Maeve Madden Shares Her Relaxed Saturday Routine
From Dublin Walks to Family Dinners
Self-employed wellness advocate Maeve Madden offers a glimpse into her restorative Saturdays, balancing personal well-being with cherished family time. Away from the demands of social media, Madden prioritizes genuine connection and mindful relaxation.
A Gentle Start and Scenic Strolls
Madden’s Saturday begins with hydration, incorporating electrolytes and a litre of water, followed by a small pre-breakfast snack like brazil nuts, a boiled egg, and raspberries. A daily walk, even a brief 15-minute circuit around the block, is non-negotiable to counteract sedentary work.
Currently based in Dublin, Madden enjoys exploring local spots. Walks in Herbert Park and visits to the local market are favoured activities. She and her husband, Andrew, often venture to Sandymount Strand, treating themselves to almond croissants on the return journey.
Family Time and Weekend Getaways
Weekends often involve trips to Newry to visit Madden’s mother and family. These excursions typically include walks in scenic locations like Slieve Gullion or along the Newry greenway. The family also engages in shared activities such as grocery shopping and a relaxed 6 pm dinner at the golf club.
“Dinner is our time to catch up and spend time together. Saturday is our chill out day – I try to make sure it’s the one day of the week that I don’t work.”
—Maeve Madden, Founder of Queens Don’t Quit
If staying in Dublin, Saturday chores precede outings into the city. A browse through shops might include a stop at the Westbury Hotel for a celebratory glass of champagne, particularly when her mother is visiting. The hotel offers a lively atmosphere and excellent people-watching opportunities.
Unwinding and Digital Detox
Evenings are dedicated to home-cooked meals, as Madden avoids takeaways and fast food. She emphasizes the importance of being present with loved ones on Saturdays, consciously limiting social media use to foster deeper connections. This commitment to digital detox allows for genuine engagement.
As the day winds down, Madden sends voice notes to friends worldwide. Her evening entertainment includes crime documentaries and the popular series “Yellowstone” and its spin-offs. While she enjoys “Real Housewives” series, these are typically a solo viewing activity.
Preparing for Restful Sleep
Madden takes magnesium and melatonin to aid sleep and aims for bed by midnight on Saturdays. She uses a silk bonnet to protect her hair, a habit predating recent trends. Completing her sleep sanctuary, she employs a Drowsy sleep mask, earplugs, and blackout curtains for optimal rest.
Research indicates that consistent, quality sleep is crucial for cognitive function and emotional well-being. A study published in the *Journal of Sleep Research* found that adults who maintained a regular sleep schedule reported higher levels of daytime alertness and lower levels of stress (Journal of Sleep Research, 2020).