Morning routines have become exceedingly common, but nighttime routines aren’t as talked about! Though I’ve had a makeshift nighttime routine for a while, it only ever included steps such as skincare and brushing my teeth. More recently I’ve started following a one-to-two-hour routine to help improve my mental and physical health, relax and do some self-care. For me, a nighttime routine has significantly impacted how long I sleep and how I feel when I wake up in the morning. A new routine has helped me spice up an otherwise tedious night and has allowed me to set myself up for success in the following day and weeks to come. It’s all about a calming routine to facilitate cozy and comfy vibes, especially in the colder weather.
Schedule For a Better Tomorrow
I’m one of those people who will stay up all night thinking about all the stuff I need to do tomorrow. May it be something important like grabbing my keys or a minuscule thing like packing a fourth extra pad; if it’s not written down, these items are extremely stress-inducing. This is exactly why I live for to-do lists and calendars. These scheduling tools help me track what I need to get done without feeling overwhelmed. For example, I write down items such as packing my laptop and chargers, filling up my water bottle, checking my emails and paying my credit card bill.
Set The Mood
There’s nothing like good music, a steaming mug and a comforting scent to make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Though in the warmer months I’d normally reach for a bucket of ice cream and a fan, during the colder days I prefer some cozy socks, a mug of tea or hot chocolate and my diffuser. Some of my comforting essential oil scents include lavender, vanilla, sandalwood, peppermint and cinnamon. An important part of my nighttime routine includes putting away my electronics, throwing on some comfortable pyjamas, grabbing my water bottle and choosing a hobby or interest to pursue for the night.
Try a New Relaxing Hobby
I applaud anyone who does heavy lifting or demands cardio in the late evening, but I prefer more soothing physical activities such as walking, meditating or yoga to release some tension and relax my muscles for a deeper sleep. It’s all about following my instincts, so when I’m feeling particularly stiff, I opt for some yoga and when I’m feeling overly energetic, I go on late-night walks. Some other interests I’ve been pursuing include journaling, assembling puzzles, reading and colouring which have contributed to a calm and cozy nighttime routine.
Hygiene
After a nice, long shower, my nighttime routine concludes with some dental hygiene and a quick skincare routine. After brushing and flossing, I start with some micellar water to remove any makeup. After using a cleanser, I air dry my face and apply a hydrating toner, hyaluronic acid and a thick moisturizer. The most essential part of my routine is applying lip balm to prevent any chapped lips during the colder weather.
For me, a routine is all about figuring out what I absolutely loathe and completely adore. Having a routine doesn’t mean I need to follow a strict and rigorous schedule, but instead, it means incorporating more activities or actions that could potentially improve my life. In this case, a nighttime routine has helped me stay away from my electronic devices, improved the quality of my sleep, made me more relaxed and assisted me in becoming more productive in the mornings.