It’s been a long day of multi-tasking, home management, and parenting, the kids are finally in bed, and you’ve got a precious couple of hours to yourself before you need to turn in. So, what’s the plan? Will you be sorting out the laundry, doing the dishes, making a start on tomorrow’s packed lunches, or will you be doing something much more important, like focusing on your own self-care? Honestly, we think you should be doing the latter. Here’s how:
Pamper Your Skin
Wash away the stresses of the day with a warm bath or shower. Pick a luxurious bath oil or a pleasant-scented shower gel for an indulgent experience. Afterward, use a nourishing body lotion and maybe a face mask to give your skin some pampering. When your skin is soft and glowing, slip into some breathable bamboo pyjamas, wrap yourself in a fluffy bathrobe, and warm your feet in some cosy slippers.
Create A Relaxing Atmosphere
Enhance your comfort by creating a relaxing environment. Before your self-care evening, set yourself up for a relaxing time by tidying, organising your wardrobe, and laying out blankets and self-care items for yourself. Then, dim the lights, burn some candles, and put on soft music or a soundscape you enjoy. If you’re a fan of aromatherapy, use a scented candle or diffuse some essential oils. Scents like lavender and ylang ylang are known for their calming and relaxing effects. The aim is to trigger your brain to settle and relax.
Healthy, Comfort Food
A self-care evening wouldn’t be complete without your favourite comfort food. Stick to the healthy options though, like a hearty salad or a bowl of homemade soup. Dark chocolate, herbal tea, or a glass of red wine can be great evening indulgences, but do aim for a balance between comfort and indulgence. You don’t want to end up feeling guilty, groggy, and bloated.
Unplug and Unwind
Remember, self-care isn’t just physical, it’s mental too. So, once you’re ensconced in your PJs, leave your smartphone, tablet, and other devices in another room. Pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read, write in a journal, or try a calming activity like knitting or drawing. You could also meditate or practise yoga for some inward self-care.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Once you’ve luxuriated in your self-care rituals, it’s time to get a good night’s sleep. Set up your sleeping environment to maximise comfort – good quality pillows, a comfortable Hybrid Mattress, and breathable bedding all contribute to peaceful sleep. Also, make sure that your room is dark, quiet, and comfortably cool.
Whether you can dedicate an entire evening or just half an hour to self-care, the most important thing is consistency. Make it a priority to carve out some ‘me time’ every night. This regular, dedicated time will provide immediate relaxation benefits as well as a long-term impact on your overall well-being. You take care of everyone else all day—dedicate the occasional evening to your own care.