You might be seeing the title and thinking- why do I need self-care? On long, tiring and busy days, self-care can seem more of a luxury than a necessity. However, with the stressors we face on a daily basis, it’s become increasingly clear that self-care is essential.
The ongoing pandemic has shown us how important it is to nurture ourselves, lest we lose ourselves to the anxiety around us. If you’ve ever had nights where you can’t seem to quiet down the noise in your head, a nightly self-care routine might be exactly what you need. Sleep is sacred to our minds and bodies, so the events leading up to it should help improve the quality of sleep we get.
No more scrolling on TikTok right before bed! Here are our tips on how to start (and maintain) a nightly self-care routine.
How To Start A Nightly Self-Care Routine
1. Write down what you usually do before bed
Take a week or so to list out what your normal routine is before bed. Chances are that you have a routine without realising it! Look at how much time you take to wind down, what you normally do and where you’re doing it. From there, you can get a better idea on what’s routine, and other things you only do from time to time.
2. Keep what helps, adapt what doesn’t
Looking at your list, think like Marie Kondo and analyse what brings you joy! Some things in our routine might seem like they make us happy, but are actually distractions from dealing with what we need to deal with, like anxiety or stress. For those activities, see if you can replace them with activities that help rather than distract, like meditation or journaling.
3. Invest in things that help you rest better
/orestudios_central_district_th_23-5ad52fc9a26344b8bd65b64012f3f2e2.jpg)
Are your pillows comfortable? How are your room lights? Is it too dry in your room? Getting things that make your night routine a more comfortable one might seem like a needless cost. But think of it this way- investing into these things is really just investing into yourself. Spend within your means, but remember- your wellbeing is priceless.
4. Turn your space into your oasis
Your room, or home, should be the most peaceful place on earth. It’s where you rest, recuperate and have your most intimate moments. In setting up your routine, adapt your space so that it works for you. If you need a yoga corner, for instance, set up your space so that it has enough room for your mat, any equipment you need, or even a candle or two.
5. Make it simple enough that you can stick with it
Making changes to your space really helps motivate one to stick with a new routine. However, make sure it’s not one with a dozen steps. The best self-care routine is one that you look forward to, not another to-do list in your already long day. Craft your routine, make changes if you need to, and stick to it!
Gorgeous gorgeous LIVLOLA babes know that self-care is essential, amirite? ;)
