Discover How To Go To Bed Feeling Pretty, Peaceful and Relaxed
I need to take a poll. What feels better?
Pulling off those falsie lashes at the end of the day OR ripping off your bra?
I personally prefer taking off those lashes. There’s nothing better than starting my routine with double washing my face and rubbing my eyes for the first time all day.
My nighttime routine has become such an important part of my day. I have struggled with nighttime anxiety some time and over the past 2 years I have implemented some strategies that have helped calm my nervous system and make me feel super pretty and luxurious (without breaking the bank).
- Not having to take lorazepam every night *check*
- Not replaying all the ways I fell short for the day *check*
- Actually feeling a sense of peace *double check*
- Feeling pretty in my own skin *triple check*
A good self care routine isn’t just a luxury, it is honestly a necessity. As women, we carry a lot throughout the day. We have a range of emotions, along with carrying the weight of others and their emotions. We are caretakers, taxi cabs (or is it Uber drivers?) for our kids, we are chefs, soccer moms, wives, business owners and employees, house cleaners and more.
On top of that, we also face the societal pressure of being perfect and never fumbling. ((What kind of fuckery is that?))
So at the very least, we owe ourselves the space to carve out a sacred time just for us.
I know it’s hard to make yourself a priority at the end of a busy day when you’re exhausted from everyday life tasks. So I am not asking you to implement every single one of these rituals. Pick one that resonates and run with it.
This isn’t just about pampering yourself – but definitely part of it. It’s about resetting, recharging and preparing your body for a deep, restorative rest.
This is about feeling your best physically, mentally and emotionally. It’s all about pouring back into yourself at the end of everyday.
These are some of the rituals that have transformed my evening – and my mental health:
1. **Limit Your Screen Time**
We all know the struggle—one last doom scroll before bed that turns into an hour. The constant switching between Instagram, Threads, TikTok and Twitter (and for me, Reddit). A logical reason for limiting your screen time: blue light from screens can mess with your sleep patterns, making it harder to fall asleep. A better reason for limiting your screen time: it disconnects you from the outside world, which can mess with our moods and emotions if not intentional. And you don’t need that right before bed. Set a “digital sunset” time, an hour before bed, to disconnect from devices. Put your phone on DND (except for your important people) and use this time to connect with your kids and significant other.
2. **Create a Relaxing Atmosphere**
Transform your bedroom into a cozy sanctuary. Soft lighting, calming scents from a diffuser or incense and a clean, clutter-free space make all the difference. It’s your personal oasis—let it feel like one. You know that feeling of walking into a hotel room? Seeing the clean room and made bed? It just FEELS good. Make it a point to pick up your room and make your bed daily, so that when you walk into your private domain at night, it feels peaceful and relaxing.
3. **Skincare Ritual**
And for me, this includes a bubble bath if time allows for it. There’s something so soothing about taking care of your skin at night. It’s not just about the glow (though that’s a perk!)—it’s about signaling to your body that it’s time to wind down. Go through your routine with intention: cleanse, oil, tone, moisturize and maybe treat yourself to a face mask once in a while. I love the masks from Ulta and Target. Although, sometimes I find them at TJMaxx as well.
- **Put on Something That Feels Good**
At the beginning of 2024 I decided to ditch the oversized sleep shirts and boxers and started wearing something that makes me feel pretty and sexy. I opted for some satin/modal pajama sets and nighties. I’m proud to say that I’ve stuck with it everyday. I go to sleep feeling good in my own skin and I wake up feeling good in my own skin. The bad news though? I can’t wear my pj’s to the school drop off line. I have to actually throw on something decent… ya know, in case I’m stranded on the side of the road and have to see people lol. Amazon, VS and Gap all have great options. And if you want to splurge: Skims.
4. **Write Down Your Glimmers of the Day**
Before bed, jot down three things you’re grateful for. Reflect on the glimmers of the day that brought a smile. It doesn’t have to be anything big—sometimes, it’s just about the little wins. What are you proud of? Look back on your day this way shifts your mindset to a positive place, making it easier to drift off into peaceful sleep.
5. **Sip Herbal Tea**
Brewing a cup of herbal tea—like chamomile or lavender (and my favorite: hot cinnamon )—this can be a comforting ritual that tells your body it’s time to relax. It’s a warm, soothing way to unwind, plus it hydrates you before bed. PS: don’t forget to buy DECAF 😉
6. **Stretch or Yoga**
Gentle stretching or a short yoga session helps release tension that builds up in your body throughout the day. It doesn’t have to be intense—a few simple stretches can do wonders to relax your muscles and calm your mind.
- **Read a Book**
There’s nothing like getting lost in a good book before bed. It helps your brain transition from the chaos of the day to a more restful state. Plus, it’s a great way to carve out some “me time” and escape into another world. There have been times I get so lost in a psychological thriller, that I forget it’s 11pm and an hour past “lights out”. So put a time frame on it.
- **Practice Deep Breathing or Meditation**
Or if you can’t quiet your mind, I do guided EFT tapping. Spend five minutes practicing deep breathing or a short meditation. This calms your nervous system, reduces stress, and prepares your body for sleep. It’s like hitting the reset button on your mind.
9. **Set Intentions for Tomorrow**
Spend a few minutes thinking about your goals for the next day. It doesn’t have to be a full-blown plan—just a few intentions to guide you. This practice helps you feel more in control and reduces morning stress because you’ll wake up with a purpose. Make a note with three categories: Mental, Emotional, Physical. And reflect on the ways you will honor each one.
10. **Prioritize Sleep**
This one seems obvious, but we often overlook it. Prioritize your sleep like you would any other important task. Set a consistent bedtime and stick to it as much as possible. Your body thrives on routine, and good sleep is the foundation of everything else. I have a “in bed” time and then I have a “lights out” time. When I’m in bed, that means my phone is already on DND and I’m no longer doom scrolling. I might be catching the last 30 minutes of a Netflix episode, but I’m not starting a new episode. And then when it’s “lights out” that means my phone is away and TV is off.
Like I said, you don’t have to do all of these at first. Just pick one, implement and then maybe a few weeks later, add another. Remember, this is your nighttime routine and it’s all about YOU. It’s your time to unwind, recharge, and show yourself some love. You deserve it—so make it a non-negotiable part of your day.
Sweet Dreams!
One response to “The Ultimate Nighttime Self Care Routine:”
[…] Drink hot decaf tea at night, some magnesium and try to reduce phone usage an hour before lights out. You can read about my nighttime self care routine here. […]