Model and author of "Wellbeing", is passionate about inspiring people to live more consciously, presently, calmly and sustainably in the hectic modern world. She's shared how she incorporates wellness into her evening routine and how important sleep is to her.
How important is sleep to your personal daily life?
Very. As a model, it's super important for my skin and complexion (under eye bags are v unimpressive and hard to cover!). I have to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep, otherwise I am just not myself. Lack of sleep really impacts my energy, motivation, inspiration and concentration. it's just not good for anyone!
What does a typical sleep routine look like to you?
I turn the main lights off a few hours before I sleep and just use my Himalayan pink salt lamp for dimmed brightness, which encourages melatonin hormones to be released. To start my evening routine I love to cleanse with a natural cleanser and occasionally use a face mask followed by applying a night time face and body oil. Then I FaceTime my boyfriend who lives abroad, check my diary for the next day and take a few moments to stretch and breath and reflect on the day. Finally, I pop my eye mask on and do a quick body scan if I need to switch off or meditate if my mind is still wired.
I'd like to say I sleep with my phone in another room and have a no screens rule an hour before bed, but I don't. I sleep with my phone close by and am usually on my phone or laptop right up until I sleep. I'm making a more conscious effort this year though to read, write or draw right before bed instead.
What is your sleep position?
I tend to start on my back with my right leg bent and open to the side - like a half butterfly yoga pose - somehow it's super comfy. Then I usually curl into a foetal position on my right side.
What are your top “sleep well” tips?
Dimming the lights a few hours before you sleep and using a Himalayan pink salt lamp for dimmed brightness and when travelling my number 1 tip is melatonin drops - and for anyone who struggles to sleep, melatonin drops!!
Relaxation is key for a great night's sleep. Palo santo or sage burning can be so soothing if you've had a super stressful or negative day or reading and writing is a great way to relax. I am always an advocate of journaling and especially believe in a good gratitude session before bed to help you wake up feeling more positive.
I love to use essential oils with chamomile or lavender or a natural pillow spray to ease sleep. I also use an eye mask and earplugs most nights to drown out London noise and because my room lets in quite a bit of natural light.
Have you read any good bedtime books lately?
'Eleanor Oliphant is absolutely fine' was pretty good. I usually read non-fiction or quite scientific books which is not really the most relaxing, but this was the first novel I've read for a while and it was a nice way to switch off and escape the day before bed. I recently read 'Notes on a nervous planet' which was amazing and just what I needed, as well as 'Make the most of you' which is a super easy and quick read, and very grounding and inspiring. I've currently got Maya Angelou's 'I know why the caged bird sings' on the go. Can you tell my new year's resolution was to read more?!
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