Mother's Day series one: motherhood & self-care with Jade

Once a high-flying First Class international flight attendant, Jade Szonyi was based in London and looked after souls all over the world. As of the last few years she has her feet firmly planted on the ground on the Mornington Peninsula, where she works as a yoga teacher for both children and adults – meaning she has a few self-care rituals up her sleeve. Jade seeks to help everyone around her to feel calm and nurtured.

Jade is also a mother to 15-year-old Lottie and 12-year-old Sol (plus Nellie, a golden retriever, and Nutmeg, Lottie’s free-range rabbit). We sat down with Jade to ask what she finds grounding and restorative in her journey through motherhood and life.

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How did your working life change when kids came along?

I took two years maternity leave when I had each of my kids. I felt great when pregnant with Lottie and was able to keep flying, and then worked on the ground in the QANTAS property office for a bit. With Sol, on the other hand, my morning sickness was so bad (especially while serving breakfast to passengers while flying from LA to Australia) that I had to stop flying sooner. I then went back to work part-time. My husband is an incredible rock and was so supportive during this time – as was my mother-in-law.

What does self-care look and feel like as a mum?

Less is more. Sleep, hydration and being comfy are my non-negotiables these days. I try to look after myself so that I can show up for my family. They are my everything.

I used to be obsessed with practising yoga in a studio each morning. But this year I’ve been immersing myself in the bay as a way of connecting with my physical body and resetting after some recent health challenges, and I gently practise my own yoga on the beach. I also love walking in nature.

Do you have any mottos, philosophies or practices you hold onto when everything feels busy and chaotic?

During Covid I really drew on yoga philosophy. More recently I’ve been open to learning more about other belief systems, including angels. I believe nature and movement is healing – these things always help my mental health. Connection and community are important to me. It's a never ending balance. I don't always get the balance right, but I try to live with grace, compassion and resilience.

What have you learned about the best way to take care of yourself when you have a lot on your plate?

I'm going to dive deep here. I’ve overcome an alcohol addiction and the only way to take care of yourself is to be honest and accountable. Healing modalities can be supportive but the most important thing is to listen to that deep knowing. I love a massage and a good rest in my hammock for maintenance. The mudra for inner strength is a favourite of mine too! It’s called Prithvi Mudra, and it’s easy to practise: it simply involves touching the ring finger to the thumb.

What does time in nature mean to you?

The beach, my garden and the hot springs.

If you had a day to yourself at Peninsula Hot Springs, what would it look like?

I would arrive early and maybe purchase some new bathers. I would definitely attend yoga – either the 7.30am class in the Wellness Centre or the free class in the Amphitheatre pools at 9.15am. Then, I’d head for a delicious chai at the cafe. I'd wander through the food bowl; I love the aromatherapy walk, which smells so beautiful. After this I’d experiment with hot and cold therapy in the sauna and cold plunge pools.

A spa treatment would be heaven, followed by a nourishing lunch in the Spa Dreaming Centre dining room. Then I’d relax in the hammocks in the Spa Dreaming Centre or Bath House. At sunset, I’d meander up the bathing gully to the Hilltop Pool. To finish, I’d enjoy a mushroom pizza overlooking the Amphitheatre and watch the fairy lights come on. I’d drive home and have the best sleep after soaking up all the goodness of Peninsula Hot Springs.