A little chat with Jessica Hoskins Nutritionist

Clinical Nutritionist & Herbalist Jessica Hoskins has made the move from Bondi to Byron Bay with her family brood in tow, spending her time soaking up the new coastal surrounds and practicing what she preaches. Consulting from Nimbus & Co with her on-hand dispensary, her practice invites openness and the feeling of speaking from one woman to another.

Exuding natural warmth and authenticity, Jess epitomises her rounded approach to life, motherhood and wellbeing. We sat down to hear her speak with sincerity about embracing simplicity and what ‘balance’ really means.

Images by Bobby Clark

What do you keep on your bathroom shelf?

I only keep natural products on my shelf, I try not to keep too much. I have Sodashi Enzyme Face Polish, Nuori Face Cream, Weleda skin food. I also have a few basic natural cosmetics including Dr. Hauschka Tinted day Cream.

Take us through your morning skincare ritual.

 I don’t have a lot of time to myself in the mornings, so I keep it really simple. I cleanse with a Kuu Konjac sponge and water and follow with either Nuori Face cream, or my tinted day cream if I’m heading out.

What do you do before bed to feel grounded and restful?

The most important thing that I do is to switch off my electronic devices and dim my lights at least 30 minutes before bed- this is really important for signalling to your brain to start releasing sleep hormones. When I’m having trouble winding down, I have a footbath with magnesium salts and might sip on herbal tea or put on a face mask.

Can you share with us any other rituals of self-care?

 I find it really difficult to get a lot of ‘me time’, so my rituals/ self-care tend to be simple and swift enough to fit in before the kids wake-up or after they’ve gone to bed! For example, in the mornings before I shower I use a dry body brush to stimulate circulation and the lymphatic system.

I’ve recently discovered surfing and have found that this is the ultimate form of self-care in that can involve the whole family! I also try to sneak in a quick infrared sauna at Nimbus & Co. before school pick up a few times a week.

On a day when you are considering your health and have time to prepare your meals, what do you make for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

I always start my day with apple cider vinegar in warm water. About 30 minutes later I have a pan-fried egg with avocado, sweet potato, sautéed greens and fermented vegetables. For lunch I will have a salad with leafy greens, tomatoes, olives, capers and sardines drizzled with olive oil. For dinner we eat as a family and we might enjoy a slow cooked lamb stew and a glass of organic red wine for the grown-ups.

Self-care is a process of discovery, a learning by trial and error of what works for you. Can you share a valuable lesson you have learned so far?

What I have learned is that self-care is not selfish. Like any mother, I go through times where I think I can just push through; but it always comes back to me having to take the time to care for myself so that I am equipped to care for my family and my business.

I’ve also learned that self-care does not necessarily mean day spas or massages (although these are lovely too!). Simple rituals such as going for a walk or going to bed early can be the most effective ways to look after your wellbeing.

How do you achieve balance in the everyday?

I have been thinking a lot about this recently. The truth is that I don’t achieve balance and I’m learning to accept that. Striving for that perfect balance just means I am always feeling like I am not doing enough of something.

I’ve learned that being a parent and running a business means that the scales are usually tipped a little more one way than the other. The one thing that always helps me, is waking early to grab a little time to meditate; Invariably, the outcome of my day and my sense of achievement in all aspects of life is more positive when I am able to do this.