Georgina Leslie is a Producer / Director for BBC Television. She’s been at the BBC for 10 years and specialises in making Arts and History documentaries. She has recently made programmes for The Culture Show on BBC Two and Handmade in Britain on BBC Four. Here she tells us how she relaxes..
How do you switch off from a busy day?
If I am scripting or in the edit, it’s mentally demanding, so I switch off by going for a swim. Rather than racing up and down the pool doing lengths, I take it gently and just let my mind wander. If I’ve been filming on location, I will be physically exhausted so I find the best way to unwind is with a large whisky mac (whisky with ginger wine) and a hot bath.
Where in the world do you feel your most relaxed?
My family’s home in the Scottish town of St Andrews. It’s a modern, light filled, top floor apartment with the most incredible views out to sea. It’s great in the sunshine but it’s even better on a cold wet windy day when the sea is rough and stormy.
What music would you recommend for a night in?
Although I listen to a lot of indie music like Arcade Fire and The Flaming Lips, if I want to really relax I tend to put on classical, particularly piano, music. A favourite is Beethoven’s 'Triple Concerto in C Major' – although I listened to this during labour with my little boy so the connotations mean I find it rather less relaxing now than I used to!
What book would you recommend?
I read a lot of non fiction for my work. So fiction is the ultimate switch off for me. I’d recommend anything by Donna Tartt or Sarah Waters. Their books don’t offer relaxation in the sense of being light relief; their tales are too dark, their characters too vivid, and their plots too clever and gripping. But therein lies their magic: they offer total and utter escape into another world.
What is your top tip for a good nights sleep?
Freshly laundered sheets, ideally ironed! And an open window for fresh air and to make the room nice and cold, so it feels extra snug under the duvet.
Which Yawn product is your personal fave and why?
I love all the pyjamas but I’d have to pick the socks. Good British alpaca wool. And I always have cold feet. Plus I’ve made a documentary about knitting!