Now that the summer’s over and your calendar is once again filling up with meetings, social outings, trips, and family events, it can be difficult to carve out some time to simply unwind and relax at the end of each day! As someone whose life is constantly go, go, go, I try to make the most of the plan-free evenings at home when they do come up, and during these instances, I love to enjoy a drawn out bedtime routine. Below are some of the ways that I like to treat myself and unplug a bit in the middle of a long week. It’s fun to indulge in some pampering every now and then, plus, I always sleep better when I take my time getting ready for bed rather than simply jumping under the covers at the last second.
Step 1: Take a Leisurely Shower
We all have those days where showering just feels like a chore, but when time allows, I love being able to take a long, leisurely shower and use all of my favorite products. Before turning on the water, though, I try to use my dry brush, which I recently picked up at Red Orchard, as many times per week as possible. I’m all for trying out a new health challenge, and dry brushing is said to benefit your lymphatic system, exfoliate your skin, and increase blood circulation.
Then it’s time to hop into the shower with my favorite products. I’m obsessed with fragrance containing sandalwood, so when I spotted this Saltair Body Wash at Target that contains sandalwood along with magnolia, rose, and jasmine, I threw it into my basket immediately. I also picked up a new loofa, because I’m all about the little luxuries.
Step 2: Put on Cute Pajamas and Do Your Skincare
Is it just me, or do nice looking pajamas really make all the difference? I used to be someone who simply threw on an old t-shirt and flannel pants and called it a night, but lately, I’ve been trying to stock up on as many matching pajama sets as possible. Stylish pajamas definitely make me feel a bit more adult and put together! I scored this silky set at Marshalls and it’s equal parts cute and comfortable.
Once my pajamas are on, I’ll head back into the bathroom and do my nightly skincare. Seriously, do not sleep on the amazing selection of beauty products at Marshalls. I found a cute chapstick as well as a set of Herbivore Botanicals face products there for way less than retail price and am loving them so far.
Step 3: Map Out Your To-Dos:
I always feel a bit better when I go to bed knowing exactly what is on my schedule for the next day. This notepad from Red Orchard has been a useful tool since it lets you plan out the entire week on one sheet of paper, so you’ll always know what’s coming up in the near future. Before bed, I’ll write down any pressing tasks or errands that I want to be sure to do as soon as possible.
Step 4: Unwind and Relax
Once I’ve taken care of that quick organizational task, it’s time to RELAX! For me, this means making a mug of herbal tea (I love this chic glass mug from Williams Sonoma) and taking some time to read in bed. I’m a huge bookworm, and I’m always frequenting Barnes & Noble to stock up on the newest releases. If you haven’t read these three bestsellers from the summer, you’re missing out!
Step 5: ZZZs
After I’ve read for a bit, it’s time for bed! To make my bedtime experience feel a bit more hotel-like, I love to spray a few drops of this rose and cassis room spray near my bed so that I can doze off while taking in the most incredible fragrance. Goodnight!
Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and interior design enthusiast who currently lives in Washington, DC. Her work has appeared on websites including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest Clever, Lonny, and MyDomaine. Additionally, Sarah’s own spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz, and Washingtonian.com. Her Dupont Circle apartment was featured in both the spring 2019 print edition of Small Space Decorating and the January 2019 print edition of Washingtonian Magazine. Follow her on Instagram @sarahlyon9.
