decision,” explains environmental I hate Remember that no one will psychologist Lee Chambers. fisaitlhinegre– judge you as harshly as you’re Reflection is key: ask yourself atowmayake whether your motivation is to avoid litesssti?ng judging yourself, and what temporary discomfort or whether feels like freezing to you might you believe that the outcomes are No one likes failing, not worth the cost. If you lean but try harnessing sound perfectly composed towards the latter, it’s time to that energy to drive to others. But there are a few schedule a meeting with your boss. you forward. “How you respond to failure tricks that you can employ. MEDITATION ASIDE, CAN is up to you,” says Your mood is conveyed in I LOWER MY STRESS Day, a woman who’s your voice, so engage with single-handedly turned something that makes you LEVELS ANOTHER WAY? the concept from smile before the event, something to fear into Explore strategies to help you something to embrace. whether that’s by recalling a manage stress in the moment, says “One way of draining joke or looking at a photo of the emotion from your kids. Similarly, anxiety can Irene Gallagher, Lifeline Australia’s failure is to think of Head of Crisis Services, Knowledge it as data acquisition. make you quieter, so speak You’re gaining valuable ever so slightly louder than and Quality. “Take time out to do info about what the volume that feels natural. something you enjoy, like making a doesn’t work. When Josephine Perry, founder of cup of tea or chatting with someone applied correctly, it consultancy Performance in will bring you closer to Mind, advises focusing on the you like talking to. Evidence also the thing that does.” three Ps: preparation (do shows that by consciously taking your research and know deep breaths right down into our diaphragms, we can increase a sense your subject), practice of calmness.” Physical activity helps, (speak the words out too. In the long run? ID your triggers, loud) and purpose she tips. “Being informed about (remember why you’re what’s affecting our stress levels and establishing a weekly or daily wellness doing this and what you stand to gain). diary can really make a difference.” Now, go get ’em. Ideas: taking up a sport or exercise, trying mindfulness or, yes, meditation, eating healthily or practising gratitude. 90

M E N TA L H E A LT H I’M DOING AN ULTRAMARATHON. IS IT TRUE THEY’RE MIND OVER MUSCLE? PHOTOGRAPHY: JOBE LAWRENSON; STUDIO 33; ADAM VOORHES/GALLERY STOCK imPeprifnegcitniognoisnmmiys For mental First, well done you – your HowmcaennItarel ihneiatlitnh?. health support ambition is admirable. Second, you’re right that The term that used to be the most nauseating and advice, the key to success lies in of job-interview humblebrags is now an contact Lifeline the cognitive. Your head (lifeline.org.au; will give up long before evidence-based source of self-destruction, your lungs do, confirms with studies linking it to a higher risk of 13 11 14). And Duncan Slater, who everything from cardiovascular disease check out became the first double amputee to race to the to depression. “If you feel it creeping into Maybelline New South Pole and has something you’re doing, it’s time to step York’s Brave completed the 250km back and focus on some of the other aspects Together Marathon des Sables in the of your life, outside of those performance initiative Sahara Desert. “Ultimately, contingencies,” says Dr Thomas Curran, a (maybelline. you need to want to do it, social and personality psychologist and self- com.au/ and you need to know confessed perfectionist. If stepping back isn’t why, so you can remind an option – say, it’s a work project you’re bravetogether). yourself when you’re at striving to do perfectly – try this tactic from breaking point,” he says. clinical psychologist Dr Jessamy Hibberd. Visualisation techniques Drop your effort down to 80 per cent. “All can help, too. Learn the you’re doing in that final 20 per cent is chasing route inside out: know something that doesn’t exist,” she says. “That where the aid stations are, 20 per cent is the difference between healthy when you’ll eat or rest and behaviour (conscientiousness) and unhealthy what the temperature will behaviour (perfectionism).” Just remember feel like at different times that spelling and grammar check, yeah? of day. Then break it up in your mind – a technique that applies to any tough race: ‘I just need to make it to the eight-mile marker’; ‘I just need to reach the next aid station.’ WH NOVEMBER 2022 womenshealth.com.au 91

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COVER STORY Nobull sports bra and shorts; Converse sneakers; Jennifer Zeuner earrings and ring; Tia’s own wedding bands (worn throughout) She’s now the most dominant CrossFit athlete in history after being crowned Fittest on Earth for the sixth year, but Aussie Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr isn’t done yet. This is how she created her dream life By Lizza Gebilagin Photography by David Higgs Styling by Taylor Richardson NOVEMBER 2022 womenshealth.com.au 93

It’s been a whole Little did the world know, two month since weeks out from solidifying her tia-clair toomey- status in CrossFit history as the orr - six-time most dominant athlete in the fittest woman sport, Tia could barely walk. on earth - last did a workout. “I couldn’t even get out of “It’s definitely hard,” bed. It was a pretty bad [back she says of her injury],” she confesses. “It’s enforced break not something I’ve spoken or but it’s been a been open about, just because much-needed one. I never want to create excuses or anything like that.” For the 29-year-old, originally from Nambour, a rural town in the Sunshine Coast region, excuses just aren’t an option. No matter what life throws at her. Like the time she had to dig deep to win a gold medal in weightlifting at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, a week after her cousin died suddenly in a car accident. Or earlier this year, when she qualified for the Winter Olympics in bobsleigh, only to then miss out on selection by the Australian team. So when Tia injured her back, she cast out any excuses and zoned in on what she needed to do – not just to get her body well enough to compete in the five-day 2022 CrossFit Games in August, over 13 events, but to stand on top of the podium. And she did it, winning the title of Fittest on Earth for the sixth year in a row. It’s a feat no other athlete has achieved. “Now, it’s about recovering my back,” she tells WH from her home in Nashville, Tennessee. “Normally, I’d do the Rogue Invitational in October, but I’m taking this off season as a complete off season. I’m very unfit!” Here, Tia (who, even in this “unfit” phase is probably still fitter than the majority of the planet) shares how she went after her dream life, the way she deals with setbacks and whether she’ll be going after her seventh CrossFit Games title ... all in her own words. TRYING NEW THINGS “Growing up, I loved doing different sports and constantly getting better. From playing tennis and netball to running and swimming, and dabbling in gymnastics and touch football. In my eyes, it was all 94

COVER STORY Nookie bikini top and bottoms; Camila Coelho skirt; Jennifer Zeuner earrings Opposite: Norma Kamali swimsuit; Jennifer Zeuner earrings NOVEMBER 2022 womenshealth.com.au 95

Nobull sports bra; “I want to be the Tseat Jewelry most dominant necklace CrossFit athlete 96 of all time. That is from past time to current time to the future”

COVER STORY about being the best all-round athlete versus being really good at one particular sport. The inspiration, and where I got that drive, was my parents. They showed me the importance of always trying something different. The way they would explain it was that it’s so important to widen your horizons, and not be narrow-minded, so that you could really understand who you are as a person and what you really enjoy. I grew up on a cane farm on the Sunshine Coast [in Queensland]. Every day, Mum and Dad were up early working the land, growing sugarcane. They weren’t necessarily into sports per se but I heard stories about how my mum could run circles around Dad, and my dad was such a great swimmer and a great surfer. Hearing “When I do fall short... those cool stories about my parents allowed me to I know that I’m able really aspire to do stuff like that. It made me realise the to keep pushing” importance of finding what made me really happy, and then running with it and seeing what was out there.” I remember this coach saying, ‘If you want to go all in, you need to leave your shift work, because the night TAKING A BIG CHANCE shifts are not helping with your recovery. If you really want to go all in, you need to make that sacrifice.’ “I know no matter what happens, I’m never going to allow myself to fail. That doesn’t mean I don’t fall short of my I was like, ‘Well, that’s a bit crazy to turn away a job goals. But when I do fall short of a goal, I know that I’m that I’ve only been in for two years and is so secure.’ able to still keep pushing. I’m still going to keep chipping I was on very good pay for someone who hadn’t away and still pursue it until I achieve it. finished a uni degree. I probably sat on this for eight months; It wasn’t an overnight decision for sure. But An example? Back in 2014, [husband and coach] Shane at that eight-month mark, I was like, ‘You know what? and I moved to a place called Gladstone [in Queensland]. I’m making this change. I’m doing it, because everyone That’s where we discovered CrossFit. At the time, I’d around me is putting in the effort that they need to, been in this job for about two years as a lab technician. It so I need to meet them plus more.’ I handed in my wasn’t my dream job at all, but it was a very comfortable, resignation letter and I made sure that if it didn’t work very secure job. It allowed me to work half a year doing out well, I could try to get my job back. shift work. It was the dream situation for retirement. When your back is up against the wall and you need to I started CrossFit and I had this chance to qualify for figure something out, your instincts kick in. You’re going the Olympics [for weightlifting]. The coach was trying to do what you need to in order to make it work, so that to help Shane and I take that next step in our training you still have a roof over your head. You still can feed and I was really progressing. I was quite determined, but yourself. And that’s essentially what happened. I said, ‘I’m going to work so hard at this and I’m going to do absolutely everything that I have to, so that I do not have to ask for my job back.’ And before I knew it, oh my God, I didn’t just qualify for the Rio Olympics but I came second NOVEMBER 2022 womenshealth.com.au 97

“Just embrace HAIR & MAKE-UP: CHRISTIN COOK ZITO USING CHARLOTTE TILBURY MAKE-UP, T3 HAIR TOOLS AND it, because you ORIBE HAIR PRODUC TS FOR THE ONLY AGENCY. PRODUCER: MAT T BAUER /EA MANAGEMENT don’t know what the future holds” Mistress Rocks shirt and shorts; Slate Swim one- piece swimsuit; Nike sneakers; Jennifer Zeuner earrings and ring at the CrossFit Games. And at the CrossFit Games, they pay you money. And so, I was starting to find other ways to generate revenue. I feel like it’s a very similar situation when it comes to achieving something that people have told you isn’t possible or you’re doing something that’s out of the ordinary. It could be a uni degree that you are trying to achieve. It could be something like I did, embarking on 98

COVER STORY a sporting adventure. It doesn’t matter TIA what you do, there’s always going to be a moment where it’s going to challenge you and you’re going to face adversity, and you’re going to be asked, ‘How badly do you want this?’ And when you find that passion, when you find that determination and that desire, and you know, ‘Hey, this is going to be it. I want to achieve this and AT A GLANCE I will do absolutely everything I can in my power to do so’, you will do it. It’s a matter of when. It may not happen WHEN I’M across as cocky or confronting, or in a bad in a year. It may not happen in two years, TRAINING FOR way. It’s just I’ve worked so hard that I want but it will happen, because you are so THE CROSSFIT my legacy to live on long after I have actively hungry to achieve it.” competed in the space. If I can get one more GAMES… championship or one more notch to my belt, WHAT’S COMING NEXT I train for up essentially, I feel like it just makes it that much to nine to 13 harder for people to chase. “For me, I couldn’t be more supportive and hours a day. appreciative of my competitors. And I mean I EAT A LOT OF I know that there’s a bit of speculation this with a lot of respect, but I also want to WHOLESOME and there’s a lot of conversation about how be the most dominant CrossFit athlete of this was my last year in CrossFit. And truthfully, all time. That is from past time to current FOODS… I definitely thought that throughout the season; time to the future. I don’t want that to come and make sure after such an emotional rollercoaster with bobsled and how the criteria and the selection I’m eating process went down for the Olympics this year, enough because going straight into CrossFit and trying to get with the amount through the season, it was a very tiring and emotional season. I definitely felt like this could of training be it, so I wanted to make sure that every time that we do, it’s I stepped on the floor, I competed like it was so important my last. So when I crossed the line, I was like, ‘You know what? Just embrace it, because you that I’m don’t know what the future holds.’ having enough I will admit there’s a part of me that thinks, [kilojoules]. ‘Why not do another year?’ Throughout I GO TO BED my career, I’ve always been very conscious AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE... because I find that if I’m not getting nine to 10 hours of sleep at night, my body wakes up very stiff and very sore. We definitely need more sleep when we’re putting our bodies through that much pressure. of setting myself up so that I could retire whenever I wanted. That doesn’t mean just financially. I’m turning 30 next year; I can’t just physically retire and not do anything for the rest of my life. I don’t think I’d live a fulfilling life if that were the case. So it’s like, ‘OK, what am I going to do after competition that I’m going to feel that joy?’ There are so many things that I could fall back on but I have to tell you, I don’t know if I want to do that yet. So that question makes me think, ‘Well, maybe I still have a little bit more in me. Maybe I have another year.’ I just need to make sure that when I sign up to the season, that I have that fire and that desire, because I know regardless of what I’m going to do, I’m going to put the work in and I’m going to make sure I stand up SHOT ON LOCATION AT on top of that podium at the end of the season.” WH THE DIVE MOTEL @THEDIVEMOTEL Listen to the full chat with Tia on our podcast THEDIVEMOTEL.COM. Uninterrupted by 1414 DICKERSON PIKE, NASHVILLE, TN PART OF URBAN COWBOY HOTELS  U R B A N C O W B OY. C O M Women’s Health Australia on Apple and Spotify. NOVEMBER 2022 womenshealth.com.au 99

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