Busy schedules are all too common in the twenty-first century…and you can’t help it. What you can help is how you pamper yourself in those rare “off” hours. For many over-booked women, your best chance to sneak in a personal timeout is just before you head to bed. A simple nighttime routine you can recreate – even just a few times a week – can leave you feeling more grounded than ever. Plus, taking some self-care time in the evening can help you wind down for eight hours of solid beauty sleep.
Incorporate any – or all – of these small pampering ideas to feel a big sense of relief:
1. Diffuse a relaxing essential oil
You’ll need an oil diffuser and a mood-lifting essential oil, like peppermint essential oil to help you breathe easy, orange oil to awaken your senses or lavender to calm your nerves.
2. Cleanse your face with a nourishing oil
The combination of argan and jojoba oils will help wash away makeup and grime that gets deep into pores.
3. Treat your skin to a scrub
Daily facial scrubs can be irritating to skin. But a twice-weekly exfoliation can do wonders for your complexion.
4. Brew a cup of calm
Because you have to take small sips, brewing a cup of warm herbal tea helps force your mind to slow down.
5. Apply a long-lasting face mask
Most masks you can only leave on for 10 minutes before you feel it drying up and tightening on your face. Look for a natural face mask that moisturizes instead of dries you out.
6. Soak in a muscle-relaxing bath
Sprinkle some Epsom salt in a hot bath to give your overworked muscles some TLC. They’ll appreciate the chance to repair and recover. For a little extra relief, add lavender-scented bubble bath to the mix.
7. Soothe skin with a serum
After exfoliating – even with a moisturizing mask – your skin needs to be rehydrated. An antioxidant-rich serum is the perfect next step. Of course, it wouldn’t hurt to apply serum every night of the week after washing your face.
8. Snuggle in bed with a good book
At the end of a long day, your brain wants to check out of reality. A senseless television show, mindless social scrolling or – best of all – a good novel are sometimes all it takes to feel mentally rejuvenated.
