Elka Whalan is a former Olympic swimmer; she is also married to another Australian Olympian, water-polo player Thomas Whalan, has three wonderful children and also runs her own business! Hello Super-mum!
Elka has recently set up her own website which is an online hub called Queenhood where women from all walks of life can come together, share their stories, tips and advice in a positive and friendly community aimed to empower women.
We caught up with Elka to find out the secrets to keeping everything in such a harmonious balance.
1. What’s your advice to mums who are thinking of running a business from home?
Go for it! The biggest killer of all dreams is doubt and fear. You have the capacity and the talent to start what you’re thinking so write it down and move forward!
2. Share your 5 best tips for successfully juggling family life with a career
1: Wake up everyday happy, your children feed off your energy and the attitude you arise with. Mothers set the tone of the household be positive.
2: Prioritise; what is important to you? Write down your non-negotiable list then make time for them, that way you won’t be frustrated or upset if you do them first!
3: Break routine; as much as routine is a winner every now and then do something different with the family, put on a crazy song and dance, head to the beach early, be spontaneous
3; Love what you do, you spend so much time at work so make sure you are growing as a person and a woman in the field you are in, be around people who build you up
4: Tip Top You; Be the best healthiest and fittest you can be, your children will admire watching you be healthy and you’ll have so much more energy
5: Date night – Make sure you have time for your spouse remember they were there before children came along!! My husband and I do date night every week and I still get excited beforehand.
3. What are you most proud of as a mum?
Watching my children grow into their own characters and develop their personalities, feeling so grateful we are able to have children and love them every single day. Being a mum is the best.
4. What are you most proud of in your career?
Following the dream that’s always been inside of me to step out from swimming and media and move into starting my own platform QueenHood. I love lifting up others and encouraging women of their gifts and talents.
5. You always look so vibrant and healthy. Any beauty and fitness tips?
I smile and I’m happy! I’m grateful for everything even the bad days where I cry. I have a strong faith, I love hot water haha and love the rush of exercising. I don’t believe there is a secret it’s hard work, healthy eating and life in moderation!
6. How do we get a beach body in time for Christmas?
1: Put on a costume – boom – you’re halfway there !
2: Find the right costume for your figure and one you’ll feel comfortable in.
3: Body glitter/spray tan always helps your skin to glow and look amazing.
4: Start your workouts in the winter, do the hard yards then so the short-term pain is the long-term gain.
5: Remember a beach body has nothing to do with what comes out of your mouth! Your words are the most important weapon in your life so make sure they are full of encouragement.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKHVBJ7Bcsr/?taken-by=thequeenhood
7. Two years ago, your gorgeous daughter Nevada nearly drowned in a freak accident. Any tips for parents to ensure their children will be safe in the water this summer?
1: Never look away, not even for 5 seconds
2: If you have 5 children swimming you need 5 pairs of eyes on them
3: Remind them no one can touch each other in the water
4: If you’re at the beach teach them about swimming between the flag
5 : Invest time in water safety, look for swimming lessons, teach them yourself and don’t put them in dangerous situations
What are your tips for juggling the work/life balance?
