Montana Earle of Moe Fire Brigade (Centre)
Women’s Health Week runs from 6 - 10 September and focuses on encouraging women to ensure they are setting aside time for their own health and wellbeing.
This rings true for Montana Earle, a volunteer firefighter at Moe Fire Brigade.
Montana’s lifestyle doesn’t allow for a lot of downtime. She's not only a volunteer with CFA, but also a lifeguard, works full-time, plays netball and still makes time for the gym.
Montana loves her active lifestyle, but she said her own self care is equally as important.
“Even if it is just five minutes a day, I try and squeeze in listening to a podcast, or using apps like smiling mind and headspace to wind down,” she said.
“It’s important for me to be able to switch off every now and again.”
Growing up, Montana’s mum was a woman she looked up to who did everything for her family but didn’t take a lot of time for herself.
“Women are so important in our lives. They do put their own needs aside to take care of their friends and family.
“I saw through mum how it can impact your own health and wellbeing constantly putting the needs of others before your own. You really do need to take time to look inward and prioritise yourself as well.”
Montana’s career as a special education teacher gives her the opportunity to do a lot of research on the mind, caring for others and finding new ways she can better herself.
“To be able to care for others, I need to be the best I can be, I love reading anything on personal development where it can teach you to be a kind and more mindful person.
“With lockdowns and restrictions, it is important to not let your health and wellbeing fall to the bottom of the list. We have all had a lot of new demands placed on us so now more than ever we need to find new ways of looking after ourselves.”
| Submitted by |
Courtney Walker |