The festive season has a beautiful way of bringing people together - but it also has a habit of unravelling our routines and making us feel a little all over the place. Between travel, busier schedules and the quiet expectation to do and be more, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Credit: Oly Barnsley
In moments like these, returning to simple rituals can make all the difference. We spoke with founder of the Louisa Drake Method (LDM) and longtime Nudea friend Louisa Drake, whose thoughtful, grounded approach to wellbeing reminds us that calm isn’t something we stumble upon - it’s something we create through small, intentional choices.
Here, Louisa shares the practices that help her stay centred through the busiest time of year, from nourishing morning rituals to restorative movement and the cosy layers that support her along the way.
How do you stay centred when the holiday season feels overwhelming?
The holidays used to send me into a bit of a spiral, mostly because I was trying to do everything at once. Over time I’ve learned to fiercely protect my mornings. What they look like depends entirely on whether I’m in London or at my West Sussex home studio.
On early London mornings - those 5am starts - there’s no time for a full workout. Instead, I focus on fuelling myself well. I hydrate, drink a collagen-boosted coffee and grab something quick but nourishing, like a protein-rich snack or sourdough with almond butter. My only consistent rituals are tongue scraping, moisturising and taking my supplements before heading out.
When I’m in West Sussex, it’s a different story. With access to my studio and equipment - my reformer, wall bars, TRX, weights and bench - I get to start the day with my own dedicated movement practice. It’s usually a strength and Pilates-based conditioning session, sometimes with a cardio push or dynamic, jumpboard-inspired work. Even 20–30 minutes reconnects me to my body and helps set the tone for the day. Gentle, chilled playlists help anchor the moment even further. Those small windows of self-care are my lifeline in a hectic season.
Are there specific LDM exercises or breathing practices you recommend for managing stress?
Absolutely. LDM integrates breath throughout every class, and it’s been transformative for me personally. When I notice stress creeping in, the first thing I do is lengthen my exhale - it’s amazing how quickly this shifts your nervous system from stressed to centred.
One of my daily go-tos is box breathing.
Inhale for four counts → hold for four → exhale for four → hold for four.
Just a few rounds are enough to dissolve travel anxiety or holiday overwhelm.
When I can carve out a bit more time, I love doing one of the shorter LDM recovery sessions. They’re designed for busy schedules and even a 20-minute session brings your body back to balance.
Credit: Oly Barnsley
How do you reset when you start feeling overstimulated or run down?
I’ve learned to tune into what my body actually needs rather than forcing productivity. Sometimes that means restorative movement; other times it’s lying down with my legs up the wall and breathing deeply.
My gua sha routine is another grounding tool - I’ll use it while diffusing a calming scent. It forces me to slow down and be present. And sometimes the reset is as simple as comfy clothes, a mug of tea or warm cacao, calming music and permission to do absolutely nothing for an hour. We’re not built to be “on” constantly.
What small, daily habits help maintain balance during busy periods?
I’m a big believer in tiny, consistent rituals. They don’t need to be elaborate; they just need to be repeatable.
On my busiest days, my non-negotiables are:
- Tongue scraping
- Staying hydrated
- Taking my supplements
- Eating something nourishing early on, even if it’s a handful of nuts or a Deliciously Ella breakfast bake on the run
When I’m at home, I add movement before I check my phone and at least five minutes of breathwork. LDM is built on the philosophy of longevity and calmer minds - not quick fixes. A few minutes of intentional self-care each day is far more sustainable than an occasional overhaul.
Credit: Oly Barnsley
Any advice for navigating the pressure to “do it all” this season?
Give yourself permission to disappoint people. It sounds harsh, but it’s incredibly liberating. You don’t have to attend every event, make everything from scratch, or meet everyone’s expectations. I’ve become much more honest about my capacity and energy. If that means a simpler celebration or saying no, that’s perfectly okay. Focus on what genuinely brings you joy, not what you feel you should be doing. Your wellbeing isn’t selfish - it’s essential.
What helps you stay physically comfortable and connected to your body as routines shift and the weather cools?
Layering is everything. I live in comfortable, breathable pieces that move with me -especially during my morning practice or while pottering around the house. Nudea’s organic underwear and loungewear are perfect for this. The Tencel and organic cotton fabrics feel soft against the skin and form the foundation of my outfits, making it easy to move from workouts to work mode seamlessly.
When it’s cold, gentle movement is far more regulating than staying still. The dynamic conditioning in LDM keeps my body warm and mobile - especially on days when I feel like hibernating. And honestly, wearing things that feel good makes a bigger difference to mood and comfort than people realise.
Which LDM practices promote comfort and ease?
LDM is comprehensive—it blends functional strength, Pilates precision and conditioning -but we also prioritise restorative work.
Our recovery classes, such as Recovery Sessions and Sculpt & Stretch: restore & reconnect, are some of the best for releasing tension, improving flexibility and reconnecting with breath. They incorporate foam rolling, practical release work, Pilates and yoga - from fluid Vinyasa to nourishing Yin.
Even our dynamic Sculpt classes are intentionally low-impact and joint-friendly. The goal is sustainable movement that strengthens and revitalises, never depletes. True long-term fitness should always support wellbeing and longevity.
Credit: Oly Barnsley
How do you create a comforting environment at home, in the studio, or when travelling?
I’m very intentional about the spaces around me. At home, I keep things minimal and tidy (clutter stresses me out) and always have beeswax or soy candles, palo santo and cosy textures nearby.
When travelling, I bring a small kit of rituals so I can recreate calm anywhere. My essentials include:
- Gua sha tool
- Palo santo
- Herbal tea
- LDM resistance bands and mini stability ball
- Comfortable organic Nudea loungewear
- A grounding playlist
As long as I have myself, a mat and my LDM tools, I can train and feel centred wherever I am.
What are your favourite Nudea pieces for staying cosy and comfortable?
I love Nudea because the pieces are genuinely comfortable without sacrificing style or quality. My current favourite set is the Organic Cotton Easy Does It Bralette and Midi Briefs - the high-waisted knickers, which are such a gorgeous fit.
The underwear feels like a second skin: breathable, soft and perfect for both movement and everyday life. I’m also a huge fan of the Tencel underwear and the sleepwear. The new Short Dove-Grey Striped PJs are a staple, and the Mulberry Classic Set is perfect for slow mornings or unwinding at night.
The Organic Cotton Classic Vest Tops are getting constant wear - they’re so versatile and comfortable. Knowing everything is made ethically from natural, organic or recycled materials enhances both physical comfort and emotional connection.
As the season gathers pace, Louisa’s rituals remind us that calm can be created in the smallest moments. If you’re looking to bring more intention, breath and mindful movement into your daily routine, the Louisa Drake Method offers accessible sessions designed to restore balance and build strength from within. Explore LDM to discover practices that support you long after the holidays have passed.
