Deborah Hutton's balanced life

Deborah Hutton has been in the spotlight since she started modelling at 16. Establishing a strong profile in the Australian media through editing, television presenting, designer and ambassador roles has made her aware of the importance of good health and achieving balance in life. Here Deborah shares a bit about what she’s learnt on the way.

How has your perspective on health changed as you have gotten older?

I suppose I’ve learnt not to take my health for granted. When we’re young we think we are invincible and have years ahead of us, but time gives you a wonderful insight into reality. Every other day we hear of a friend, a loved one who’s suffering from cancer or having a hard time with their health. I have learnt that we are nothing without our health. I found this out after having a disc removed in a neck surgery years ago - it was a rude awakening that we can never ignore our bodies!

How did your skin cancer diagnosis change you?

Again with any health shock, it makes you appreciate how lucky you are. To be honest, there was a mild panic that I might have to find another line of work! I am very fortunate to have gotten onto a great dermatologist in time and had an amazing surgeon who reconstructed my face. I’m more paranoid about my skin now and have it checked every 6 months, knowing that there will be more to come. My family, who all come from QLD are riddled with skin cancer, so I’m constantly on the lookout.

What are some simple ways people can try and achieve balance in a busy life?

After interviewing some amazingly successful women for my Balance by Deborah Hutton website, the one thing that really made sense to me was how important it is to be mindful. It’s about being aware of the different areas in your life, like your health, home, job, relationships and taking a minute to focus on them and do a self-check every now and then to make sure you’re not neglecting anything that will throw you off balance. Understand what makes you happy, what works for you and be mindful that you are working towards that.

What are some of the telltale signs of an unbalanced life?

Stress and being unhappy comes in many different shapes and forms; can’t sleep, bad attitude, irritable, skin breakouts, overweight, too much drinking, relationships suffering, never enough time…we are all to some degree, in different parts of our lives, out of balance. It’s about recognising the symptoms and having the strength and fortitude to do something about it.

Share a bit about what people can achieve in the ‘Pursuit of Balance’ 8-week program.

The program is built around 8 different, significant keys that make up our lives and reflect who we are - things like body, relationships, home, work, money, mind and beliefs. If any one of these areas is neglected or ignored then we are ultimately out of balance. Balance by Deborah Hutton shares insights and advice around these different areas through video content and research online. I have collected a stable of incredible women who have come on to help coach and mentor, including Olivia Newton John, Prof. Kerryn Phelps, Natalie Cook and Jane Flemming. I have included recruitment experts, relationship counsellors, nutritionists and financial advisors. The program is there to help you focus and be mindful of all these different areas, perhaps learn a new approach, set some goals, listen to what works for others, educate, share and make some positive changes.

Deborah Hutton provides advice on ways we can achieve balance in our lives.

For more information visit balancebydeborahhutton.com.au