She was the girl who went by the instagram name of ‘My Healthy Obsession’. But after growing both spiritually and emotionally as a person, she decided ‘My Healthy Obsession’ no longer represented her as an individual, and so, Rochelle Mace is now simply – Rochelle Mace.
Rochelle is a strong advocate for mental health having experienced her own turmoil in her younger days. She preaches self love, acceptance and encourages others to find balance through creative outlets; hers being yoga/meditation, painting and journalling.
First up, tell us a little bit about yourself?
Rochelle: My name is Rochelle Mace. I’m a full time blogger and mental health advocate. I’m 24 years of age and I live in Sydney Australia.
For the past two years of my life I have been working as an Executive Assistant in Sydney based financial firm. At the end of 2017 my mental health took a real turn. I have been suffering with it for a long time, since the age of 16 to be exact. I kept my anxiety and depression at bay for the first year of my job but into the second year of a very fast paced role, I struggled to keep my mental, emotional and physical health in check. Whilst I loved my job, I was worn down and burnt out and I needed to address my health. I needed to put myself first. So coming into this new year, I left my job.
I’ve now made my side hustle a full-time gig! So now I spend my time passionately working on my blog, Instagram and Youtube Channel where I share my love for health, fitness, emotional-welling, fashion and travel. I’m focusing on healing my mind and body holistically and doing what I love doing the most – helping people to address their own mental health through videography and photography!
When i’m not working i’m catching up with friends for coffee, taking my dog out with my family, drawing, cooking, yoga or weight lifting.
Talk us through a typical day in the life of you…
Rochelle: Of a morning I’ll make myself a black coffee with almond milk and sit in my backyard. I have a beautiful set up with a big lounge and lots of plants. This is my safe space and grounds me of a morning. I’ll spend 10 minutes in stillness and then I’ll journal, write a list for the day and do an oracle card spread. If I’ve had a good nights sleep, I’ll take myself to the gym after breakfast, otherwise I’ll workout in the late afternoon. For the rest of the day, I block out time out to respond to emails, create content and of late I’ve just starting taking orders for my artwork, so for a couple of hours a day i’ve been doing watercolour paintings.
What does ‘health’ mean to you?
Rochelle: For me, health is a very broad term and over the years my definition of health has changed immensely. When I think about my health, there is a few things that come to mind – exercise your mind and body, eat to nourish and give yourself adequate rest.
Once upon a time health meant that the reflection staring back at me in the mirror was skinny and slender with long shiny hair and glowing skin. But when my reflection showed me otherwise, my idea around health soon changed. Our lifestyle plays a big part in our health. But more importantly, our emotional well-being is crucial to being healthy. We can’t have a healthy body without a healthy mind.
My mental health and gut health comes before anything! I think our gut is the main operator of our health, after-all 90% of our serotonin (the chemical that makes us happy) is produced in the gut. I’ve suffered with a lot of gut health issues in the past and through healing my gut, I have also healed my mind.
Often people describe their ‘health and fitness’ as a bit of a journey. Would you agree? And if so, what part of the journey do you think you’re in now?
Rochelle: Definitely true! On my health and fitness journey, I have grown both physically and mentally.
I think it’s very common that most of our health journeys begin when our health is in fact is at it’s very worst. I suffered with low energy, disordered eating and after several visits to naturopath’s I was told I had a heap of deficiencies, adrenal fatigue, leaky gut syndrome and candida.
It was so overwhelming at first! I was overloaded with information and supplements. The start of my journey was a struggle and I got worse before I got better. I also went through stages of over-doing it and under doing it. At first I formed a very unhealthy relationship with my health. Ironically around that same time I created my blog which was formerly named ‘My Healthy Obsession’.
I can now proudly say, that slowly over the years I have found my balance. I’m finally content with where my health is at. My gut has healed a lot, my overall health is great and my mental health is reaping the benefits. I exercise moderately, I eat a balanced diet (I always fit that sweet treat in too!) and I’m really pleased with how my body has grown physically. And it’s totally okay to be happy with where you’re at!
What are 3 things you couldn’t live without?
Rochelle: My journal is a must. I write in it everyday! It’s like therapy to me and It’s a tool to keeping me productive and motivated.
Secondly, my iPhone. Sounds pretty generic I know! But photography is my passion and there is never a time when I’m not snapping away!
And lastly, my dog and my family of course. I count that as 1 thing because my dog is pretty much human.
It’s a new year, do you have any big, bold goals or intentions that you want to smash this year?
Rochelle: Yup! I have mapped out all of my intentions and goals. When you write them down on paper it can be pretty confronting and sometimes it can feel like you’re being too ambitious but I’m working through my fear of failing so that it doesn’t get in the way dreaming big this year.
This is my year of being wildly creative. Taking a leap of faith has given me the courage to do what my heart truly desires. So my career based goal is pretty simple really – to follow my passion. I want to create lots of photo and video content and kick off my own business.
A personal goal of mine is to put myself, my friends and my family first. And emotionally – live with less judgement and nurture my emotions.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advise, what would it be?
Rochelle: A few things. Firstly, you don’t have to fit in or have have lots of friends in school. One day you’ll leave and realise you only saw these people 5 days a week because you had to. Secondly, it’s okay feel things so strongly but let’s learn to manage it better. It will be a life-long skill. And lastly and more importantly, don’t let a dumb boy ruin your whole life.
Last but definitely not least! What is your go-to snack at the moment?
Rochelle: My go to snack is banana nice-cream. I eat this most days in the late arvo or for dessert. I crave sweet food a lot but often have feelings of guilt when eating highly processed sugary foods so this snack makes me feel good mentally and it curbs that sweet craving. Banana nice cream is the real deal!
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Connect with Rochelle!
Instagram: @rochellemace
Website: www.rochellemace.com
Email: contact@rochellemace.com