Hands up who's evenings usually consist of back to back Netflix, scrolling through social media or working until the early hours before falling sleep, waking up more exhausted than you did the night before? We've all been there. It was pretty much the norm for me. But since starting my self development journey, I've learnt that an evening routine is paramount for a decent nights rest, leading to a productive day to follow.
Winding down with a good evening routine helps relieve stress, helps you to switch off and relax and really helps towards a good nights sleep.
I work from home. So as you can imagine, my evenings are pretty busy. As soon as I get the little one into bed, the laptop is out and I'm all go. So finding an evening routine that works for me has really helped me in so many ways; get a better nights sleep and keep my mindset focussed.
Adding some self care into your night time routine will improve your health and wellbeing dramatically; both physically and mentally.
Of course, what works for me might not work for you, but I'm going to share my usual evening routine with you to give you some ideas to, if you haven't already, plan your own routine to suit you.
My routine varies depending on the day.
I work almost every evening. On Saturday nights, if I'm home, I allow myself to catch up on my favourite TV programmes or watch a film. I don't watch much TV, in fact I don't watch it at all through the week, so as Saturday is my night 'off', if I have no plans, I allow myself time to relax and treat myself to some trashy telly! ;)
But my typical evening goes a bit like this...
Wind down the house
I've usually got Taylor into bed for about 8pm. I then go back downstairs, have a quick tidy up, lock all the doors, close all the blinds, make sure all the plugs are switched off and usher Bradley up to his room for the night.
Take It All Off & Stretch
I apply my magic cream (watch this space for another upcoming blog post; think smoother, firmer bum, boobs and thighs!!! ;)), get into my PJs, take off my makeup and then do my exercises/stretches; I do 10 squats, 10 lunges, 10 sit ups, 10 push ups & a 20 sec plank before jumping into bed with my MacBook.
Work Work Work
I have a health & beauty network marketing business, plus my blog, and I'm a Social Media Manager & PA to a confidence coach, so I'm always busy and juggling lots of different work.
I work pretty much through to 11:30pm most nights. (or earlier if I fancy treating myself to a relaxing bath instead of my morning shower!)
I try to make 11:30pm my cut off. Up until pretty recently I was working till gone midnight some nights and just wasn't allowing myself time to wind down and definitely wasn't getting enough sleep. So even if I haven't finished the work I needed to, I make a promise to myself to close the laptop at 11:30pm every night.
Skincare
My skincare routine is so important. I'll have to share my whole routine in more depth with you in the future but I'll keep it brief for the purpose of this post! ;) I've already taken my makeup off with micellar water when getting into bed as let's be honest ladies, there's no better feeling than taking your bra and your makeup off at the end of the day! ;) Twice a week I'll do my face mask which is packed with volcanic soil and makes my skin feel amazing and once a week I use a Derma Roller. But otherwise I head to the bathroom to wash my face with my face wash and konjac sponge and brush my teeth. I then tone, add my eye & lip cream and my tightening smoothing base serum before finishing with moisturiser, lip balm and hand cream. I'm so passionate about the skincare products I sell; hence why I promote them. They don't contain any parabens or harmful ingredients and they're cosmeceutical grade; meaning they are packed full of active ingredients. If you don't already have a good skincare routine, you need to start one. Believe me, your future self will thank you for it! ;)
Social Media
As a network marketer running my business through Facebook, there are certain things that I need to be doing, to grow my audience, work the algorithms and connect with new people. So there are a few things I do each night before bed. Plus I check any notifications and make sure I tie up any loose ends and reply to any messages I need to. When I wake up, I know there will be a ton of notifications to work through, so I like to make sure I clear all I can before bed so I'm not playing catch up the next day.
Gratitude & Journal
This is an important step. Taking just a few minutes to journal your day, even just to brain dump your thoughts down on paper, or write down the positive bits of the day (it's far too easy to remember the things that went wrong that day or that you didn't get done! Give yourself a pat on the back for the things you did! ;) ) And writing down the things you are grateful for. It is impossible to be grateful and down at the same time. I find this really helps bring my thoughts around to what is important, no matter what happened during the day. Remembering your WHY, the reasons you do what you do, keeps you focussed, and HAPPY.
Affirmations
Our sub conscious mind plays a huge role in our every day lives. If we see, think and say things often enough, they will eventually affect our thoughts and behaviours. I have a list of 'self love' affirmations I like to say each day, or I have an app on my phone which I listen to.
Meditation / Relaxing Audio
Now depending on how much time I have left, as I like to be asleep by midnight at the latest. I will get into bed ready to fall asleep and doze off whilst listening to some relaxing meditation or law of attraction audios. I'm currently trying a few different apps and youtube videos, to find something that suits me. But I find these relax me, whilst working on my self development. So I fall asleep feeling content, relaxed, peaceful and it enhances my mood as I fall asleep, which makes for a good nights sleep and I wake up feeling refreshed, happy and ready to smash my day! :)
Do you have an evening routine,
or feel you would benefit from one?
I've recently been involved in some much needed self development training, I'll fill you in a little more on that soon ;)
It has opened my eyes to a whole new world of self love and self care and just how important it is to take time out to really concentrate on yourself; spend time on you, get to know yourself and look after yourself. Self Love training has completely changed my life, my mindset & my confidence. People around me have noticed a huge difference and I've been hit with comments such as, 'Wow, what are you on? I'll have some of whatever you're taking!!' It's SELF LOVE baby! ;)
It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and never take time out for yourself, or maybe you're feeling a bit overwhelmed or are going through a tough time right now?
Although I'd love to serve you up a dose of self love and make all your problems fade away, it's so important to regularly take time out to pay attention to yourself and your self-care.
So, I've been on the hunt for the most awesome Self Love and Self Care gifts, to treat yourself to (because you TOTALLY deserve it!) or to gift someone who you think could do with a bit of extra self care in their lives... you can thank me later ;)
US based, Uncommon Gifts is a privately owned online retailer specialising in unique and handmade pieces whose mission is to support and provide a platform for artists and designers. And I have found the most amazing gifts to spoil yourself or a loved one with...
1. A Journal
Journalling is a fantastic way to get your thoughts down on paper and help you see things clearer. It's also a great way to remind you of your gratitude and your why, to bring your focus back to why you do what you do. Treat the man in your life to one here or find other great gifts for men.
2. Massage
A massage is one of the most caring and healing things you can do for the body. And you don't always have to fork out for expensive massages, a bit of self massage each day does the world of good!!
3. At Home Spa Treatments
There is nothing better than pampering yourself. And often the best gifts are those which say 'relax, treat yourself to some YOU time'. These eye stones are made from Finnish bedrock and when chilled in the fridge, they bring tired eyes relief in a rock-solid spa treatment.
4. Bath Treats
A relaxing bubble bath is the perfect way to unwind. These bath salts feature seven aromatic blends to bring a sense of calm after a busy day.
5. Wishing Ball
As my confidence coach has taught me, 'It is impossible to be GRATEFUL and DOWN at the same time'. Gratitude has been a game changer for me. Spending time each day going over the things I am truly grateful for, makes me realise how very lucky I am and starts my day right! This quirky little gift is a unique way to treasure your thoughts of gratitude or your goals and wishes. You can find more quirky little gifts here.
6. Candles
I don't know about you, but when I want to relax there HAS to be candles! Set the ambience, fill the room with relaxing fragrances and wind down after a busy day. This one sets the scene of a cosy Winter's night in... *sigh* ;)
7. Self Love Book
One of the most difficult parts of my self development journey was learning to love myself. Doing my daily affirmations and taking time to think about the things I liked about myself really helped. I love the idea of this book allowing you to fill in the gaps with simple prompts for a collection of all the reasons you love yourself. It would also be a really sweet and personal gift to spell out exactly why you love someone. Maybe a cute anniversary gift for the man in your life? Check it out, and other great gifts for men on the Uncommon Gifts website.
8. Letters to Yourself
Self reflection is important to enable you to grow. I love the idea of these correspondence inspired letters, a beautiful way to capture a moment in time and stay in touch with yourself.
9. Affirmations / Positive Quotes
Starting and finishing my day with my daily affirmations and powerful, positive quotes keeps me focussed. This paperweight makes for an encouraging gift or inspiring prompt for your own workspace.
10. CHOCOLATE!
One of my most favourite forms of self love is to treat myself! ;) And personally, a little bit of chocolate does the trick just nicely. It's a real mood-lifter as it encourages your brain to release feel-good endorphins. How about this champagne bottle shaped milk chocolate treat filled with champagne truffles? Well I'm sold, bring me the chocolate!! ;)
What about you?
What ideas do you have for gifts
to encourage self love?
In collaboration with Uncommon Goods
