4 Easy Ways to Have a Relaxing Night In
Do you feel like you’re in a constant state of “go go go?” While society praises the hustle and the side hustle, all that work can leave you feeling drained. Thankfully, you don’t need to book a vacation to beat burnout and feel recharged. You just need a relaxing night in.
The perfect evening won’t look the same for everyone. It’s important to find what works for you. Start by carving out some much-needed me time. Put on the comfiest loungewear that you own. Then explore the ideas listed below to start crafting your go-to rejuvenation routine.
Create a Relaxing Space
To relax, you need the right environment. Spas do it best — clean décor, gentle music, and ambient lighting. Does that sound anything like your current space? Maybe not, but you can change that.
It’s true that when you’re feeling busy or overwhelmed, the cleanliness of your room is the first thing to suffer. But it’s also true that relaxing is hard when you’re surrounded by clutter. You don’t have to KonMari your entire apartment before you can have a restful evening, but take some time to make it feel clean and inviting.
Then, fill your space with relaxing music. If you’re looking for suggestions, give my favorite live YouTube Chillhop playlist a chance. Lastly, light a few candles or a stick of incense. You don’t need a spa get-away when your space feels so serene!
Plan the Perfect Spa Night
While we’re on the topic of spas, why not spend some time pampering yourself at home? You’ll save time, money, and a trip out in public. After all, the perfect night in is about feeling great from the comfort of your own digs.
If you are lucky enough to have a tub, you can start by taking a bath. There’s a reason why baths are so popular. Recently, there was even an article in the New York Times about our society’s growing love affair with the art of relaxing and connecting with yourself through bathing. If you want to take your soak to the next level, plop a bath bomb into your tub and watch the colors unfurl.
After your bath, try a sheet mask — those incredibly trendy and effective face-shaped pieces of serum-soaked fabric — or whip up a DIY skin savior. You can find endless recipes online that use kitchen ingredients or you can step it up by incorporating bentonite clay. Bentonite clay is a powder that draws out impurities. It can be mixed with anything from water to apple cider vinegar to create a face mask.
If you want to give yourself a manicure during your spa night, there are ways to make it feel a bit more special and relaxing than simply swiping on polish and waiting ages for it to dry. Spend time on the steps that you may normally skip, like applying a luxurious cuticle oil. Or, try some simple nail art designs that will make you feel happy when you look down at your fingers.
Warm Up With a Soothing Drink
When you’re away from home, a coffee shop can be a peaceful oasis. The soft indie music, the smell of freshly ground beans, and the low hum of friendly conversations help you feel calm. But ultimately, you can recreate the most soothing element at home: a hot, delicious drink!
On a cozy night in, few things are more relaxing than holding a warm mug — full to the brim with a comforting, aromatic drink — between your fingers. You can even try a soothing, caffeine-free option like golden milk or an herbal tea latte. And don’t forget to use your favorite mug! If you’re still trying to find the perfect one, try the cozy camp enamel mug.
Take a Tech Break
As someone who spends a lot of time on her phone, I’m not here to tell you to embark on a digital detox. But there is something to be said about the benefits of unplugging for an evening — or even an hour. When you remove the distractions, comparisons, and sensory overload, you can tap into a unique form of relaxation.
Try curling up with a good book. Right now, I’m reading Silence in the Age of Noise by Erling Kagge. It’s a book about the importance of silence, written by the first person to reach the South Pole alone. I’m not done with it yet — the Wall Street Journal says that it is “something to be handled and savored” and that’s what I’m doing — but I can confidently say that I recommend it.
If you’re looking for other ways to spend your small technology break, give yoga a shot. While it may seem difficult or intimidating, meditation can be a great tool to unwind. It can be as easy as taking a few deep breaths.
How are you spending your relaxing night in? We want to know! Tag #cozyclub on Instagram to share your perfect routine with us.