Niamh Cullen: ‘This Challenge Has Taught Me To Look After Myself’

Niamh Cullen is making her return to public life after taking time away from social media amid her husband, Jamie’s health struggles.

The couple has chosen to keep those details private after Jamie was rushed to hospital just days after their beautiful Italian wedding.

We sat down with Niamh for an exclusive chat at the launch of this year’s Hayu STELLAR InstaStar Awards. She is nominated for Wellness InstaStar, and for us, she truly is a wellness inspiration.

Hi, Niamh. It’s so great to see you out. How has life been for you recently?

Life has been interesting enough. We’ve had some stuff going on at home. I know we will share in time, but at the moment, it’s not my story alone to share. My husband has just been having some struggles with his health. We’re just taking it day by day. I’m trying to be busy but also spend time at home with Jamie. I’m looking forward to Electric Picnic next week. I try to make sure that I have stuff booked in that gets me up and going. Otherwise, life has been grand.

You’re nominated for Wellness InstaStar and you truly are a Spin Queen. Those classes must be a great benefit for your mental health…

I do Rhythm Ride at Perpetua Fitness. I coach eight classes a week. For me, when I’m coaching the class, I want everyone to get something out of it. Whether it be for your mind or your energy, or it is just switching off. I just hope you leave feeling better or you’re just a bit happier. Even if it’s just a bit of a reset. Honestly, it’s my favourite time of the week. I have all the girly bops, and the 45 minutes is over in a second.

 

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You are very open about talking about the importance of balance in life. How do you master that?

It’s been challenging the last couple of months. I know I’ve alluded to it on Instagram. I’ve shared snippets of life and it’s been quite difficult. This time has taught me that it’s so important to look after yourself and put yourself first. And I think it’s really important to find a balance. I always try to push a lifestyle of balance. You can still go out and have drinks with your friends. You can still go to your festival. You don’t always have to make a 7am class on a Sunday. Don’t be so hard on yourself.

I don’t know what it’s done to our generation that we need to keep up with the Joneses. Everyone wants to have that perfect life. Having your matcha and doing your Pilates. I do think it’s so important to do that. But it’s important to have a balance as well. One weekend or two weekends of having that lovely wholesome time doing yoga classes or going for a hike or even just having a walk with your friends.

But it’s also so good for the soul to meet your girls and have girlie chats and a giggle over a glass of wine. Me and my friends do something different once a month, we’ve done Emerald Park, we’ve done the Viking Splash Tour, we’ve done Glasnevin Graveyard. We just get outside the usual norms. I think it’s so important.

Cast your votes in this year’s Hayu STELLAR InstaStar Awards here.