Although waking up early can be very beneficial, I still find myself struggling to become a morning person. What I do enjoy is plenty of sleep, which is something I make a priority. Working 40+ hours every week, I find my time in the evening and right before bed to be the most sacred. So, how can you make the most mundane things more enjoyable? Turn them into evening rituals.
A Dinner to Remember
Rushing out the door with an on-the-go breakfast in hand, scarfing down lunch at your desk, eating takeout for dinner in front of your TV – do these scenarios sound familiar to you? Taking time to eat a home-cooked meal at your dining room table can easily become an evening ritual you can start implementing.
If a quiet dinner is virtually impossible for you (because of kids, barking dogs, etc.), try to dedicate that time to no electronic noise (meaning TV, phone or music). This will allow you to enjoy your meal with less distractions, especially if you’re dining with others. Dining alone? Use this time to really be mindful of your food and what you are tasting. Feel the texture of your food. Chew slowly. Chances are you'll feel much more satisfied with what you're having for dinner.
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An Evening Beverage
An evening beverage is great to have while you sit and wind down for the evening. Whether it be a glass of wine, a cup of hot tea, bone broth or kombucha, enjoying a drink you love is a great way to treat your body to something that’s good for you and delicious. If you're looking for a dairy-free treat that will help promote a restful night's sleep after a particularly long day, reach for our new Blueberry Moon Milk Collagen Latte™, which contains snooze-inducing ingredients. Plus, it's creamy and real tasty.
Freshen Up
Brush your teeth. Wash your face. Moisturize. Sure, these are all things we do on the regular, and yes, they can seem mundane. But think about how good these things are for you and how good it makes you feel afterwards! These are things I personally look forward to every night. There is nothing I love more than going to bed with a clean, fresh mouth, a naked face, and moisturized skin from head to toe. It’s important to take care of your skin and teeth now. Your older self will thank you for making your health and wellbeing a priority.
Wash Away the Day
Look at any wellness influencer’s Instagram feed and you can see that relaxing baths are all the rage – and they’re not wrong. Want to recreate the peaceful ambience? Dim the lights, light some candles, add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your bath, or use a moisturizing bath bomb. Add some rose petals if you want a pinch of luxe to your routine. Even if you only dedicate 10 minutes to soaking in your bath, you will emerge feeling relaxed and brand new.
If baths aren't your thing, take a hot shower. Use a few drops of essential oils on the shower floor or hang fresh eucalyptus from your shower head to make it even more delightful.
In these moments, think of it as washing away your day. A relaxing bath or shower will help you destress, clear your mind and get you ready for sleep.
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Clear Your Mind
If watching a show on Netflix is your favorite way to clear your mind, have at it! Just make sure to be off your screen at least 30 minutes before you plan to sleep. Our minds are not meant to experience that much stimulation before bed and can lead to trouble sleeping. Enjoy the sweetest dream by taking a Vital Proteins Sleep Collagen Shot, which is comprised of a delicate blend of blueberry and lavender flavors brimming with function from 7g of collagen peptides and melatonin (making a great melatonin drink), magnesium and GABA (GABA supplements for sleep).
The time you spend off the screen before bed can be used for other mind clearing practices such as simple yoga stretches for your good morning exercises, journaling, or meditation. Want to take it a step further? Light some sage or palo santo to clear your own energy and surroundings.
Have something on your mind you just can’t seem to let go? Write your ruminations down on a piece of paper, then rip it up or burn it. Writing it out is a way for you to visually see what is occupying your mind. Ripping or burning it is a way for you to physically get rid of that energy that was occupying your space.
Any of these simple practices can help relieve some of the stress you felt during the day, setting you up for a good night’s sleep to wake up feelings rejuvenated and ready for what tomorrow may bring. Remember: it only takes a shift in your mindset to take your most ordinary activities from mundane to magnificent.