I’m always looking for ways to edit and refine my life–taking my ordinary and every day routines and taking them to the next level.  I look for ways to inject productivity, whimsy, efficiency, romance, and so many other things to make our lives not only run better, but FEEL better.  A lot of the times, parenting a child with a disability is an emotional wrecking ball–so it takes the right mindset, attention, and energy placed to purposefully infuse bits of joy in our life.

If you want to have a joyful life, you have to be joyful on PURPOSE.

1. Upgrade your skincare regimen

Whether it’s two steps or seventeen, take your time treating your skin. Pull out all the stops: the serums, creams, LED face mask, neck cream, dry brushing, and scalp treatment (yes, skincare includes showing your scalp TLC). While you’re at it, give main character energy by setting the ideal spa-like scene (think: lighting candles, turning on the essential oil diffuser, cueing up a bluesy record). Turn your skincare routine into a luxurious experience rather than another thing to check off the list.

2. Make a Sleepy Time Mocktail

Romanticizing rituals can also have added health benefits for you (hello, efficiency!) This nighttime sleepy time “cocktail” is just what the (sleep) doctor ordered for a great night’s sleep. Mix ½ cup pure tart cherry juice, 1 tablespoon of magnesium powder, and sparkling water together and pour over ice.  Bonus points if you use a fancy glass—this recipe not only helps you romanticize your evenings but also helps you get better sleep.

3. Slip into luxurious pajamas

I’ll admit I’m guilty of wearing my husband’s old, oversized tee and  sweatpants to bed on occasion (I can’t help it, they are SO comfy), but let’s leave the loungewear for the daytime, shall we? Instead, change into nightwear that makes you feel as put together as it does comfy. Silk, cotton, a matching PJ set, nightgown, slip—whatever you choose, make it lush and snooze-worthy.

The same goes for your sheets. While it’s not realistic to have fresh sheets every day, crawling into bed with fancy linens is a close second. We recently invested in bedding from Boll and Branch and have transformed our bed into a five-star hotel experience–totally worth the splurge.

After a long day in heels, there is nothing that I want more to do when I get home is ditch those things and get into some cozy slippers. It’s a great way to wind down my tired toes and give them a break at the end of the day.

Whether it’s jotting down three things you’re thankful for in your journal or simply taking note of them in your mind as you drift off to sleep, expressing gratitude while you get ready for bed will get you in the habit of finding all the sparks of joy in your day. A heart full of appreciation = a good night’s rest.

7. Use a magnesium mist

Signal your brain and body that it’s time to wind down with a spray that helps activate the body’s relaxation response and regulate stress. Spritz a calming magenesium spray onto your chest or torso before bed for a dreamy night.

No clutter here. Keeping your bedside  in order means you can rest assured you have everything you need within reach. Tidy and glamorize your nightstand each night to put any unnecessary anxiety to bed by only leaving items that bring you joy and peace in sight: a book or journal, an eye pillow, a carafe of water, your fave lip balm and hand cream, an alarm clock (notice I didn’t include your phone!).

9. Put your legs up the wall while meditating

Why not use habit stacking to transform your nighttime routine? Press play on your favorite podcast or choice of meditation and position your legs up the wall to relax the nervous system and kick in lymphatic drainage.  Combine the benefits of meditation and lymphatic drainage, and you get decreased stress and better sleep, plus reduced bloat and improved immune function.

Step into your bath or shower and let the warm water do its soothing magic of washing off the day and relieving sore muscles. Hang eucalyptus from your shower head or soak in eucalyptus bath salts for an extra dose of relaxation.

11. Use red light therapy

So you’re already donning your LED face mask (see point #1), but the regenerative goodness of RLT doesn’t stop at your face. Get your glow on in the form of an at-home device for a leg up in anti-aging, reducing inflammation and muscle recovery, and boosting mood for your entire mind and body.  I loved using it on my shoulder as it healed as well as my back and torso.

I drop a pretty penny on sheet masks, eye patches, and body butter, but my hands and feet tend to get forgotten about. I’ve made a point over the last month to pay special attention to pampering my hands and feet and I’m loving the results.  I use a thick cream, cover my feet with socks and wake up to baby soft skin.

Resist the temptation to scroll endlessly and pick up where you left off in your latest read. But before you do, make it a whole situation with a weighted blanket, the Sleepy Girl Mocktail you concocted earlier, and ambient lighting and music.

14. Do anything by candlelight

Candles make anything more romantic.

15. Envision tomorrow

Nighttime means you’re closing the chapter on everything that happened today, but it also means starting a new chapter tomorrow. Take some time to envision how amazing tomorrow can be: What are all the things you’re looking forward to? How good will your morning coffee taste? Is the big meeting tomorrow taking you a step closer to your dream life? Do you have your favorite yoga class tomorrow?  Are you meeting a friend for dinner?  Whatever shape it takes, fall asleep having something to look forward to.

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