One of the most powerful and kindest things we can for ourselves is practice consistent self care. How often do you actually spend time doing loving, relaxing, and kind things for yourself?
Self care truly is the best way to prevent burn out, exhaustion, and irritability. I notice that when I’m taking care of my mind, body, and soul, I’m SO much friendlier and positive.
But making self care a priority doesn’t always come naturally or easily. We can get so wrapped up in our day to day life that we forget to make time for ourselves. We forget to spend time doing the things that light us up, make us happy, and just feel good!
One of the best ways to incorporate self care into your life, is by creating a nightly self care routine! Having a routine helps you stay consistent and is the perfect way to unwind before bed.
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The Benefits of a Nightly Self Care Routine
- It’ll help you destress and sleep better! Doing calming activities before bed will help you manage stress, relax, and feel naturally tired.
- It gives you something to look forward to all day! You’re probably going to feel happier knowing you have your favorite cup of tea or favorite candle waiting for you at home.
- Having a routine helps you stay consistent. It can be hard to remember to incorporate self care activities, but a routine will help you stay on track.
Here are 12 ideas perfect for relaxing, reflecting, and rejuvenating after a long day. Girl, you deserve it!
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1. Drink Herbal Tea
Have a warm cup of chamomile, lavender, or green tea before bed. These teas have been shown to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and help you fall into a deeper sleep. Plus, they smell so delicious! Get cozy with your favorite mug and enjoy each sip.
2. Light a candle or essential oils
Light a candle or essential oil diffuser for a little aromatherapy before you go to sleep. There’s just something so relaxing and comforting about a lit candle in the darkness.
3. Read a chapter from a book
Read a good book before bed to relax and let your imagination run wild. If you’re interested in learning how to manifest your dream life, I highly recommend these books on the law of attraction. If you’re interested in learning to live a more mindful and simple life, check out these powerful books on minimalism and simple living.
4. Turn on a himalayan salt lamp
I absolutely love my himalayan salt lamp and all of it’s health benefits. Aside from purifying the air, it gives off this really pretty and warm pink glow.
5. Stretch and practice mindfulness
Feel more present and aware by practicing mindfulness. Before bed, stretch in whatever ways feel good to you while being aware of every sensation in your body. Notice what feels tight, what feels painful, and what feels pleasurable. Read more about mindfulness, it’s benefits, and easy mindful activities here.
6. Journal about your day
Spend some time writing down your thoughts, feelings, and ideas about your day. Maybe write about your favorite moments from the day, something you accomplished, and what your most grateful for. Getting things from your brain to paper can bring you so much clarity and peace! For years I wrote in a diary before bed each night and truly believe writing is one of the best therapies!
7. Set out your outfit for the next day
Prepare for the next day by picking out your outfit. Doing this will give you one less thing to worry about in the morning!
8. Turn on pretty little lights
Turning on my little white strung up lights before bed always feels super dreamy and relaxing. It’s definitely my favorite way to set the mood. Plus it reminds me of Christmas!
9. Clean your bedroom
Doing a little cleaning before bed is a great way to wind down. When my home is a mess, it’s hard for me to fully relax. Having a clean and organized bedroom always makes me feel productive and ready for tomorrow!
10. Listen to soft music or a motivational podcast
Turn on your favorite relaxing music or listen to an episode from a motivational podcaster. This always gets me in a great mood and feeling rejuvenated.
11. Unplug from your phone
Unplug from your phone and take a social media break before bed. I used to spend every night before bed scrolling through Pinterest and Facebook. While I haven’t completely stopped doing this, I realized I’m so much happier when I skip it. It’s easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others, especially since everyone’s lives look so perfect online. Unplugging definitely helps me be a more positive and happier person.
12. Set an intention for the next day
Choose one thing you’d like to really focus on the next day. Maybe it’s doing as many acts of kindness as you can. Or maybe it’s deciding to go to the gym, or eat a really healthy breakfast. Setting an intention can help you focus and start to form healthy habits.
Having a nightly self care routine can have really powerful and rejuvenating effects. It’s the best way to take care of yourself, and finding time each night to practice it may just change your life. Which self care idea is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
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Should self care be more of a priority in your life? Maybe you struggle with making self care a priority because:
- Your life is busy and finding the time for self-care feels impossible
- As a woman, you’re used to caring for others and making time for yourself causes you to feel guilty
- Spending time indulging in self care doesn’t feel productive
- You don’t know what self care activities to do, or how often to do them