Our Founder Shares Her Relaxing Nightly Routine

I never ever look or feel my best unless I’ve had a good night’s sleep – it’s the basis for everything. The older I get the more I realise that having a bedtime routine is the best thing I can do. Here are my tried and tested top tips and what works for me…

First things first, I MUST mention our Perfect Night’s Sleep Plan which we launched last year. We partnered with expert sleep consultant Nick Witton who helped us devise the 11 Golden Rules to sleep… they’re just little things to be mindful of during the day and in the lead up to bedtime but it really does work. One of the biggest things Nick instilled in me was the ‘no eating three hours before bed’ so I really try where I can to stick to this.

6:30pm

If I have evening meetings, I now try to meet people for dinner earlier than I would have before and actually, most people much prefer it. I’m not much of a night owl so it works better for me to get home at a reasonable time - especially during the week. If I’m at home, I always try to have dinner by 6:30/7.

7:30pm

After dinner is a sacred wind-down zone. I see this time as getting space from the day’s madness and always create a cosy, chilled-out vibe by lighting our Real Luxury Candle or switching on my Wellbeing Pod. I’ll usually watch TV or read but try my very best to stay away from my phone and not to fall into a social media hole. Now is absolutely not the time to be comparing and contrasting.

As you know I’m a big fan of wellbeing books but I have been trying to stick to fictional books lately as anything that gets me thinking too much or feeling inspired isn’t always the best thing when I’m trying to switch off. I leave those books for when I’m travelling. One thing I have been loving lately is the Ostrich Pillow Heated Neck Wrap. After a long day it really does give that ‘ahh’ moment on my neck and shoulders.

9pm

I always try to have a bath before bed as it really helps to let my body know it’s bedtime and I always sleep better. I’ll always use our Perfect Night’s Sleep Bath Foam and sometimes intensify it with a few drops of one of our Essential Oil Blends. I practise mindful breathing whilst I soak to help further create a sense of calm... in for 7 seconds, out for 11. I’ll stay in for at least 20 minutes and lock the door from the kids which is the most important bit!

9:30pm

Post-bath, I love our Perfect Night’s Sleep Body Oil as it’s packed with skin-loving and super nourishing vitamins. I’ll layer it with our Magnesium Body Butter as it leaves my skin extra soft and my mind sleep-ready. For an extra treat some nights I’ll use our Intensive Skin Treatment Candle which, if you’ve not used before, is pure heaven. You can read more about it here.

10pm

Instead, I’ll read a book. Another Nick Witton rule is all about making your bedroom a tech-free zone so there's strictly no electronics or screens once I’m in bed. Comfort is also key when it comes to good sleep. I love my Lily & Lionel Eye Mask - it's woven from upcycled cut-off fabric and is so super soft. Win, win.

10:30-11pm

It’s always lights out by 10:30/11pm for me - I get a bit twitchy if it’s any later. I’ve also bought an old school alarm clock, so I don’t have my phone by my bed. If I have my Pod on, I’ll set it to auto switch off after an hour. Lastly, it is of course a few spritz’ of our Pillow Mist. It comes with me whenever I stay away from home and is a non-negotiable step in my nightly routine – every night without fail. It helps to relax and unwind as you prepare for the perfect night's sleep.

I’d LOVE to know what your bedtime routine is so do tag me @nicolaelliottneom. We’re all so different and I love to see your inspo as much as you love to see mine.