Self-Care Sessions: With Hayley Dawes, Dreem Distillery Founder

Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy.

Self-care is just what it sounds like: taking care of yourself. We lead increasingly busy lives, and it can be easy to forget to put yourself first, especially if you have multiple responsibilities and other people to care for. But looking after yourself will make you feel better, and the better you feel, the better you will be in all areas of your life – from work to relationships.

Self-care doesn’t have to involve a huge time commitment and it doesn’t have to cost the earth. It could be taking a bath, relaxing with a good book, taking a walk outside or eating your favourite food. It’s about making a commitment to putting yourself first, even just for a while.

Dreem Distillery founder Hayley Dawes, gives us an inside look into her ultimate self-care day, including the tips and tricks that keep her balanced and some of her favourite Dreem skincare treats…

1. What does self-care mean to you?

Self-care is about finding a balance whereby my mind and body are both operating to their highest potential.

2. What is your go-to self-care practice?

 Exercise and sleep are two of the most important ingredients for me to practise self-care. I try to exercise every day and if I don’t have time in my schedule to do a class, I find time in my day to walk and get some steps in. In addition, I have a structured sleep routine which I maintain every day of the week, every day of the year. 

3. Do you practise self-care solo or with friends?

Both! I mostly exercise on my own, but I regularly go for walks with friends where we can catch up over a brisk walk outside.

4. How do you unwind after a stressful day?

An important part of my evening routine which is where I find the most effective in relieving stress is the process I go through just before going to bed. I pour myself a camomile tea, run a warm bath where I use our Dreem Distillery The Z’s anchoring bath soak that not only relax my tired body but the therapeutic essential oils create a wonderfully relaxing environment and aroma. I then use my Dreem Distillery Bed Balm on any aches and pains and skin irritations before taking our Dreem Distillery Night Drops under my tongue before turning my light off for a good night’s sleep.

5. You’ve got just 15 minutes for some me-time, what do you do?

Stretch my legs in the fresh air. During the day, I would definitely go for a walk in Hyde Park. I find this time of the year such a joyous and optimistic time as the daffodils and blossom are blooming indicating that Summer is not far away.

6. What is your favourite skincare treat on a self-care day?

Heaven! I would carry out a thorough and full body skincare routine. I always start with dry brushing my whole body before having a warm bath to boost circulation and remove dead skin. I would use our Dreem Distillery Into the Deep therapeutic bath oil which smells heavenly and leaves my skin feeling nourished and hydrated. I usually put my Dreem Distillery Moonlit face mask on whilst in the bath to maximise the time it is on my skin and will leave this overnight for additional impact. Our Dreem Distillery Among the Stars sublime body oil works really well on moist skin – packs a punch on my dry scaly legs and prepares me for restorative, deep sleep.

7. If you read to relax, what’s your favourite book?

I tend to go through phases. Currently, I find nutrition and holistic health books particularly interesting – I am reading Dr Mark Hyman “Young Forever.”

8. What do you listen to, to wind down?

I listen to Podcasts to wind down in particular interviews with interesting characters, successful people from different industries from whom I can find inspiration and learn from.

9. Favourite self-care snack/drink?

You can’t beat Pukka Three Camomile tea.

10. Bath or shower person?

Bath – every single night. Nothing better. My moment of calm.

11. Ultimate wellbeing tip?

Get outside within 30 minutes of waking. Viewing morning sunlight is one of the best and easiest wellness hacks to quickly improve your mental and physical health. Do this ideally without sunglasses, within 30 minutes of waking for 20 minutes – it is a vital habit to develop, mostly because it triggers the first dopamine release of the day and sets you up for a good night’s sleep.

12. Ultimate sleep tip?

Not an evening goes by when I don’t take our Dreem Distillery Night Drops – ½ a full dropper placed under my tongue helps calm my body and mind and I wake feeling restored and refreshed.

Self-care can improve your physical health

A big part of self-care is committing to looking after your body and becoming more in tune with its needs.

Self-care can reduce stress and anxiety

Making time for relaxing activities, such as taking a warm bath, listening to music, or practising yoga or meditation can help lift your mood.

Self-care can boost your self-esteem

As well as helping to calm your nerves, relaxing time for yourself can have a positive impact on the way you see yourself.

Self-care protects your mental health

If you’re looking to improve your mental wellbeing, taking the time to care for both yourself mentally and physically is really important. Making changes to prioritise self-care can help to manage mental health issues and might prevent them from getting worse. 

Self-care can lead to better relationships

It makes sense if you think about it – the happier and healthier you are, the more you can give to a relationship.