Admin • 28 June 2024

Recovery and Sleep

To be honest the past few weeks have been a little tough. After I ran a marathon the other week I felt completely depleted, physically, emotionally and mentally. I have been trying to claw my energy and enthusiasm back ever since. I felt hungover from exertion and at the same time I felt like I didn’t have time to rest. Having children to look after and a business to run I wasn’t allowing myself the hours I needed to recharge. So as always from a survival point of view, my brain searched for a quick fix, (normally sugar) but this time it was wellness supplements.

I am sucker for anything that claims to make me healthier. So when it comes to supplements you name it, I’ve tried it – from mushroom tea, to liquid gold, to multi vitamins, to smoothie supplements. I was frantically adding my latest one into my basket when I had this light bulb moment. I am constantly looking outside of myself for answers, buying this and reading that, looking, searching…. I realised in that moment that if I stopped looking out, and turned my view within the answer was right there. And it was, all I needed was sleep. I just had to draw a line for bed time at 9.30pm and get some early nights (which we all know is absolutely free!)



Sleep has eluded me for the past 8 years. I have children that still wake in the night and sometimes join me in bed. My mum always said once you have had children you always sleep with one eye half open and I now agree. I rarely get deep sleep and certainly not enough of it. The trouble is the more tired I am from parenting the later I seem to push my bed time. Once the children are finally settled (sometimes as late as 9.12pm) I just don’t want to let go of that free evening, as I know as soon as I open my eyes in the morning the next shift (sorry day) starts all over again. I then feel lethargic on waking and the whole cycle continues.


So I have decided that one of the most important things I can do for my health and wellbeing this month is give myself the gift of some decent nights sleep and thats decent nights sleep in a row not a one off.


Here are my top tips to book ending the day in the most beautiful way possible so that going to bed is framed in temptation.


  1. Have gorgeous bed linen to dive into. (Always white and always The White Company).
  2. Enjoy a brilliant novel that you can get lost in. No more self help books, embrace escapism.
  3. Don’t eat too late (I work best on a 7pm cut off), your gut microbes need to rest too.
  4. Eye mask to black out the light.
  5. Lights out by 10pm.


Wish me luck on reclaiming my energy and I hope you find some zzzzzzz this month too.

Zesty Lemon Energy Balls - NUT FREE

by Laura Bell • 7 June 2025
A New Chapter: Yoga, Food & Connection This week marked a beautiful milestone for us. We hosted our very first Yoga & Seasonal Supper Evening and Day Retreat. What a joy it was! Both events were filled with warmth, laughter, movement, and the most wonderful mix of local students, retreat guests, and dear friends. These gatherings felt like more than just events, they were a chance to reconnect, recharge, and simply be. Sharing yoga and nourishing food in a mindful, welcoming space reminded us just how powerful these small moments of togetherness can be. The evening was very mellow, with a relaxed yoga flow with myself followed by a 3 course seasonal meal, where conversation and laughter flowed. Our Day Retreat at The Barn gave our guests time to really settle in. it was an opportunity to show off our wonderful North Wales venue and for us to try out our new business idea. We began with a strong yoga practise to help ground and relax the guests. We walked into the hills, breathed deeply in the fresh air, and even dipped toes into the newly renovated woodland pond, complete with a jetty! It felt like stepping into a secret sanctuary. We also had the pleasure of welcoming chef Kelly Mason, who generously shared some of her favourite cooking tips and seasonal inspiration with us all. And of course, what’s a retreat without something delicious to nibble on? I had the fun job of making energy balls for our guests, and I wanted to share this quick, zesty recipe with you. It’s perfect for busy weekends or a midweek pick-me-up. They're easy, bright, and full of goodness, just like the events themselves. Both events were a great success, and we’ll be offering them every quarter going forward. They’re a beautiful way to honour the changing seasons and to reconnect with yourself, with nature, and with each other.
A white plate topped with green rolls on a wooden table

Nettle Oat Wraps/Crepes

by Admin • 31 December 2024
In late January and early February the young nettle leaves are starting to appear. Nettles are full of vitamins and minerals especially rich in iron and vitamins A and D. They can be cooked in soups as a substitute for spinach, or use raw blitzed for pesto. These nettle oat wraps/crepes are versatile and can […] The post Nettle Oat Wraps/Crepes appeared first on The Zest Life.
A jar of balaclava protecting face balm is sitting on a table.

6 great skincare tips

by Admin • 23 December 2024
Here at Zest Life we are all about wellness and vitality and as work our way through Winter it can be hard to feel such vitality. This is where we choose to turn the self care that we can implement on a daily basis without too much effort – Skin. As we all know when you […] The post 6 great skincare tips appeared first on The Zest Life.
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