How to enjoy party season (and still get a good night’s sleep) according to Intu Wellness founders Anna Heinrich and Christie Whitehill

With party season in full swing, and the festive season just around the corner, I’ve been trying to do what I can to try and optimise my energy levels and still get a good night’s rest. Two women who are all about optimising sleep are Anna Heinrich and Christie Whitehill who are the founders of Intu Wellness. The wellness brand has gained quite a loyal following for its Sleep and Skin Renewal powder, with two new products joining the range, one focusing on boosting energy and skin radiance and the other to improve gut health and skin rejuvenation. So, if you’re wanting to stay energised and also well rested in the weeks to come, here are Anna and Christie’s biggest tips for surviving the silly season.

What are some things you both do to get through party season?

Christie: We are both mums these days, so while we do love to go out and socialise, we usually prefer a daytime activity so that we can be home at a reasonable hour to get a good night’s sleep. There is nothing worse than waking up to excited kids and not feeling your best.

Anna: Yes, I 100 per cent agree. However, this year it will be easier for me to behave, as I am also pregnant with my second daughter. So my party season survival this year is more about having the energy to get to the event in the first place! Having said that, the November-January period is always very busy, and we need to do all we can to make sure we sleep and feel energised to be able to be at our best for work, our families, and the functions we have committed to.

What are your tips for optimising the sleep you do get when you’re faced with a few more late nights than usual?

Christie: Almost two years ago, Anna and I had this exact conversation. My youngest, Ava, and Anna’s daughter Elle were both still at the age where they were waking up all night. We were both exhausted, not sleeping soundly in the hours we had the chance to sleep in. Our skin was looking dull, and when you look tired, I feel that you tend to feel even more tired. Anna and I discussed it, and that’s how we came up with our initial product, INTU WELLNESS Sleep & Skin Renewal. The idea was that you take the “super powder” before bed, so that the magnesium, combined with Lemon Balm and Passionflower in it, will help you sleep more soundly.

Taking a warm shower and taking some time to reduce your cortisol levels through breath work or doing something calming like a magnesium bath also helps you sleep after a late night. If you just jump straight into bed, it may take longer to wind down, which is why I like to take a few minutes to myself to de-stress.

I also try to switch from wine/champagne to something lighter early, and I make sure I stay hydrated if I am drinking alcohol. Having alcohol too close to bed always disrupts my sleep.

How do you ensure your skin still maintains its glow when there’s more eating/drinking and late nights on the cards?

Anna: Drinking plenty of water is essential to keep your skin hydrated and looking its best, especially at this time of year. Adequate hydration helps flush out toxins and replenishes moisture, leading to a plump and radiant complexion.

And no matter how late you return home, never skip your skincare routine. A gentle cleanser can remove dirt, makeup, and excess oil from your skin, allowing it to breathe and regenerate overnight.

[Ensure you] get sufficient sleep Adequate sleep is vital for skin health and overall well-being. During sleep, your body repairs and rejuvenates itself, including your skin. Lack of sleep can lead to dullness, dark circles, and an overall tired appearance.

I religiously take my supplements, as when you are burning the candle [at both ends] with outings, work, and minding the kids, you need all the help you can get. We have a couple of new products launching, which will help maintain that glow. Energy & Skin Radiance is a supplement designed to be taken in the morning. It helps to relieve symptoms of stress, supports cognitive function, energy production, and skin hydration.

We will also have Gut & Skin Rejuvenation, as there is nothing like overindulging and late nights to upset your gut microbiome. This product includes turmeric, milk thistle, ginger, molybdenum, and vitamin C. This supplement works to boost digestion, beat bloat, support liver detoxification, and give your hair and skin a healthy glow.

What are your tips for boosting energy after a big night?

Christie: I always need to get up kind of early because of the kids, so a big thing for me is getting my body moving and getting some nourishment into it.

As I recovered from a severe burnout that stopped me in my tracks a few years ago, I try not to put too much stress on my body if there is already stress there. For example, after a party, I may feel a bit inflamed, so I will opt for stretching, yoga, or a coastal walk over a HIIT workout as I don’t want to inflame my body further. I am also big on breath work and meditation for helping to destress and boost energy.

I drink lots of water, at least 2 litres, and of course, adding our Energy & Skin Radiance to your daily water bottle adds all those extra benefits to it. I will also try to eat healthy food the next day with lots of green veggies and berries for antioxidants to help my body de-stress.

Is there anything you suggest people do in the lead-up to party season to ensure their energy levels are optimised?

Christie: Prioritise sleep, have a game plan to help you get home at a reasonable hour, drink a lot of water between anything sugary or with alcohol in it to help your body realign. I also like to eat something nutritious before I go out so that I don’t overindulge on canapés. Finally, if you are lacking in energy, look into supplements or “super powders” to help you sleep and re-energise.

Any tips for keeping your skin looking great in the lead-up to party season?

Anna: My tips would be to eat a nutritious diet as much as you can. Eat even healthier meals when you are at home to counteract the parties, stay hydrated, get a good night’s sleep, facials, and face masks are brilliant too!