Life has definitely been keeping Jules Robinson on her toes.
In March last year, she launched her shapewear line Figur – just as the world was launched into a pandemic.
Then in September, life got even busier when she and hubby Cameron Merchant welcomed their beautiful baby boy Oliver.
“It’s beautiful. He’s just changing so much and looking more like Cam every day,” she reveals.
And things are about to get even more chaotic, with Jules revealing that they’re planning for baby number two.
“We couldn’t be happier and we look forward to having another one!” she says.
But while the past year has definitely brought a lot of blessings, it’s also taught Jules about the importance of making time for herself.
“It’s been a juggle,” explains the MAFS alum, who has teamed up with coffee brand Moccona for a new campaign to highlight the importance of me-time.
“As a working mum, like so many mums of Australia, we just don’t make that time for ourselves to take a moment and just chill out,” she says.
“Having that me-time and putting yourself first, that’s not selfish, it’s actually good for your mental health.”
The star shares the coping strategies she uses to get through stressful situations …
It’s ok to admit you need time out
It’s safe to say, most of us have had a few emotional moments over the past year. And Jules says that’s totally fine. “There have been moments over the past 12 months where I’ve just crumbled and fallen in tears – felt like I can’t do it anymore,” she admits.
“Luckily, my husband’s there to pick me up and cheer me on from the side as he always does. But it’s sometimes a struggle to do it all. That’s when you need to have a bit of a word with yourself and say, ‘OK, I need a bit of a me day, I need a bit of a mental health day.’ Sometimes that [time] is just to do absolutely nothing and take care of yourself.”
Structure is key
While most of us assumed we’d have more free time working from home, it hasn’t worked out that way for everyone.
“I don’t think I’ve ever worked so hard in my life because you don’t know when to turn on or off,” Jules confesses.
“It’s become natural that we just keep on working and don’t actually stop.” Her advice is to follow some structure by adding regular breaks into your day. It might be something as simple as having a cup of coffee!
“Even taking 15 minutes to go outside and have your lunch make a massive difference,” she says.
Make downtime work for you not against you
“When you’re a mum and busy in that sense, you don’t have the options to do things like get a facial, or a pedicure, and all the things I used to do, it just doesn’t fit into my lifestyle,” Jules explains.
“But saying that, Cam bought me a little pedicure spa for Christmas, so I’ve been doing a little home pampering.”
Communication is key
While the last year has had some stressful moments, Robinson’s hubby Merchant has been there every step of the way. “With parenting we definitely 50/50 everything,” she says.
“We were like, ‘We’re having a baby together, we will do this parenting together.’” It also means being able to communicate when they need a little time off, or to reconnect as a couple.
“We like to do our own thing as well as together,” she says.
Find your strength
As someone in the public eye, Jules’ definitely had her battles with trolls. Rather than letting them zap her energy, she’s used her experiences with body shaming as inspiration for her Figur shapewear line.
“It’s about size inclusivity and fashion inclusivity,” Robinson says of the range, which has sparked an outpouring of messages from women who are delighted to feel represented.
“It’s been absolutely amazing,” she confirms.
“It doesn’t matter what shape we are, we all can feel great and if it’s shapewear that releases that confidence, so be it. Sexy isn’t a size. It’s a mindset and how you feel about yourself.”
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