How 5 Women In Wellness Look After Themselves In Winter
Arabella Preston
Founder of Votary
“I try to accept the chaos and the lack of sleep at this time of year, although I make sure I earmark a couple of days after Christmas to rest and do what makes me feel good. For now, I try to squeeze in the odd yoga class, and I might do a restorative class in my bedroom if time is tight. I alternate between the brilliant Charlie Hartley Yoga and Yoga Creative. It’s also important for me to make time for breathwork – I swear by the Verden app for this and it’s free.
“To minimise the mania, I also begin buying all my gifts early – sometimes I start as early as October. But I also like to make lists before Black Friday, so I don’t overspend and remain targeted. This year, I’ll be shopping from Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey’s new sustainable marketplace The Fairground.”
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Sarah Chapman
Facialist & founder of the Sarah Chapman Skinesis Clinic, Chelsea
“I always start my day with an extra strong ginger shot to support my gut and boost immunity. I also drink at least two litres of water a day to stay hydrated – and this doesn’t change over the festive period. Sleep is key for healthy, glowing skin and I try to maintain a good schedule by avoiding too many late nights, taking a magnesium salt bath using Aromatherapy Associates and drinking a relaxing lavender and chamomile tea before bed from Tea Palace. I never take my phone into my bedroom and always use a Slip silk pillow case and lots of my Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial – it’s essential for beating signs of tiredness.
“If I begin to feel overwhelmed, I like to do breathing exercises using the Calm app, alongside a morning stretch. I love aromatherapy and always keep one of my elixirs on my desk; the essential oil blend was formulated for grounding and confidence. I use my Oura ring as well as Spotify for breathing and meditation sessions.
“Of course, a good skincare routine is really important and the ultimate rescue products for sleep-deprived skin are my Digital Shield day cream, Eye Recovery and tinted Skin Insurance SPF 30. They contain powerful actives that support the skin’s natural repair and regeneration processes (disrupted from lack of sleep, alcohol) as well as advanced make-up technology that conceals signs of fatigue. I’ll also continue to take my nutritional supplements and love the Bare Biology Omega-3 to help my skin and hair. For immune support, I use Bare Biology Vitamin D and K2 spray, AcuIntegra V-Defence Formula and AG1.”
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Bryony Deery
Founder of Pilates By Bryony
“My best tip for staying energised and balanced over the festive period would be to set yourself daily achievable goals. Just 15 minutes a day of movement and five minutes to focus on your breath will make all the difference. We are launching Picante Pilates on 2nd December – a ten-day spicy Pilates challenge of just 15 minutes a day on the mat but it will give you amazing results. I also recommend this sound bath – it’s only 22 minutes long, but it will help reset busy minds.
“When it comes to rejuvenating my skin over Christmas, my top two products are my gua sha from FaceGym and mint roller from The Skinny Confidential – they work wonders to depuff. Other products that always give me an instant boost include the Tan Luxe Face Drops and St Tropez Express Bronzing Mousse – I always feel better with a bit of a glow. I also like – if I have time – to book a facial with Pandora Long as she’s so knowledgeable and works miracles with the skin. She does this glow facial which I love but I also find microneedling very beneficial.
“My year-round non-negotiable – but especially now – is Symprove probiotics in the morning. I have recently moved to Copenhagen, and it gets so cold here, so I will be loading up on vitamin D. I also make a special concoction of hot chaga which is a mushroom immune boosting drink that I used to make for my mum when she was ill, and I find it so powerful when I am under the weather or run down.
“Making time to really fuel your body is always important – especially over the festive period. Balance is key, so if you’re going out for dinner with friends, make sure your breakfast and lunch is really wholesome and nutritious. Also, don’t be afraid to ‘create your own’ meal in a restaurant with lots of sharing sides for example. Finally, to make sure I get the sleep in need, I love the Dreem Distillery CBD drops – they are unrivalled.”
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Rhian Stephenson
Naturopath, nutritionist & founder of Artah
“The party season is long and intense, with indulgent food and drink all around, so I’m more particular about when and what I indulge in. When you catch sight of the office treats, like the Quality Street chocolates and mince pies, pause for a moment. These indulgences can lead to unnecessary food guilt. Be religious about giving your body the care it needs. Start your day with a protein, fibre and fat-rich breakfast, which will control cravings and give your gut microbiome some TLC – my go-to is avocado, salmon and greens with olive oil. Also make sure you’re eating plenty of cruciferous vegetables to support the liver.
“I also try to squeeze in a treatment like acupuncture with Archna Patel. I like doing a couple of yoga classes to clear my mind, either with Marion Pearce or Jamie Hepburn. I continue my usual exercise routine over the holidays too, including running, strength and Barre Series classes with Catie Miller. We published a journal on Artah called The Monday Reboot, which is a great one-day plan that can be useful after periods of indulgence – think cold facial-plunges to reduce inflammation, a reminder to rehydrate and tips on liver support.
“Of course, supplements are important to me, especially during the holiday season. A strong probiotic, like Artah Biome Restore, can protect your gut and support immunity and it also contains Lion’s Mane, which is great for stress and mood. I also take Artah Metabolic Fix to help balance blood sugar and Cellular Hydration for energy to help with a hangover.
“My final few tips are don’t say yes to everything – you don’t need to drink every time you go out for example. My non-alcoholic go-to is Momo Kombucha that also supports gut health. Keep moving and focus on healthy eating outside of your events. For a skin saviour, I swear by the Meder Hydra Fill Deep Hydration Mask, especially after sleepless nights. And when all the festivities are over, we have a 21-day programme called The Metabolic Reset running in January.”
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Lara Mead
Co-founder & CCO, Varley
“There are several ways I look after myself during this period. One thing I try to do before a big night out is book an Iris Maglanoc facial – I can’t recommend them enough. She does the most incredible facial massage with lymphatic drainage, which leaves my skin radiant and my face beautifully sculpted. My go-to products to keep that glow going are the Teresa Tarmey Cleanser and Anti+ Serum.
“I also like a warm, herbal tea combined with a soak in the tub. I’ll add a luxurious bath oil, and pop on a podcast – my favourites lately include the episode of The Skinny Confidential with Gwyneth Paltrow and also How To Fail With Elizabeth Day. I swear by magnesium flakes for easing weary joints and muscle pains. I always feel rejuvenated after using them.
“Lastly, I never neglect movement over Christmas – even if it’s just a little. Pilates helps me centre my busy mind by tuning into my body. The flow can be gentle and relaxing or intensely athletic, which makes it a perfect fit for my lifestyle – even over the holidays. I visit my incredible teacher, Natalie from Lifebody three to four times a week, and when I’m travelling, I get on the mat and follow her videos.”
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