WIND DOWN WITH ME ✨🌙
My wind down routine is such a sacred part of my day, and allows me to look forward to getting cozy in bed. In 2024, I want to prioritize my wellness as well as regulate sleep and rest, so this has been a game changer. Let me take you through the steps 💤:
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A closing shift checklist: if you want to see a change in how you sleep or wake up in the morning, this is a MUST. In retail stores or restaurants, there is a closing shift, a time where staff cleans and preps for other staff who come in the morning. Done right, operations the next day run smoothly. Done wrong, the morning shift is nothing short of chaotic. Same applies to my space: if I organize it a bit, spruce things up, I wake up feeling refreshed and already put together for the day. If not, I am jolted out of sleep, on edge yet exhausted and rushing through my morning routine. So the night before, I just make sure everything is clean, put in its place, and even if I have a growing mess, I’ll make it more organized until I tackle it properly during the weekend.
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While I clean, organize, wash dishes/clothes, and prep for the next day, I LOVE putting on this Cozy Piano playlist on Spotify. It sets the cozy, wind down vibe that I am trying to achieve, and it allows me to romaticize my evenings a bit more. I also play it while showering and doing my skincare routines, and it just helps me relax. Feel free to play any type of music that helps you relax as you complete your closing shift checklist!
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A mindful skincare routine: I shot this post on a Sunday, so I am getting off the weekend high and prepping for the week ahead. I want to nourish my skin as best as possible, and since we have been having a brutal winter on the East Coast, I wanted to boost hydration (I will do a post on this in the future). Though I had the products, I wanted to take my time doing my skincare and I made sure to pay attention during this time. As I put on certain products, I made sure to work them into the skin a little bit more and give myself a mini massage. I think this also helped me wake up refreshed, all while making my skin glow!
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As I am doing my closing shift checklist and my shower and skincare routines, I am not looking at my phone. At this point in the day, my phone is responsible for playing music and only getting texts and calls from designated people. I usually catch up with my boyfriend at night, but before that time, I am not looking at my phone. I try to even prevent looking at it when we call, because that blue light tricks your brain into thinking it is daytime, preventing adequate and effective sleep. I am sure to turn on the night shift on my phone and set it to the warmest screen display. This also helps slow my brain down and signal to me that it’s time to get in bed!
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Last but certainly not least, I incorporate noise into my sleep. I use Headspace to provide brown noise so I can sleep better and deeply, but you can also use Spotify or wherever you get your music. Brown noise has shown to block out distractions and create an environment that promotes sleep, deep sleep and relaxation. Be sure to try it out, and let me know in the comments how it worked for you!
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Building on my core wind-down routine, I've found a few extra elements that truly elevate the experience and guarantee a more restful night. For anyone looking to deepen their evening wind down routine cozy experience, these tips have been game-changers for me! First, let's talk more about that 'Closing Shift Checklist.' While tidying my space, I don't just put things away; I also mentally prepare for the next morning. This means laying out my clothes for the following day, packing my lunch if I'm going to work, and even deciding on a simple breakfast. This tiny bit of foresight means my morning starts with ease, rather than a frantic rush. It's not just about physical order; it’s about creating mental calm, knowing that tomorrow is already partially handled. This small habit, inspired by the Closing Shift Checklist from my images, helps me release the day's last lingering stresses. Regarding music, while my Cozy Piano Evening Spotify playlist is my go-to, sometimes I switch it up. If you're not a piano person, consider ambient nature sounds – gentle rain, distant thunder, or soft ocean waves can be incredibly soothing. The key is to find sounds that act as a gentle auditory blanket, not a distraction. I've even experimented with binaural beats designed for relaxation, which can be fascinating. The aim is to create that soft piano night aesthetic but tailored to your personal preference, helping your brain shift into rest mode. My mindful skincare routine is another area where I've added layers of intention. Beyond just applying products, I sometimes incorporate a simple facial lymphatic drainage massage, using my fingertips to gently encourage circulation. Adding a drop of lavender essential oil to my moisturizer or diffuser creates an aromatherapy element that signals to my body it's time to relax. It transforms a functional step into a luxurious, self-care ritual, nourishing not just my skin, but my soul. The put the phone on Do Not Disturb before bed rule has extended to a complete digital detox for at least an hour before sleep. Instead of scrolling, I might read a physical book, do some gentle stretching, or even just sit quietly with a cup of herbal tea. This drastic reduction in blue light exposure and mental stimulation truly allows my brain to slow down, preparing it for deeper sleep. I've found that placing my phone to charge in another room entirely removes the temptation to pick it up. Finally, let's dive deeper into sleep noise. My go-to is brown noise, as mentioned, because it's excellent at masking sudden sounds without being intrusive. However, there are noise options for sleep like white noise and pink noise too. White noise is often described as static-like, providing a consistent sound across all frequencies, which can be great for blocking out sharper sounds. Pink noise is similar but has a lower frequency, often sounding 'softer' or 'deeper' – think rustling leaves or a steady rain. Experimenting with these can help you find what truly creates your ideal sleep sanctuary, allowing for uninterrupted, restorative rest. Each element, from the checklist to the right noise, builds a comprehensive plan to wind down for bed effectively.
