Any one of Dara Hayes’ (a.k.a. DJ Tigerlily) 604,000 Instagram followers would know not too much downtime is scheduled into the day-to-day of this inspiring powerhouse. Aside from being one of Australia’s most sought after DJs, touring the world and performing, the Aussie DJ is also an avid health and wellness enthusiast, and a strong believer in maintaining a healthy and flexible work-life balance.
So, what does a typical day in the life of this party starter, entrepreneur and wellness guru involve? Here, the popular party-performer provides a glance into her day-to-day when she’s not on tour, along with sharing her top tips on maintaining a balanced and wholesome lifestyle during COVID–19. I think we all need that inspo right now!
A RESTFUL START
Typically starting the day with a sleep-in and a large drink of water, Dara’s morning routine begins with practicing meditation using the Headspace App, helping set the rhythm for her entire day. Following her meditation session, she typically enjoys a long black coffee and a walk with her adorable pooch, Lenny.
Dara explains that, “Wellness is all about feeling strong, energised and healthy inside and out. The most important pillars of this are sleep, hydration, diet, movement and stress management. When I am eating and hydrating well, I am so much more energised throughout the day.”
BREAKFAST
Having pursued veganism from her early 20’s, it’s no surprise that Dara is a huge lover of organic produce. Often enough, breakfast includes a big green smoothie packed with fresh fruits, vegetables as well as a heaped tablespoon of Tropeaka Superfood Greens + D for her daily intake of vitamins and minerals.
She says: “A complete greens powder is the best way to keep me feeling healthy and balanced. For me, this is the best way to keep on top of my nutrition especially when I’m travelling.”
Dara shared her Green Goddess Smoothie recipe, which includes the following: 1/4 tomato, 1/2 carrot, 1/3 cucumber, 1 overripe frozen banana, 1/2 cup of frozen blueberries, a handful of rainbow chard, a handful of spinach, a handful of kale, 1 tablespoon of Tropeaka Superfood Greens + D, 1 Medjool date, 1/2 an avocado, 3 almonds, 3 walnuts and 600ml of filtered water. Then just blend!
WORK
By 10am, it’s usually all systems go when Dara starts work. Catching up on emails, returning calls and having various catch-ups with her team can work up quite the appetite. Lunch would normally include either leftover dinner from the night before or a fresh, vitamin-packed poké bowl.
SNACK-ATTACK
Enjoyed on tour, between meetings or in the comfort of her own home, Dara keeps Tropeaka’s Peanut-Butter Protein Energy Bars on-hand as a perfect energy-booster throughout the day.
AFTERNOON SWEAT-SESH
The powerhouse that she is prefers an afternoon workout to keep her energy levels running until dinner time. Her go-to post-workout snack is her Sweet Banana Protein Smoothie, which includes blending frozen bananas, dates, oat milk, cinnamon and a heaped scoopful of Tropeaka’s Salted Caramel Lean Protein Powder, helping tone and build lean muscle.
DINNER TIME
Throughout the week, evenings at home means Dara can unwind and focus on spending time with her boyfriend and beloved pooch. Dinner for the two normally consists of grilled vegetables and tofu on the barbeque followed by banana nice-cream made with frozen banana, dates, Tropeaka Boost and peanut butter to satisfy her sweet cravings!
With no two days the same for the artist, Dara remains super flexible with her work, exercise and sleep routine and listens to podcasts and audiobooks to stay updated with relevant health and wellness tips. Some of her favourite channels include The Rich Roll Podcast, Plant Proof Podcast, The ATP Science Podcast, Authentic Sex and Conversations From The Heart by Yoga Girl.
Feature image source: DJ Tigerlily Instagram