I am the first to admit that my self-care is seriously lacking. However, I think 2021 is a perfect time to start implementing some new and better habits. Who doesn’t want to be the best person they can be? I know I do.
We all know the importance of sleep. This is another thing that I have not been great at in the past, but here is my bedtime self-care routine.
Set boundaries around time:
This was a hard one for me and something that I still struggle with. However, it’s so important to have boundaries around your time. I am the first to be working well into the wee hours of the night. So my workday ends at 3, which means I am done emailing and doing anything else work-related at 3. Being a college student I have so much homework all the time so from 4-6 is when I work on homework. This allows me to usually study and do homework for one class. On weekends I take the extra time I need for classes, and I try to squeeze a workout in before dinner. Then after dinner, it’s time for a shower and some downtime.
This has become such an important part of my nighttime routine (I tried to be a morning exerciser I’m just not). This is something that helps me turn my mind off and feel good afterward. Even if I didn’t get everything that I wanted to achieve done that day, exercise is something that I accomplished. I feel great and I’m ready to wind down for the rest of the evening.
A full belly and a hot shower:
I’m usually starving after working out so I have to eat right after. I also feel like I have to have something healthy because well I just worked out and I wouldn’t want to take all that work away by eating something that’s going to make me feel like garbage. Next is the hot shower. This is where I melt the day away. I come out feeling clean and relaxed ready to snuggle up and relax for the evening.
Reading or tv:
We all need something to help us wind down. To take our minds off of the day. Whether I read or watch tv really depends on the day. Thursdays you can find me on the couch snuggled up with my dog watching Greys. Although the other days of the week are hit or miss if I find something good I’ll watch tv if not it’s to my room to read.
Breathing:
This is something that I do every night before bed. I work on control breathing. I hold my breath a lot when my anxiety is high. (who’s isn’t right now) So this is a time for me to really relax and get into the mood to sleep!
I find night time is the best time for me to do self-care. It’s relaxing for me and the perfect way to end the night and rest a-little before my busy life kicks back up the next morning!
I hope this helps! Stay mindful!
