The pandemic might have forced Louise Cooney to return from NYC, but the Irish lifestyle blogger has spent the last year reflecting and carving out new dreams closer to home.
Louise Cooney is one of Ireland’s most prolific fashion and lifestyle bloggers. Among the latest trends and make-up tricks, she inspires others with her realistic approach to health and fitness. While she started 2020 in New York City, setting up home and making her mark on the Big Apple, Covid-19 dampened her Stateside dreams and resulted in a move back to Ireland. The last year has seen her embrace many challenges with optimism and grace, increase her fitness goals and become an ambassador for Cleanmarine For Women.
Were You Always Health Conscious?
“Yes. My parents involved us in sports from a young age so I’ve always been active and enjoyed exercise. My mom is a great cook, so I’ve always been aware of what’s going into my meals. As I’ve gotten older, and particularly in the last year I’ve tried to make sure I’m getting all the nutrients my body needs to stay healthy and active.”
Do You Think Young Women Are Becoming More Health Focused in Recent Years?
“Definitely. I think being fit is the new ‘skinny’ and the conversations around what our body does for us, outside of how it looks, is happening everywhere online. As many challenges as the last year has brought us, it’s also brought us amazing opportunities to focus on what we’re cooking, getting outside for fresh air more. These things will hopefully keep us healthier for longer, even when Covid is a distant memory.”
Your Life Changed Dramatically as a Result of Covid, How Did You Overcome the Disappointment of Your NY Dream Coming to an End?
“It took a bit of time to get my head around it, and luckily throughout lockdown 1 and 2 time is something I had plenty of. With the travel ban into the United States from Ireland, going back wasn’t an option for me. I had to accept that it was out of my control. It was a strange adjustment going from seeking out a dream in the city that never sleeps to living at home with my parents for eight months. I kept myself busy, tried different routines until I found something that worked. I went back to basics – a lot of walking, reading, baking and hanging out with the family. I try and find the positives in every situation, and family time for me was definitely that. I like to think of the move back as a blessing in disguise, something I wouldn’t have chosen for myself but ultimately, I feel happy to be home near my family and friends. Everything happens for a reason, I truly believe that.”
How Do You Think Your Dog, Cooper, Has Contributed to a Healthier Attitude?
“He has contributed in that I have someone else that I have to get out and walk for now, every day. If I’m not feeling it, I just have to look at him and his eyes say ‘Come on! Lets go!’.”
What Are Your Go-to Moodboosters for Low Days?
“Simple things: a nice cup of coffee, chocolate, some good music, playing with Coop, FaceTiming a friend, cooking a nice meal, writing.”
Do You Take Supplements to Optimise Your Health?
“Yes, I take Cleanmarine For Women (now known as Cleanmarine PeriodPlan) daily, it’s a multivitamin and phytonutrient supplement made especially for women. It contains vitamin B6, which contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and it also has vitamin B2 which helps maintain normal skin. My skin has improved so much since I’ve started taking it. I used to break out quite badly around my mouth (probably because of masks) and since taking these and being conscious to change my mask regularly, my skin has totally calmed down. I also have noticed an increase in my energy levels, I don’t experience the same dips in energy that I used to feel.”
What Are Your Favourite Healthy Snacks to See You Through a Busy Day?
“I love strawberry yogurts, dark chocolate or a healthy homemade green juice.”
When Did You Understand the Link Between Diet and Skin Health and What Changes Did You Make?
“My granny who always had beautiful skin explained it to me when I was a teenager. As I’ve gotten older I can see the difference myself. When I’m eating clean and drinking lots of water my skin is brighter and more fresh looking.”
What Are Your Top Tips for Healthy Skin?
“Drink two litres of water a day, take off your make-up every night, SPF daily (even if the sun’s not out) and take supplements like Cleanmarine For Women that contains vitamin B2, which contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.”
How Do You Stay So Fit?
“I really enjoy working out. I do a little bit of exercise most days. It makes me feel good and keeps me in a good place, mentally. I think my fitness levels can vary a lot throughout the year. I try to mix it up to keep it fun and interesting. It’s not always about doing the best workout ever. Sometimes a nice slow walk in the fresh air or yoga is what your body and mind needs – so that’s what I try to give it too.”
You Juggle a Lot of Balls in Your Line of Work; How Do You Avoid Burnout?
“I am conscious to take time away from screens every day. Usually reading or hanging with my roommate. I also try and make time for a little bit of self-care every week – face masks, a pamper night, whatever it is that’s going to make me feel good and relaxed!”
This Feels Like a Time for New Beginnings, What Developments Have You on the Horizon?
“I have a few things I’m working on at the moment. I’m also working on some creative collaborations with some of my favourite brands and probably the most exciting thing in 2021 for me is that I’m hoping to launch my own brand in the coming months, it’s been in the works for a year now, so very excited to share it when I can.”
What Lessons Have You Learned Through This Pandemic and What New Habits, if Any, Would You Like to Bring With You Through to a Post-Covid World?
“I’ve learnt so much, and I hope that I’ll bring nearly everything I’ve learnt with me into a post-COVID world. First and foremost, I learnt it’s okay to slow down. It’s okay to not always have plans. I’ve learnt to appreciate my health more, and have definitely been taking more steps to stay healthy. I’ve learnt how lucky I am to have the family and friends I have. I don’t think I’ll move away again, I’ve realised I want to live near them.”