Sometimes I feel like I'm waiting all day for some wind down time. Over the years I've realized how important a relaxing evening routine is.
It doesn't need to be time consuming, it's more about the rituals that help you let go of the stress of the day.
Here's how I structure my evenings to feel my best, and sleep well.
First things first if I'm home for the evening I try to wash my face as soon as possible. For me it's a tie between washing your face and taking off your bra for what's a better feeling. (I know you girls feel me.)
I alternate between Tula cleanser, Drunk Elephant , and good old drugstore Cetaphil.
After dinner , cleaning up, and the babes bedtime I usually finish my skincare routine. (Side note - bedtime for the littles lately is a real drawn out PROCESS - but that's for another post, another day.)
A few years ago I made a decision to get really educated on taking care of my skin. I started by seeing an estethician here and there , and researching what was best for my skin type.
Anyway, it's now a part of my routine that I actually don't dread. This a big change from back in my early 20s when I looked at washing my face as kind of a chore, and would sometimes skip it.
Some nights I'm quick, and other nights I put on a Podcast and listen while I slowly do my whole routine. I always use a serum, eye cream, and moisturizer.
And twice a week I exfoliate with Tula instant facial dual phase skin reviving treatment pads. These are so good, guys! The name is legit - you feel like you've had a mini facial because they make the skin baby soft. I learned that it's just as important to exfoliate in the winter. It helps with removing dead skin cells which not only brightens the skin, but allows moisturizer to penetrate more efficiently.
My next move is either to catch up on work, watch a show with Brad, or get in bed and read. Usually I choose to do a little of each. (We're watching The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Spinning Out right now.)
As I'm winding down I make myself a cup of OMG Nutrition Berry Blast Magnesium. I've shared a little about my experience with OMG on Instagram and some of you already said you ordered it, and are loving it too!
Others had good questions about what it does, and why Magnesium is important.
Magnesium Benefits:
- It can help regulate your body’s response to stress and promote a sense of calm and well-being.
- It can help regulate the sleep hormones that keep you dozing all night long and help you wake up rested.
- It has been shown to help relieve common PMS symptoms
- It has been linked to improvements in muscle strength and power.
- It has been shown to help maintain a healthy heart and can help maintain blood sugar levels (that are within the normal range.)
I love that OMG comes in individual packets so I can just toss it in my water or tea without having to measure. (I don't know about you, but by nighttime I'm kind of lazy.) The taste is a little sweet, but not overpowering.
I've been using it consistently for about two months, and have noticed such a DIFFERENCE in the quality of my sleep. I don't have extreme sleep issues. But I'd sometimes find it tough to wind down, and when I did fall asleep I'd wake up through out the night.
Melatonin gave me crazy dreams, and while it would put me to sleep I'd wake up a few hours in. Other natural products hurt my stomach. So when OMG Nutrition sent me a few boxes I was cautiously optimistic.
After using consistently I can honestly say I've been so happy with how it's helped! I also brought it with me while traveling over the holidays. It really helped with regulating digestion - which ummm can get really screwed up when you travel.
Though one question I've recieved is do you HAVE to us it every night to reap the benefits? No! Initially I was just taking it two or three times a week, and that still helped my sleep.
Some nights (my favorite nights) I have a piece of Hu Kitchen dark chocolate with my OMG drink. It's the best chocolate! I love that it's organic, non gmo verified and gluten free. My current favorites are the Hazelnut Butter and the Salty Dark Chocolate.
Use my code MODERNWELLNESS for 15% of your online order.
Then I get into bed, and If I'm not too tired I'll use my pink Gua Sha facial massager. I started using this originally to help with my jaw pain. Then when I realized how it helps with facial puffiness I really made an effort to use it more. I'm someone whose eyes and face get puffy EXTREMELY easily from lack of sleep or foods high in sodium.
So I started putting the facial massager and facial roller on my nightstand along with a small bottle of Caudalie beauty elixir spray so I'd remember to use at night. The spray can also be used to set makeup, but I like how it feels at night on bare skin. It's just a nice little touch before your head hits the pillow.
My non negotiable every week night is reading in bed. I've become obsessed with reading a page a day of The Daily Stoic. There's a short passage for every day of the year.
While ideally I'd like to read it first thing in the morning, my mornings tends to be a little crazy so I've committed to before bed when I skip the am.
Then I usually read some of a novel for 20-30 minutes. I still struggle with cutting myself off, and sometimes I stay up too late because I'm so immersed. But I'm working on it!
Some recent books I've enjoyed : Ask Again, Yes . Do You Mind If I Cancel ? ,This Will Only Hurt A Little, and Inside Out.
And then it's lights out - and if a small person doesn't wake me up in the middle of the night - I wake up rested and refreshed!
What are key parts of your evening routine? Have you guys read any good books lately?
