My Winter Bedtime Essentials.

I believe in bedtime routines and their impact on our wellbeing—without them, I feel like it's very difficult to fully settle in at the end of a long day. As someone who has watched so many night-time routines and regimens on YouTube, I thought it'd be a good time to share my own. 

On most nights, I'd like to think that I have a pretty well-managed schedule when it comes to getting ready for bed. With that said, my sleep schedule is not strict nor is what I do in order to get ready for bed. However, I like to allow myself at least an hour before I fall asleep to pamp and prep for the next day ahead. When I do this, I can feel refreshed and relaxed, especially when I use some of my favorite essential items.

I like to keep things simple. After I've done my evening skincare, showered, etc. I am always sure to moisturize and keep lotion or cream at my bedside. I've gotten into the habit of using it right before I go to bed—who likes cold and dry hands? Not me. The Bath and Body Works Orange Ginger Body Lotion from their Aromatherapy collection is my current bed-side pick and while orange is not the most "calming" of scents, it's a pleasant fragrance nonetheless. 

On the topic of aromatherapy, recently I've been using a lot of essential oils especially when it comes to my nighttime routine. Lavender, eucalyptus, and lemongrass have been my favorite fragrances at the moment and I use them in my diffuser and in rollers applying them to my temples, neck, and wrists when I'm feeling anxious or restless during the night. 

I've never underestimated the power of fragrance as a stress-reliever or a sleep inducer, but when I was first introduced to pillow mists, I couldn't go back. Bath and Body's Lavender Vanilla Pillow Mist is soothing and instantly relieves feelings of stress or discomfort. The ultimate spa-like experience. 

Sometimes I like to play a sleepytime playlist and it was only until recently that I found out you can set your music on your phone to a timer so that it stops when you fall asleep. I'm always reaching for my wireless headphones before bed and am thankful that they are comfortable to sleep with. I've even explored meditation apps like Headspace to help with uneasy sleep. If there are any other ways I can get good and restful sleep, I am always open to trying it. What are your bedtime routine essentials?