Do you have an evening self-care routine? If not, you need one.
There are many benefits that will impact not only your physical, but your mental health as well. Creating an evening self-care routine that allows you to decompress your day, plan ahead, relax and rejuvenate before going to bed — ultimately, allowing you to sleep more peacefully.
Not sure where to start? Here are a few tips to implement into your nightly routine.
Write in a journal.
The best way to live the life we want? To envision it. Whether writing out your feelings to express your emotions after a long day, or keeping track of your goals for the week, journaling is extremely beneficial. Dr. Stacia Pierce’s Success Journal is perfect for listing your goals and staying on track. It’s filled with personal prompts to conjure up amazing ideas and write down positive affirmations, aspirations and anecdotes that will keep you motivated to pursue your dreams.
Read for pleasure.
Not to prepare for work the next day, or to catch up on all the acts of terrorism that have occurred against Black people in America — read for yourself. Whether it’s a trashy novel or Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, this is your time for yourself, by yourself.
Implement a nightly skincare routine.
Paint your nails, put on a face mask, whiten your teeth — do whatever it is that keep that melanin poppin. Products such as Avya Skincare were created specifically for women of color, knowing the role that different levels of melanin in the skin plays a big role in skincare. After you cleanse, follow it with 2nd KIND’s Amethyst + Lavender Toner Mist, which is meant to nurture both your skin and your energy, Because, as we all know — Black doesn’t crack, but you also don’t want to give it a reason to.
Take a bath.
Bubbles, salts, beads, and oils — treat yourself to the works. Your bath is your opportunity to pamper yourself, wash and condition your hair, do your nails, do all the luxurious things you don’t normally have time for. Listen to some soothing music light a candle and pretend you are in a spa.
Exercise.
Want to relieve some stress? A quick 30-minute workout will do the trick, and it will put you in a naturally positive mood. The best part about it, you don’t even have to leave your house. With apps such as Gixo, and TB12, you can do the workout in the comfort of your home, for as little or as long as you want to!
Listen to music.
You know what they say: “dance like no one is watching.” And with a good playlist, and speaker system, you’ll have your whole house knocking to the sound of your favorite tunes. If you’re like me, your fancy is 90s R&B, but trap music can also do the trick. Your sound system isn’t doing the trick? Bluesound offers multi-room speakers and stereo components that offer hi-res, studio-quality streaming in any or every room throughout the home. You can bring the Beyoncé concert right to your home.
Binge watch your favorite reality TV shows.
Look, we’re all guilty of it, so don’t be ashamed. Whether your poison is Real Housewives of Atlanta, or Love and Hip Hop, there’s nothing like relaxing on the couch and enjoying some good ol’ fashioned drama to help relieve stress.
Enjoy your favorite cocktail.
Who said a glass of your favorite wine (or cocktail) every now and then won’t hurt? If you like to curl up to a book with your favorite spirit, do it! You only have one life to live, so make it your own. Whether it’s a red or white, or some personal faves such as Woodford Reserve, Templeton Rye Whiskey, Appleton Estate Rum, Grand Marnier, you can’t go wrong.
Clean.
For some, cleaning can be therapeutic (for others, a chore). Your external house is often times a reflection of your internal house, so once you’re able to get this in order, it can do wonders for your peace of mind.
Meditate.
Not sure how to start? Well, of course, technically can help you. You can try apps such as Headspace and Calm, or the new Muse 2 headband, which allows you to discover your mind-body connection in a completely unique way: through powerful, accurate real-time feedback on brain activity, heart rate, breathing, and body movements.
