After a full day of tasking and flexing our creativity, our evenings should be spent caring for our bodies and minds. No matter how many projects you may have on the agenda for tomorrow, taking a break and giving yourself time to recharge is necessary to remain present and healthy.
Many of us associate routines with more work, which can influence our decision to create one. Not only can routines be simple to implement, they can add value to our daily lives by reminding us that we deserve to spend this time on ourselves. Here’s how to build a peaceful evening routine in just a few short steps:
Easier said than done, right?
Although this can be a more challenging habit to overcome, it has a significant impact. After you’ve done your final evening check of your emails and social media, set a time to turn your phone on silent and put it away. It’s necessary to put some space between yourself and the world and have time that is truly your own. In addition to being socially stimulating, our screens also emit blue light that signals our brains to stay awake and keep scrolling. Creating a space between yourself and your screens can have a calming effect and allow you to get a more restful sleep.
You know that feeling you get when you have a big, open arm stretch?
That relaxing sensation is due to the tension that’s released every time you extend. Now imagine experiencing that calming feeling to all of your muscles after a full-body stretch. Yoga is just a sequence of stretching; it can be incredibly easy and accessible to anyone. Every body is a yoga body. Yoga has been proven to assist in building strength, balance and flexibility, but it is often used to relax body tension and help with overall focus. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a newbie, incorporating a few yoga poses at the end of your day along with some intentional breathing can have a profound, serene effect on your mental
health.
We’ve seen a significant rise in the use of essential oils over the last decade - and for good reason.
If you’re new to these oils, they are fundamentally the essence of a plant. This means that the properties that the plant offers can be used to enhance your well-being in various ways. For an evening routine, you’ll want to select oils that have a peaceful effect and will prepare you for relaxation. These are some of the best essential oils to reduce stress and calm your mind:
● Lavender
● Chamomile
● Ylang ylang
● Bergamot
● Neroli
To incorporate essential oils into your routine, I recommend taking our Stress Release Roll-On and gliding a small amount on to the back of your neck and the palms of your hands. Rub your hands together and cup them gently around your mouth and nose. Breathe deeply in through your nose for 5 seconds and then slowly exhale through your mouth.
This is easily the most transformative habit on our list.
Practicing gratitude not only helps to guide your focus on to more positive aspects of your life, it also shifts your perspective into a place of abundance. When we say abundance, we mean that being grateful for the blessings in your life makes you realize that you have plenty more to be thankful for. Once you start this list, it typically continues to grow and grow. This exercise actually rewires your thinking patterns to seek out the good in everyday life.
You can start simple. Grab a notepad and pen; try to think of 5 things that you are grateful for and why you are grateful for them. Keep a running list of these examples, so that on those especially hard days, you can come home and have these journals available to remind you.
After a busy day, we like to keep it simple.
No fussing around with a 10-step skincare routine; often it’s better to stick with one simple yet effective product. We love to reach for our Nootka Rose Facial Oil when we’re looking for potent yet gentle hydration. This luxurious formula features some of our favourite skin-loving ingredients like:
● Rosehip Oil - This famous facial oil is known for being suitable for all skin types and is commonly used to deeply nourish, smooth skin texture and even out tone. Brimming with Vitamins like A and C, Rosehip Oil brightens and gives bounce to dull skin.
● Jojoba Oil - Jojoba is the only oil found in nature that is almost identical to our own skin’s sebum, which makes this a perfect oil to calm down oily skin with enlarged pores. Jojoba oil balances, ensuring that our skin has an ideal level of hydration.
● Neroli Essential Oil - This oil is perfect to use in the evening due to its soothing and relaxing effects. Neroli is also known to assist with symptoms associated with anxiety and stress, so be sure to do some intentional breathing while applying this facial oil.
After cleansing, take 3-5 drops of your facial oil into your fingertips and gently pat the oil into your face and neck. Now that your skin has a soft layer of moisture, you can begin an easy face massage. Start with your hands on either side of your nose and use slow, direct movements from the center of your face outwards. Use whichever pressure feels most comfortable. Notice the tension being released during this exercise and remember to relax your facial muscles completely. Pay special attention to your temples and forehead and be sure to breathe out all of that remaining stress held in your face.
You may not choose to incorporate all of these habits into your peaceful evening routine, but select the ones that speak the most to you. The goal of this exercise is to encourage you to take the time to give your body the relaxing experience it craves.