Ada Nicodemou reveals struggle in finding time for herself, as Australia suffers a ‘pleasure drought’
As a single mum working full-time, Ada Nicodemou confesses she finds it hard to make time for herself — but she is working on her relationship with her partner, Adam Rigby.
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Exclusive: Ada Nicodemou confesses she feels the “pleasure pinch” as a single mum working full-time.
The Home And Away star told News Corp her six-year-old son Johnas always comes first, and she has “felt guilty” if she isn’t spending every moment with him.
“When you have a child, they say you won’t know what you did beforehand — and it’s true,” she said.
“My son this term is booked up everyday with sporting activities and then there’s homework, everyday he’s doing something … and there’s often no time for yourself.”
Nicodemou’s comments come as new research conducted by YouGov Galaxy and Groupon has found a majority of Australians are suffering from a “pleasure drought” in their lives.
“This is very relatable and it doesn’t surprise me,” the 42-year-old said.
“I find I’m such a better parent if I have gone and done something for myself, I think a lot of women put themselves last.”
“I’m a workaholic and I’ve been working in the industry since I was 16, I don’t know any other way but I try to eat well, and have a pretty good balance.”
The study, which surveyed more than 2000 Australians, found 86 per cent of Australians believe there are barriers to them experiencing more pleasure in their lives.
One third said their partners don’t really know what gives them pleasure, and 29 per cent of women compared to 19 per cent of men feel it’s “hit and miss” when it comes to their partner giving them pleasure.
While she wouldn’t be drawn on personal details of her current relationship with Adam Rigby, she said she is learning to find ways to take time out for herself with him.
“My partner and I have a date night every week where we go out somewhere, we go out to a restaurant,” she said.
“If I stay home I don’t feel relaxed and I’ll always think there’s a load of washing to put on, it’s lovely to get a chance to dress up, go out and make the effort.”
“Recently Adam and I had a spa treatment together … I’m lucky my mum can help out and look after my son.”
While the research also found 53 per cent of people couldn’t afford to go out and do something pleasurable, 44 per cent said they were too tired and 37 per cent said they didn’t have time.
Nicodemou empathises with working parents. She said they can still do simple things that don’t cost a fortune.
“The simplest things like going for a walk down to the beach, a bushwalk or grabbing a coffee at a cafe are all ways we can spend more time doing something pleasurable,” she said.
But Nicodemou said it’s all about planning ahead.
“Monday to Friday I am exhausted after I come home from working on set, I cook dinner then there’s homework and sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day,” she said.
Clinical and Coaching Psychologist Cassandra Dunn told News Corp parents can make more time for pleasure if they try to plan but they can be spontaneous, surprise each other and take the pressure off.
She also suggested “tag teaming” with a partner.
“So many mothers use their “free” time to catch up on housework or get the groceries,” she said.
“Yes, it feels good to get things done without interruption, but it’s important to prioritise activities that are purely for your own pleasure … so try each parent taking a turn to stay with the children, so the other can get a massage, catch up with a friend or go shopping.”
FIVE TIPS FOR PARENTS TO FIND MORE PLEASURE IN LIFE
1. Be spontaneous with each other
2. Plan ahead where you can to enjoy time together
3. Tag team with each other so at least one of you gets a break
4. Surprise each other where possible
5. Take the pressure off and just enjoy each other’s company with your emotional connection
Source: Cassandra Dunn
Originally published as Ada Nicodemou reveals struggle in finding time for herself, as Australia suffers a ‘pleasure drought’
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