Discovering Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: A Personal Journey to Diagnosis in 2012

A Day in the Life: Balancing Music, Family, and Wellness

Ever wondered how a successful musician balances a demanding career with family life and personal well-being? Let’s delve into a typical Saturday, revealing the dedication and routines that keep everything in harmony.

The Morning Routine: Setting the Stage for Success

The day begins promptly at 7:30 a.m., despite being, as she says, from “a family of night owls.” The initial moments are dedicated to self-care. “I try to keep a few minutes to myself before I jump out of bed. I’ll drink a glass of water and take my thyroxine.” This routine acknowledges a diagnosis of Hashimoto thyroiditis in 2012, discovered during a routine health check.

This early detection proved beneficial, especially before pregnancy, highlighting the importance of regular health check-ups. She notes, “It was lucky I discovered it before I became pregnant… It’s kind of a blessing in disguise as I have to be mindful about what I eat or drink.”

Prioritizing Health and Fitness

Physical activity is a non-negotiable part of the morning. “If I’m not doing a group class in the gym, I’ll go for a walk or jog.” This focus on fitness is a shift from her younger years. “When I was in my 20s, I never thought about my health but now I’m so conscious of it.I’ve always been an active person but it’s so critically important to me now that I’m in my 40s.” she has adapted her running routine to avoid overexertion, stating, “I don’t run as much as I used to because I find it very difficult to go for a run and not to constantly try to beat my previous record.”

Family time: The Heart of the Matter

Family plays a central role in her life. Her son, Tadgh, 10, is active in “rugby, hurling, and soccer,” while her daughter, Aoife, 12, is “a keen horse rider.” The family returned to Ireland from the UK in 2020,seeking the support of family. “It was time to come back and have the support of my parents. They are at close hand to co-parent with me.” This highlights the importance of a strong family network, notably for those with demanding careers.

Weekends are filled with family activities. “Aoife will spend saturday helping in the stables. She’ll be over in a friend’s house or a friend will be in mine. There is a sleepover nearly every weekend.”

Showtime: Preparing for the Stage

The afternoon shifts focus to her musical career. “I could be anywhere on a Saturday,” she explains, noting potential performances at events like the Derry Jazz festival or Pride events. Preparation is key: “I will have a good breakfast and make sure the guitar is tuned and the strings are in order. I’ll do vocal warm-ups and steam my throat to lubricate the vocal chords. I will prepare my outfit and jewelry. Even though the gig might not start until 7pm or 8pm, it takes up the whole day because you have to prepare and get to the venue.”

Soundcheck is crucial, beginning around 5 p.m. “It’s really important to get on the stage and get the sound right because if the sound isn’t right, you’ll have an awful gig. I’ll run through some of the songs in the set with whoever I’m gigging with to make sure we are all happy with the sound.”

The Realities of the Music Industry

Despite the glamorous perception, the music industry has its less appealing aspects. “People probably assume that being in the music industry is very glamorous but some venues only have one room that everyone has to use. There have been times when I’ve had to get changed and put my make-up on in the car but I’m well toughened up to deal with anything like that at this stage.”

She ensures to eat something before performing, either alone or with bandmates, trusting that healthy options will be available. The final preparations include hair, makeup, vocal warm-ups, and guitar tuning.

Her diverse musical background allows her to adapt to various performance settings. “Before I was in The Saturdays, I was involved in the singer-songwriter scene, so I’m quite happy whether I’m performing in a small venue with The swing Cats or my uncle Declan Nerney, or whether I’m at a festival like Birmingham Pride or the Mighty Hoopla.” She also emphasizes the support she receives from the LGBTQI+ community.”The LGBTQI+ community has always been a brilliant supporter of mine since I was in The Saturdays. They understand, appreciate, and love pop music, have always been there for me, and are there to have a good time. I just love performing and luckily I can adapt to different styles and genres.”

Winding Down: Post-Performance and Sleep

After a performance that typically concludes around 10 p.m. or 10:30 p.m., the journey home is filled with energy. “On the way home, I will be buzzing, especially if it’s been a really good show. I’ll play loud music in the car or call a friend to keep me going on the drive. If I’m staying overnight, I’ll go back to the hotel and unwind.” Despite the excitement, partying is not part of the routine. “I don’t really party. Even when myself and the girls were in the band, we didn’t burn the candle at both ends — it’s a job and you’re there to entertain.”

To ensure restful sleep, she sometimes uses sleep hypnosis. “I’ll listen to sleep hypnosis if I’m struggling to fall asleep but usually I’m so tired that I fall asleep no problem. There can be a lot of adrenaline flowing with what I do so I am trying to look at things to help me sleep better such as breathing techniques to calm the nervous system.”

Conclusion: Lessons in Balance and Dedication

The life of a musician is a testament to the power of balance and dedication. From prioritizing health and family to meticulously preparing for performances and winding down with intention, each aspect contributes to a fulfilling and successful life. What routines can you incorporate into your own life to achieve greater balance and well-being? Consider adopting some of these strategies to enhance your own daily life.

What practical strategies does Aisling O’Malley use to balance her music career with her personal life?

A Balancing Act: An Interview with Musician Aisling O’Malley

Today, we’re joined by aisling O’Malley, a prosperous musician and former member of the popular group “The Saturdays,” to discuss how she navigates the demanding world of music while prioritizing family and well-being. Welcome, aisling!

Morning Routines and Wellness

Archyde: Aisling, your Saturdays sound incredibly busy! You start your day quite early, even describing yourself as being from “a family of night owls.” What inspired you to create such a disciplined morning routine focusing on health and well-being?

Aisling O’Malley: It definitely took conscious effort! The music industry can be chaotic, and I found I needed structure to stay grounded. Discovering my hashimoto’s through a routine check-up truly changed my perspective. It highlighted the importance of listening to my body and making health a priority. The early detection was a blessing as I manage it through mindful eating and keep active everyday, whether that’s in one of the classes in the gym or going for a brisk walk.

Family and Support Networks

Archyde: Family clearly plays a central role in your life, especially with Tadgh and Aoife’s busy schedules! What kind of impact did returning to Ireland for the support of family have on your career and personal life balance?

Aisling O’Malley: returning home was a game-changer. The support system my parents provide has been invaluable. It’s made juggling my career and family life substantially easier,knowing they’re there to help with the kids,especially with their various activities. They are at close hand to co-parent.

Showtime and Stage Readiness

Archyde: You mentioned being able to adapt to different performance settings, can you tell us about the rituals to prepare for a stellar performance? Describe your process for guaranteeing a perfect show, from vocal warm-ups to stage set up.

Aisling O’Malley: Ultimately it is all about the sound. I always start with a good breakfast and make sure my instrument is ready to go. At soundcheck it’s really important to get on the stage and get the sound right becuase if the sound isn’t right, you’ll have an awful gig. Vocal warm-ups and looking after my voice are also essential, and as I’ve been doing this for so long, I can always count on stage presence to bring me through! It’s about being prepared and focused.

The Realities of the Music Industry

Archyde: You’ve performed at events like the Derry Jazz festival and Pride events. Can you share your experiences relating to the less appealing aspects of show business?

Aisling O’Malley: It’s definitely not all glamour! Sometimes you’re changing in a car or dealing with less-than-ideal backstage situations but I’ve seen it all at this point. It’s important to remain adaptable and find the humor in it all. The LGBTQI+ community have always been a great supporter of mine since I was in The Saturdays, so I’m often performing at Pride events.They understand, appreciate, and love pop music and are there to have a good time.

Winding Down and Sleep

Archyde: After a performance, you mentioned using sleep hypnosis to wind down. I’m wondering, How critically important is it to have a consistent sleep schedule? And how has this strategy positively impacted your well-being, especially with the adrenaline rush that frequently enough follows a show?

Aisling O’Malley: Sleep is crucial! It’s difficult with the late nights, but I try to prioritize it. sleep hypnosis helps calm my mind especially since I don’t really party,I’m trying to look at things to help me sleep better such as breathing techniques to calm the nervous system. The music industry can be full on so trying to have a healthy sleep schedule is something that’s critically critically important for me.

Final Thoughts and Advice

Archyde: Aisling, thank you so much for sharing your insights. What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are trying to navigate the pressures of the music industry while maintaining a healthy work-life balance?

Aisling O’Malley: Set clear boundaries, and prioritize your health. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and build a strong support network. Remember why you started making music in the first place, and always stay true to yourself. It requires conscious effort and the implementation of practical strategies but I’m living proof it can be done!

Archyde: Thank you, aisling, for this enlightening interview! Readers, what routines do YOU incorporate into your own life to achieve greater balance and well-being? Share your thoughts in the comments below!