I’m big on goal setting so I go hard with New Years resolutions. I write them all (usually 5-6) in my planner so I can refer back to them regularly and check on my progress. I typically get through 50-60% of my goals in a year, which I consider a success. As a freelancer work/life balance is a huge struggle for me. I work pretty much all the time which means that I crash at inconvenient moments because I haven’t been resting regularly. So one of my resolutions this year is to make regular time to relax and turn off my work mode.
I’ve found that works best when I have intentional activities planned rather than just vegging in front of the TV (which inevitably leads to checking my e-mail). So lately I’ve been opening a bottle of wine, lighting a few candles, and trying a new beauty treatment or one of my simple pleasures relaxation activities.
Beauty treatments are a great way to force myself into relaxing and it’s usually the first thing to get knocked off my list when I’m super busy. Recently I’ve been using this VIIcode eye cream, which uses ancient formulas to hydrate skin and restore from damage. This has been a godsend getting rid of under eye bags, the worst physical sign of my work obsession.It doesn’t hurt that it comes in a luxe velvet bag or that the ingredients are packed with anti-oxidants. It’s basically a spa day in and of itself.
Snacks are also essential to my relaxing program. I try to choose things that are indulgent without being wildly unhealthy, like dark chocolate with sea salt or unbuttered popcorn with truffle oil. But the wine I can’t compromise on, there has to be wine. Typically I like a nice red in the winter but lately I’ve been on a champagne kick.
I also love a good hydrating mask when I’m relaxing. It’s easy to put one on while I’m watching a movie or reading a book so I can replenish my skin with next to no effort. This mask is by a new skincare brand Nico & Robo whose founder I interviewed for an article a few weeks ago.
What are your essentials for a relaxing night in?
Please note: this post was sponsored by VIIcode, however, all opinions expressed are my own.
While a bit decadent, and dinne rarely, I love nothing more than an in- home massage. Candles, soothing music and a cup of tea round out the experience.