Having a great day begins with what you do the night before. That's why having a bedtime self-care ritual is essential. It helps you mentally and physically destress, let go of whatever happened that day, and prepare yourself for quality sleep. Even if you're super busy throughout the day, you can carve out a few minutes before bed to nourish yourself in a way that feels effortless versus just another thing on your to-do list. Here, we share seven easy, simple bedtime rituals that will ensure you wake up feeling like your best self.
Tidy up your space
A clear space equals a clear mind. Before you call it a day, set a timer for 10 minutes, and do a speed clean up of your space. Put things away. Clear the countertops. Toss the laundry in the hamper. Knowing that you only have to clean for 10 minutes will motivate you to actually do it. You'd be surprised how much you can tidy up in that short timeframe. There's nothing like waking up to an organized space. You'll thank yourself the next morning.
Set the scene
The environment you sleep in affects the quality of your sleep. An optimal sleep setting is cool, comfortable, quiet, and dark. Take a few minutes before bed to get everything ready. Slip into comfy pajamas. Turn down the lights. Close the curtains. Set the thermostat slightly cooler, so it'll make it easier to fall asleep. This is also a great time to unplug from your digital devices. We know. We know. It's easier said than done, but it's all in the name of quality sleep and self-care.
Plan your next day
When you have a mile-long to-do list, it can be challenging to fall asleep like a baby when your head hits the pillow. That's why planning out your day the night before is helpful. You can get it all mapped out and not have to think or worry about it. Remember to be realistic about what you put on your task list. Stick to no more than three main things you want to get done that day. Keeping your list small ensures that you end the next day feeling accomplished and satisfied instead of stressed and overwhelmed.
Have a mindful drink
No time for a full out bedtime ritual? Make yourself a cup of tea (or another beverage of your choice) and sit down to mindfully drink it with no distractions, even if it's only five minutes. Savor that drink. Be present in the moment. Self-care isn't about quantity. It's about quality. Thoroughly enjoying those five minutes will refuel you more than you think.
Stretch your body
If you have trouble falling asleep, try getting in a good stretch session. You can even get your stretching on in bed. It's a great way to relax your body and unload the day's stress, especially when paired with mindful breathing. Five minutes is all you need. Focus on areas that feel the tensest. Search YouTube for a quick bedtime stretching flow to help guide you if needed. You also get bonus relaxation points if you take a warm shower or bath beforehand.
Calm your mind
Stretching is excellent for calming down your body, but your mind too needs some help chilling out. Implement a mental exercise that helps you wind down, such as meditation, hypnosis, breathwork, journaling, or visualizations. Some rituals may work better than others for you. Try different ones out to find out which one makes your mind feel the most zen.
Get your skincare on
Giving your skin some love is a great way to wrap up the day with a pretty bow. Start with a cleanser to wash off the impurities your skin picked up throughout the day and then follow that with toner, serum, and a Moisture Melt Snowball for mega hydration. Lastly, lock everything in with a good moisturizer. Humblebrag alert: Rael’s Daily Restoration Nourishing Gel Cream is like quenching your skin with eight glasses of water. And if you have the extra time, pop on a sheet mask for 20 minutes while you watch an episode of your favorite show. Now that's what we call self-care.