Things that have earned their place in my life
This is not a fantasy morning routine involving fourteen serums, a silent household and an improbable amount of linen.
These are products I genuinely use to support my sleep, training, nutrition and everyday wellbeing in midlife. Some are small additions. Others were investments. All of them have proved useful enough to stay.
A quick note: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Everything included here is something I personally use and would recommend without the commission.
Sleep and recovery
Fitbit Air
I use my Fitbit Air to track my sleep and recovery. It helps me see when I’m ready to train and when my body might benefit from an easier day.
That information has been a game changer while navigating training and menopause symptoms. I use it as useful evidence, not an electronic headmistress.
Daylight lamp
Dark mornings do absolutely nothing for my enthusiasm. I use this daylight lamp to bring more light into the start of the day and help maintain a more consistent morning routine.
It makes getting up during the darker months feel considerably less like an administrative error.
Pukka Night Time Tea
This is part of my evening wind-down routine. I reach for it when I’m struggling to switch off and need a familiar signal that the day is finished.
It isn’t a magic sleeping potion. Sadly, those remain unavailable without a prescription or a fairy godmother.
Strength and home training
NordicTrack 24 Studio Bike
Home workouts are what actually work for me, and this bike is one of my cheat codes.
I can fit a proper workout around my day without travelling to a gym, waiting for equipment or negotiating with the British weather. Having it at home removes several very convincing excuses before they get started.
See the NordicTrack Studio Bike
BRAINGAIN Adjustable Dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells are a home-workout wonder. They take up far less room than a complete collection of individual weights and make it much easier to increase the load gradually as I get stronger.
One set, several weights and considerably less equipment taking over the floor.
APE Nutrition Grass-Fed Beef Protein
I use protein powder to make it easier to get enough protein into my day, particularly alongside strength training.
I like this one because it is grass-fed and simply produced. The Madagascan vanilla flavour also works well in my daily smoothie without making it taste as though somebody emptied a sweet shop into it.
Food and everyday nutrition
Ninja Smoothie Blender
My daily smoothie, minus the lumps.
This is compact, straightforward and powerful enough to produce an actually smooth smoothie. That sounds like the minimum requirement for a blender, yet experience suggests otherwise.
Skin and hair
Dry Body Brush
My skin has become noticeably drier in midlife. Regular body brushing helps remove dry, flaky skin and leaves it feeling smoother.
It is a simple, inexpensive addition to my routine—and slightly more realistic than pretending I’m going to exfoliate diligently using six different products.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
Hair shedding during menopause is no joke. This is one of the products I have used consistently and genuinely feel has helped my hair.
That is my personal experience rather than a promise of identical results, but it has earned a permanent place in my bathroom.
Caudalie SPF 50 Face Sunscreen
If I could keep only one preventative skincare habit, it would be wearing sunscreen every day.
The best sunscreen is ultimately one that suits your skin and that you will use consistently. This is the one currently earning its place in my routine.
What earns a place on this page?
I’m not interested in filling this page with products simply because they offer commission.
Everything here has to pass a fairly basic test: I use it, it makes some part of my real life easier, and I would still tell a friend about it if there were no link involved.
I’ll add to the page as other things earn their place. The cupboard is not open to freeloaders.