Juggling between a career, children, house chores, and having a social life leaves little time for self-care. This makes us tired, nervous, and often pessimistic. Chances are you have the most time at night, before going to bed, which is a perfect time to start with a routine that will help with self-care. It doesn’t have to be much, the simplest things will do, and if you want to find out what are those, keep on reading.
A relaxing bath
Taking a relaxing, warm bath before bed makes us feel calm, relaxed, and helps us get a good night’s sleep so we wake up refreshed and rested. However, the whole point can be in the atmosphere you can create as well. Listen to some music you like, and take with you a glass of wine, or whatever it is you like to drink. A warm bath will relax your muscles so you will feel less tense. Use your favorite bath salts, and oils because the scents can relax you as well. Make sure no one disturbs you, and have that time to yourself, where you can even plan the next day, and feel less tense about it tomorrow.
Reading a book
Instead of watching TV, which can even disrupt our sleep, you can try reading a book. It will take your mind off the problems, and take you to another world where you don’t have to worry about anything. Since self-care should be an important aspect of our lives, reading a psychology book, or even a self-care one can offer us advice, help, and we can even learn a lot, which is certainly a plus. To make this experience even more enjoyable, you can light luxurious scented tealight candles whose soft glow, and fragrance will relax you even more. Choose the scent you like the most, from soothing lavender to mystical oriental scents, and soft caramel-vanilla.
Have a skincare routine
A helpful tip that will not only make you feel good and calm but also make you look beautiful tomorrow morning is to try a nighttime skincare routine. Aside from the basic steps like taking off your makeup, washing your face, and using a moisturizer, you can try some of the hydrating masks, luxurious eye creams, and serums that will give your skin the much-needed glow. The whole process of pampering affects your psyche as well because you are taking care of your body the right way, and allowing yourself some alone time to enjoy being a woman. Once in a while, when you have more time for yourself, you can even create a spa night in your own room, and use masks, creams, do your nails, and even a hair mask. Put on some music, sing along, and let your worries melt away.
Meditation or yoga
Both meditation and yoga are known as activities that improve our well-being, help us get rid of stress, and expand our horizons, as well as help us get in touch with our body and mind. This is reason enough to try either of these, and concentrate on the movement of your body and your breathing. Try not to let your thoughts wander, but relax, and get yourself in a state of utter tranquility. Do this before taking a bath because you have time to rest, since any exercise makes us more awake. If possible, you can do it outdoors, at sundown, barefoot to feel more connected to nature as well, while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Herbal tea and your planner
Sometimes ignoring our chores and duties can help us be free of stress, but sometimes we need to deal with it efficiently to be able to relax and not worry. Don’t think of this as another obligation you have to do, rather, think of it as making a list of things for days ahead that will take some pressure off. All you need is an herbal tea that will soothe your body, and a planner where you will write down everything. Try to delegate, plan your time for family, friends and yourself, and make a to-do list, so you can check it once you are done. Believe it or not, your mind sees this type of organization as a good move, and you will be able to sleep peacefully.
When everyone goes to sleep, and you have some time for yourself before going to bed, forget about the stress of daily life, and relax using some of these tips. Make a pleasant atmosphere with candles and music, and create a nighttime routine you will follow for the sake of self-care.
