Hello, friends!
I’ve been posting little tidbits about my nighttime routine and I thought it would be cool to share them with you in depth and explain why I do what I do.
Please remember, this is what works for me. If you’re interested in trying out some part of my routine, but are unsure how it will affect you, please consult with your primary care physician.
21:00 – My family considers me the Nonna, Italian for “grandma”, of the house. And you’ll soon see why. This is usually around the time when I start my night routine. I like doing a relaxing activity, like crochet, while watching some Youtube, Netflix, or one of my favourite shows, Big Brother.
I’ve become a crochet addict. A friend of mine in university taught me how to crochet, and since then, I’ve been hooked – literally. I began making simple scarves, which I donated to a homeless shelter at Christmas time. Since then, I’ve challenged myself to crochet a blanket, a sweater and some winter hats.
I find crochet therapeutic and an excellent mind stimulating activity.
22:00 – It’s finally time to head to bed. This is where my night routine really kicks off. I change into some comfy PJs and head to the washroom to wash my face and brush my teeth.
I’ve been using the On Guard Whitening Toothpaste from dōTERRA. It’s a natural, flouride-free toothpaste with essential oils and it tastes great. It’s non-toxic and leaves my mouth feeling super clean and fresh. I 10/10 recommend this toothpaste.
I only rinse my face at night. I find that it works best for my skin if I wash my face with a cleanser only once a day, which I typically do in the morning.
Occasionally I’ll rub some Immortelle Anti-Aging essential oil blend on my face wherever I have some fine lines or large pores creeping in. This blend is full of rare oils like Frankincense, Hawaiian Sandalwood, Lavender, Myrrh, Helichrysum and Rose. Remember, it’s best to be proactive, not reactive. So I like to promote healthy looking skin as much as possible, as early as possible.
Next I’ll fill my diffuser and add a few drops of Easy Air. I get really congested at night with the change in seasons soon approaching, so this blend helps to open up my airways.
22:15 – Almost time to finally hop in bed. I prepare my warming socks, which is a cool new technique that my naturopathic intern recommended to me. It sounds odd, but I swear by this method. Run some thin cotton socks under ice cold water and ring them out until they’re no longer dripping. Put them on immediately and then put on a pair of dry wool socks on top.
Wearing cold, wet socks to bed… huh? That’s what I said too. But this practice has been used for centuries. It’s tried and true. The change in temperature by your feet promotes circulation and can help boost the immune system, cure the common cold, aid digestion, improve sleep quality and even ease mild pain.
This technique has done wonders for my chronic congestion and post nasal drip. I swear by this. I encourage you to give it a try! After a couple minutes, it really does start to feel warm on your feet.
And now the final step, a castor oil pack. Also recommended by my naturopathic intern, this has helped me regulate my hormones naturally. Castor oil packs are another great way to promote healthy circulation in the body. Simply soak a piece of flannel in castor oil, lay it over your pelvic region below your abdomen, and cover with an old cloth. This will stain clothing, so be mindful.
I apply a castor oil pack each night before and after my period – never during. Because it promotes blood flow and circulation, this can make your period flow much heavier. So, it’s best to avoid this while on your menses.
22:30 – And finally time for me to get cozy under the sheets. My face and mouth feel fresh, my room smells clean and minty, and my feet and abdomen are nice and warm. This is when I express gratitude and reflect on my day. I pray for my loved ones and for what’s to come tomorrow. And after a few games of solitaire on my phone, I drift off to a peaceful slumber, until the Lord wakes me the next morning.
-xoxo Alicia
