BLOG 332: THE WEIRD (BUT WONDERFUL) WELLNESS RITUALS I DO ON HOLIDAY

 1. Take loads of supplements

 Magnesium, adaptogens, collagen… I pack my favourites to support energy, sleep, and skin health.

Let’s break it down to some of my summer favourites I’ve been taking recently:

• Valerie – I love this because it has vitamins, minerals, and adaptogens all in one liposomal supplement. It’s specifically designed for women in their 40s and 50s in perimenopause. Use code FACEYOGA for 10% off.

• Powdered magnesium and Rejuvenated collagen (use code DC for 10% off at checkout) – I take these with water before bed.

• Iron supplement + evening primrose oil + starflower oil – These really help with my energy, PMS symptoms and breast tenderness.

• Probiotic – I use either Solgar or Optibac and in the winter I’ll often add extra vitamin C and a vitamin D spray.

Yes, it’s a little pharmacy in my suitcase, but honestly it makes me feel so much more energised, balanced, and healthy!

2. Go to bed by 10pm

 Early nights over late nights! I love waking up fresh and ready to run around with my girls (they are early risers so I try to sync with their routine).

Before becoming a mum 13 years ago, my schedule looked very different. I’d often do my work and teaching in the evenings, go to bed close to midnight, wake around 8am, and usually squeeze in an afternoon nap. Since having children, my rhythm has completely changed.

Now, I start my evening routine around 9pm, aiming to be asleep by 9:30 in winter and 10pm in summer. I always wake up at 6:30am. I’m definitely not a morning person (I’d intuitively prefer longer lie-ins!) but with children, even on holiday. I try to stay consistent with this sleep schedule for both myself and the children. It keeps my energy up and stops the girls from being overtired and grumpy the next morning if they have had an early night too.

3. Bring my facial tools

 I always stay consistent with Face Yoga while I’m away but because I have less time, I rely more on tools more for a quick massage like a gua sha, a roller, or my microcurrent device.

At home I’ll do anywhere between 10–40 minutes of Face Yoga every day, usually in the evening. On holiday though, I’m often out for dinner or enjoying family time, so I usually only manage a few minutes of Face Yoga plus a few minutes with facial tools before bed.

I normally pack 2–3 tools. Most recently, when I went to Spain, I brought a facial cup, a gua sha precision tool, and a kansa wand. If I feel I need an extra boost, I’ll pack a microcurrent device such as the ZIIP Halo (use code FACEYOGA for 10% off).

4. Pack my beauty pillow

Unless I’m flying (no room in the case!), I always take my Sleep & Glow pillow (use code FACEYOGA10 for 10% off). It helps reduce sleep lines and supports better posture while I sleep.

When I use a regular hotel pillow, I wake up with more creases, puffiness, and even feel tension in my shoulders. The Sleep & Glow Omnia pillow has been my go-to for about five years now, it’s a game changer. No lines forming overnight, better posture, and much more comfortable rest.

5. Take a yoga mat (if it fits!)

 Even a short stretch or breathwork session makes me feel grounded and ready to take on a busy family day.

If I’m flying, this one isn’t possible, but if I’m driving, I’ll pop a yoga mat in the car. It means I keep up with my yoga practice, sometimes it’s just 5 minutes of stretching in the morning or before bed, but it makes such a difference to my mood and energy.

When flying, I adapt and use a hotel towel on the floor for gentler, floor-based movements. Not perfect, but it works!

 6. Hotel sleep setup

Eye mask, earplugs, mouth tape, and a mini white noise machine are my must-haves for peaceful sleep.

I used to wear earplugs every night and slept amazingly, interestingly, I could still hear my children if they needed me (mum instinct, I guess!). But using them every night caused earwax issues, so now I save them for hotels where noise is unavoidable.

A great alternative I use every night (and now pack for every holiday) is my mini white noise machine. It’s only about 18 cm² and is brilliant for muffling my husband’s snoring (sorry, babe!) as well as hotel hallway noises, traffic, or lifts.

 7. Bring my own herbal teas

 Particularly calming bedtime blends. They help me unwind and keep my rhythm.

I usually go for chamomile, sometimes chamomile, honey and vanilla. Or a nighttime time blend- favourites are Pukka Night Time Tea and Twinings SleepTea. They come in handy tea bags so I just slip a few into my suitcase. A warm herbal tea before bed is soothing, signals to my body that it’s sleep time, and helps me drift off more easily.

 8. Stick to a colour theme for clothes

It makes outfits easier to mix and match and makes packing so much more cohesive.

I usually pick 3–4 colours for a capsule wardrobe. This has been a game changer, especially as I’ve historically been a massive over-packer! I even have a little packing rail in my dressing room where I gather outfits in the week before I go away, making sure each item works with at least two others.

9. Use packing cubes

I swear by them for keeping everything tidy, underwear in one, tops in another, swimwear in anothe etcr.

I bought some for myself and my two girls from Amazon a few years ago, and they’ve been amazing. On longer trips, I pre-pack sections (like wellness items, swimwear, or PJs) into separate cubes. Then, at the hotel, I just lift them straight into drawers. Zero mess, zero rummaging.

10. Buy lemons and water as soon as I arrive

I love starting my day with warm lemon water. It’s hydrating, cleansing, and gives me that “home routine” feeling even when I’m away. Buying them as soon as I arrive ensures I don’t skip this simple ritual.

Final Thoughts

 These little rituals may sound like a lot, or even a bit crazy (or like I’m really boring!!!), but honestly, they’re easy for me and I love doing them. They help me feel grounded, energised, and more myself when I’m travelling. It is important to also point out that if I don't do them it doesn't matter, I am consistent but not strict.

If you’re looking for ways to boost your energy, sleep better, and keep your skin glowing on holiday, try adding one or two of these into your travel routine. Small things really do make the biggest difference.

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