Including Candles in Your Bedtime Routine: Self-Care Habits for Sleep
Candles have been used as an aid in relaxation for centuries, and for good reason! Their warm glow and soothing scents offer a simple and accessible way to ease the mind. Read along as we discuss some fun ways to include candles in your bedtime routine.
Taking time out before bed to practice self-care is an important step towards a restful night’s sleep, and the good news is that it’s easy to accomplish! When building a bedtime routine, the most important thing is to find small, enjoyable and relaxing actions or activities to help your brain prepare for sleep. Candles are a simple and fun way to help you stay consistent with your routine, and can be used in a variety of ways!
During Your Skincare Routine
Lighting your favorite scent just before starting your skincare routine is a great way to guide you into a more relaxed headspace as you practice self-care. We’re all guilty of occasionally rushing through our night routines at the last minute, so allotting time to slow down and enjoy our time before bed is key to a good night’s sleep. Keep your bathroom dimly lit with ambient light from your favorite candles, and take your time as you go through each step of your skincare routine. Think of your candles as partners in your self-care!
Once you’re done, you can wind down while feeling refreshed and surrounded by your favorite fragrance.
During Meditation
After finding a comfortable place to sit, light a relaxing scent to help create a serene ambiance. Some of our favorite sleepy scents to meditate with are white sage & lavender and dark night. Both include soothing fragrances such as lavender, herbs and sweet musk.
Watching the soft glow of a candle while practicing mindfulness is a great way to put aside the stressors from your day and shift your focus before sleep.
While Listening to Your Favorite Podcast/Audiobook
Burning a candle while listening to a relaxing audiobook or podcast is a great way to ease your mind from worries and distract the senses. If you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in the story, maybe pick a scent that’s similar to the setting! A nice smell paired with a calming story is a wonderful way to get your mind and body ready for bed.
While Enjoying a Cup of Herbal Tea
An herbal or sleep tea paired with a soothing scent is the perfect recipe for a good night’s sleep. Warm drinks pair wonderfully with warm scents such as vanilla chai or bourbon butterscotch. Throw in a book and a soft blanket, and you’ve got the perfect cozy evening!
Don’t Overthink it
Bedtime routines don’t have to be complex, in fact, the simpler they are the better! The most important thing is to make sure that you are enjoying yourself, which is why all of us at Happy Hops hope that our scents and recommendations can help you find peace before drifting off. Happy sleeping!