A NOURISHING EVENING RITUAL
I’m not gonna lie and say my evenings always look like that - life has far too many variables - but when I can and the stars align, this is what my perfect evening looks like.
After the kids are in bed, at 8pm sleeping (which is a miracle in itself) like angels and dreaming the sweetest of dreams, I begin tending to myself. Sometimes I manage to do it all, sometimes some, sometimes none and that’s totally fine. No self-criticism allowed.
⋒ Electronics off. No emails. No messages. No phone calls. No research. No shopping. And if I really, really, really have to, I will wear blue light blocking glasses not to mess up my hormones.
⋒ Dry brush my skin. It’s the perfect beginning of the evening bath time for me. It’s meant to be really good for aiding detoxification and skin health. I just find it bring me back into my body and makes me feel alive. I love how my skin tingles afterwards. They say this is better to do in the mornings, but I prefer the evenings. Do what works for you.
⋒ Take a bath or a shower, depending on my mood. Meditate while in. Take time to gently scrub my skin and massage it with aromatic oils. Wash my hair and apply all the lotions and potions. A face mask. Come out renewed, relaxed and refreshed. Take time to apply aromatic oils and balms to my face, body and hair. Treat my self with utter reverence. Take time to Gua Sha my face & shoulders and massage my scalp. Massage my feet, my breast and my belly. I have a selection of oils, balms, creams and lotions and I tend to choose these intuitively depending on my needs.
⋒ Yin yoga, neck, shoulder & pelvic stretches and myofascial release while breathing really deeply and intentionally. I’m currently breastfeeding and out of the last 8 years, 6 were spent breastfeeding my girls. It’s taken a toll on my spine, shoulders and posture so chest openers are a must. Pelvic stretches are just so pleasant and simply wonderful. Yin yoga helps you release the day. Myofascial release helps with chronic body pain, stress release and mobility.
⋒ Cup of relaxing herbal tea in bed, while planning tomorrow and writing down my “want to do list”. That way I can let go and sleep well without worrying about the day ahead.
⋒ Read a book. Nothing serious. Nothing study related.
⋒ Sex, self pleasure, sensual massage. Anything pleasurable. If I’m in the mood. Never force yourself and do only what feels good, alone or with a person you trust.
⋒ Womb & belly massage, pelvic steam or dearmouring. I hold a lot of trauma in my pelvis & abdomen, so tending to it is an important part of my day. These one one the most nourishing practices & powerful practices for transforming menstrual, obstetric & sexual trauma. Remember to breathe through it and let any sounds your body want to make come out.
⋒ Misting some lavender or chamomile on my pillow to help me sink into the deep reveries.
⋒ If I struggle to fall asleep, and often I do, I play a meditation or self-hypnosis.
When I manage to implement these into my routine, and have a calm, nourishing, mindful evening I sleep better and feel stronger and healthier the next day. If you have any practices that make you feel nourished, calm and cared for please share - I’d love to know what works for you!
Warmly, Olivia