Woman to watch: Olivia Arezzolo

We’re proud to announce a new series at Womens Fitness – Women to Watch. Featuring trailblazers, game changers and evangelists, here we celebrate those going above and beyond to make a difference; driven by passion and purpose alike.

To commence the series, we are recognising a very special woman in the sleep wellness world – one who is rapidly becoming a household name, seen on more and more stages across the country (and globe soon, no doubt). One who’s has been an international hit, published in 10 countries in less than 12 months. One who dedicates her days to educating her audience with expert advice and actionable insights. Introducing the powerhouse who is the one, the only, Olivia Arezzolo.

Fast facts:

Name: Olivia Arezzolo
AKA: Australia’s Leading Sleep Expert
Unique strength: simplifying sleep science into digestible, actionable advice – on stage at a keynote, in media interviews or across social media.
Top 3 career highlights:

1. My book, Bear, Lion, Wolf, being published in 10 countries
2. Being titled ‘Australia’s Leading Sleep Expert
3. 87% of my 2023 keynotes being rated “10/10 – an absolute must see”

When not working, I am: travelling, or planning my next Europe trip…. Hello Italy, Greece and Ibiza!
Biggest inspiration: Amanda Johnstone
#1 Motivational mantra: there is one person who creates your reality: you.

Olivia, what drives you? I am on a mission to educate, empower and enable my audience to be their best self – and sleep is my tool.
After overcoming my own challenges – major depression, severe anorexia, anxiety – I know from personal experience how it feels to be helpless and hopeless. I never ever  want anyone to feel this way… so after my recovery, I decided it was my purpose to help others achieve the same.
As such, I aim to be a leader for them – a mentor, a motivator, an inspirer – someone who supports their evolution and allows them to be their best. And while this is an admirable goal, by partnering this ambition with 9 years of studies, I now have the science based strategies to make it happen.

What’s coming up for you in 2024? Growth – huge growth! I have a number of phenomenal opportunities in the pipeline which will allow my advice to reach thousands and thousands of people. Keynote speaking engagements, international brand partnerships with global giants (I can’t WAIT to share), consulting to retreats and wellness centres to ‘sleep optimise’ their offerings… there is so much happening! I’m truly thrilled to see this evolve as such, as it means my ambition to help the entire global sleep better, live better and feel better is coming to fruition.

Top 3 pieces of expert advice?

1. Sleep is a skill – something you can learn, practice and master. In order to do so, you need three things: support, strategy and structure.
2. Get a high quality adjustable bed, and sleep at zero gravity – the position that removes all pressure from your spine, and therefore allows you to be more comfortable than you ever could on a flat mattress. My sleep literally went to a whole new level when I started sleeping on mine from my partner Seniors Plus; supported even further by Celliant, an infrared textile technology that is clinically demonstrated to support sleep. Game. Changer.
3. If you’re waking at 3am, follow this formula: when awake longer than 20 minutes, get up, put on 100% blue light blocking glasses, take a natural sleep supplement, then read, meditate or practice Breathwork, only returning to bed to sleep. It works – time and time again.

How do you stay fit – mentally, physically, spiritually?

Mentally: my morning routine – meditation, mindful journalling and movement. That, and long chats with my mum – she’s been my biggest cheerleader this whole time, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Physically: prioritising sleep, alongside the rituals that support it. Wearing my blue light blocking glasses before bed, having an early dinner, avoiding alcohol and waking up for sunrise – all are crucial for me to be my best.

Spiritually: regular wellness retreats – granting me space to switch off, slow down, reflect and recharge… properly.

THE FIT LIST

OLIVIA’S TOP 3 FITNESS MUST-HAVES

• Seniors Plus adjustable beds: 88% of us sleep better in an adjustable bed
• Krush Organics CBD gummies: inhale gummies; exhale stress and anxiety
• Superfeast Lions Mane mushrooms: the mental focus of caffeine, without the crash

For the full article grab the February/March 2024 issue of Women’s Fitness Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.