If I could get the entire month of October off to dedicate to all things I love, spooky books, spooky movies, and pumpkin-flavored drinks, I would be the happiest and calmest person. But unfortunately, I have to be responsible and continue going to work 🙁 so I can’t shut out the world. Unfortunately.
But do you ever imagine what you would do if you had limitless time to yourself? Because that is probably what I do every night as I get into bed because I have to go to work the next day. It is fun, and I am determined to get at least one day where I can have this in October. Only one day and I will feel okay.
Lately, I have been so focused on work that I haven’t allowed myself time for self-care, which is so important to me. I can feel the negative impact it has had on my mental health. I am tense and anxious, which is not how I want to spend my favorite season. So, the solution is more self-care! More reading, more Netflix, and more crafting.
Consider this post my to do list of what I am going to make time for! I’m determined.
Step 1: Light a fall candle
This is one of the most important parts of my self care nightly routine. Smell is such an important sense, and I can literally feel myself relax when I burn my pumpkin candle or my apple cinnamon candle.
Step 2: Turn on some mood lighting
Obviously I am going to need some good lighting when I read, but that is what book lights are for. It feels so good to put my halloween tree and pumpkin lights on. Just those and my candle is enough light calm my nerves.
Step 3: Read a spooky/atmospheric book
Alright, the lights are on, the candle is burning, it is time to read. Right now, that book is The Diviners, but any spooky book will work. This is the point in my self-care evening where I lose myself in a story. Honestly, there is nothing more therapeutic than losing the world around me and finding myself in the pages of a book.
Step 4: Watch a spooky movie or television show
Alright, I have read a couple chapters, I need to give my brain a break. What can I say, I have the attention span of a 6-year-old. So, I close my book, grab a yummy snack (like candy corn) and turn on my TV. Films and TV series during this time of year are my absolute favorite. I like anything weird and dark!
Step 5: Cuddle with my dogs and fall asleep
Okay, I have read, watched television, and relaxed in a haze of pumpkin. Sometimes I will go back to reading after I binge watch, depending on how much time I have and how awake I am. Once I am ready for bed, I cuddle into my big white comforter with my two dogs, and fall asleep, happy and calm.
Seeing this all written out, I am craving this time. I get two days off every week, so I am dedicating one of those days each week to self-care. That will give me 4 days of cuddles, reading, and pumpkins. I think that will do wonderful things for my mental health!
What do you guys do in your nighttime routine? Is it different in the fall vs. any other time of year? Let me know in the comments below!
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