The Nighttime Routine I Swear By & so Should You

Once the TV, iPhone, and laptop are all powered down and out of reach, and my bathroom and skincare nighttime routine complete, I’ll turn to a few simple pleasures before dozing off…

Considering I don’t have any sort of routine during my Monday through Friday—there is something about a nighttime routine that I find comforting. It took me months to figure out exactly what my skin needed from myself, but now that I’ve locked it down, I figured it would be rude if I didn’t share it with my favourite people—you guys (duh). I’m dishing out all the details—everything from what I drink late at night (I swear it’s not *always* rosé) to all the incredible products I swear by and slather on my face and what I’m listening to or watching while I do so.


I find myself taking as much time as possible before diving headfirst into my bed—I either owe thanks to the blog, which has me testing a new beauty product almost every day, or to the fact that I’m scared shitless of aging skin and wrinkles. I’m going with the latter, let’s be honest I’m in my early 30s. It’s all about the anti-aging.

You can also see my 6 Ways to Get a Better Sleep. Among the numerous responsibilities we juggle daily, quality sleep often takes the back burner, and those repercussions show up in our health and around our waistlines. So start small with a new nighttime routine and work your way from there. We all need more sleep and we all want to live a long, healthy life.

7 Nighttime Routine Rituals to start

1. Remove makeup

Always wash your face before bed. Start a routine, cleansing, toning, serum, moisturizer and hand cream. 2-3 times a week add in a face mask after cleansing and maybe take a bath.
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2. Put any clothes away where they belong

People who make their bed in the morning are more likely to get a restful sleep that those who don’t. So make your bed, every single morning. The ideal sleep environment should be clean, free of any clutter (like clothes, electronics, remotes, magazines), cool and quiet.

I make my bed first thing every morning, and open the blinds to let the natural light in. I feel it helps waken myself up organically and becomes part of my morning routine.

3. Read a book or a magazine

Try to read a book or a magazine but don’t do it on a Kindle or other device. Try to read a chapter and get lost in a story or article to relax your thoughts.

4. Shut off all devices, including your phone

Avoid computers, smart phones, tablets and television one or two hours before bed. I use this app to dim my laptop and try to stay away from my phone. Create a common area charging station in your home and encourage all your family members to “check in” their devices before bed.

5. Spritz

I’ve been spritzing this Rocky Mountain Soap Relax Aromatherapy Spray nightly. It’s 100% natural and gives me a sense of calm. Drives Curtis nuts, but I just ignore him. You can spray it and breathe it in.

Essential oils can also do the trick or you can spray it onto your pillow.

6. Light a candle

Don’t fall asleep with the candle lit, but when you are starting to wind down into your nighttime routine, light your favourite scent and start to relax.

7. Take time to reflect

Write a journal, meditate or simply have a quick conversation with your partner about your day. This lets you release any thoughts or negative energy before falling asleep. Keep a journal or notebook by your bed and write down your to-do list or ruminations before you go to sleep so you can close your eyes and make it less likely for your mind to spin.

Tips for a Relaxing Bedroom Space

1. Keep these on your night stand

• Lip balm (I’m a Vaseline girl at heart)
• Hand cream
• Sleep mask
• Oil (I like my Pixi Beauty Rose Oil for any dry spots)
• Glass of water
• Scented candle
  

2. Make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary

It should be dark, quiet, and cool (many people prefer a temperature between 65 and 72 degrees), with a comfortable, supportive mattress and pillows on the bed. To keep out unwanted light, consider installing blackout shades or heavy curtains. Block outside noise by wearing earplugs or using a “white noise” machine or one that generates soothing sounds that help you reach deeper stages of sleep.

I wear earplugs because Curtis and Piper both snore and we live near a busy street. Mostly because of Curtis haha.

3. Have that glass of water

And last but most important (because I’ll panic without it), I keep an emergency glass of water by the bed. You never know when you’ll wake up thirsty (and not want to walk all the way to the sink or fridge for a drink).

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Tell me how you wind down for bed? Do you have any rituals or tips to share with us?