Post-show rituals, endorphins, and songwriting with Ellie Goulding
As a proud introvert, I don’t always love talking to people, but I do love learning about them. On my own terms. That’s why I’m obsessed with podcasts.
In case you’re curious, I stick to a very permanent rotation of podcasts every week consisting of the following: Second Life by Hillary Kerr (my all time favorite), Friend of a Friend by Olivia Perez, and Life with Marianna by Marianna Hewitt. Sometimes, I’ll take a peek at The Skinny Confidential podcast and see if any episodes pique my interest enough to listen. Last week, one did.
Dear Media legends Lauryn Evarts Bosstick and Michael Bosstick sat down with singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding to chat about life pre, during, and post her explosive music career. The main through line in this episode had to do with wellness, specifically how Ellie prioritizes her mental well-being as a performer, and more importantly, a human being. Here are the biggest takeaways from what she shared:
Moving your body every day is healthy and endorphins are important for creativity
When asked about sacrifices she made early on in her career, Ellie spoke of not having many friends growing up, not because she wasn’t likable, but because she spent her days playing guitar, studying, and writing music. As she put it, “I was busy!”
“I was busy!”
She recalled running long distances every day, around a 10K to be specific, which helped ground her. “Some people say it’s unhealthy…but it’s the healthiest ritual I could have come up with. The idea that if I don’t do it I’m screwed, that is more unhealthy, and I’ve lost that now, but it was something I felt I had to do every day to study and write,” she said.
Apart from the ritual aspect of working out, Ellie said that working out helps elevate her mood and inspires creativity. She explained, “It’s not a coincidence, your brain has opened up things to help you become more creative and productive.”
Inspiration can stem from your emotions, and other people’s too
It’s typical for songwriters to draw inspiration from their own personal experiences. This was certainly the case with Ellie, especially early on in her career. “In the beginning, it was all me,” she said, “I was fascinated with falling in love, from the age of 10, with everyone. I was obsessed with my own experiences and childhood.”
“I was obsessed with my own experiences and childhood.”
As her career started growing, Ellie was able to travel the world and meet new people from different cultures which unlocked a whole new set of inspiration. “I became a bit more of an empath and wanted to explore what people are going through,” she said. Like all of us can probably relate, her friends and family go through many experiences with their own relationships, work, and life which largely inspire her songwriting.
Glamor aside, being in the spotlight makes celebrity life very difficult
If Ellie could edit one thing out of celebrity life, it would be being put in the spotlight 24/7. She explains that part of it is the discomfort that comes with feeling like you are always being watched. But more than that, cancel culture makes her feel scared of the way she is being perceived. She explains, “The level of scrutiny has reached this peak where you are watching everything you say and do. The risk has become so high for messing up.”
“The risk has become so high for messing up.”
Unfortunately, you can’t please everyone, even when you are using your platform for positive change. As a climate change activist, Ellie frequently speaks up about plastic problems and ocean pollution which is met with mixed reactions. Half of her channel will call her hypocritical for flying, while the others will thank her for educating them. “You could say the nicest thing in the world, the truest thing in the world, and someone will be unhappy.”
“You could say the nicest thing in the world, the truest thing in the world, and someone will be unhappy.”
Trauma can be triggered by feelings, not only physical experiences
Ellie touched on the impact the #MeToo movement had on the music industry and spoke to personal experiences she had as a young musician walking into studios that made her feel uncomfortable. In her words, “It doesn’t mean they leaped on you or touched you, it’s just a feeling we have that we don’t feel completely safe and it becomes a bit of a trigger and a minute bit of trauma that stays with you.” To hear someone validate that you can be triggered by a feeling, not just a tangible or physical altercation, was extremely comforting.
To hear someone validate that you can be triggered by a feeling, not just a tangible or physical altercation, was extremely comforting.
Being disciplined about your wellness routine is key
You would think being a popstar and going on tour means you often end the night at glamorous parties, dancing on barstools. This may have been Ellie's experience at the beginning of her career, but she now prioritizes taking care of herself after shows, even if that means calling an early night. Here’s her post-show routine:
Goes to her dressing room, has a couple of drinks, and chats with her bandmates about the show
When the adrenaline dies down and the crash starts to hit, packs up to go home
Stretches
Turns on her lavender diffuser and sprays her pillows with incense
Makes a hot drink, most times with chocolate or mushroom powder
Turns on the Calm app for some meditations
Sometimes puts lavender patches on her feet, specifically the ones from Whole Foods
And when she wakes up in the morning, here’s what she does:
Drinks tons of water and electrolytes
Moves her body whether that is through exercise, dancing, or yoga
Uses a face roller because it wakes up her collagen
Streams her throat which is good for singing
Red light therapy (sometimes) for anxiety
Eats blueberries. Every single day, without fail.
Drinks a cup of decaf coffee, when needed
