This Is My Ultimate Wind-Down Routine To Relax After A Long Day 

Yes, it may be a little over the top for every single day, but it helps me relax when I really need it. Plus, it puts me in a better place mentally before falling asleep. As always, you should take what resonates with you and leave the rest—but here, allow me to divulge my ultimate wind-down routine: 

The final step to set the scene for maximum relaxation is adjusting the lighting in your home. Cool, bright, lights can be harsh and not so relaxing, so I'll turn off any overhead lights and opt for softer detail lighting instead. Some of my go-to lighting fixtures are rock salt lamps, sunset lights, and anything on the dimmer side (low-watt light bulbs are your friends). This helps my eyes relax and my brain prepare for rest. 

Beyond aiding in healthy rest, this sleep supplement also promotes muscle relaxation and modulates stress response in the body.* I like to think of this as a primer to make the rest of my wind-down routine that much better. 

Stretching is important for overall health, but it's especially vital when it comes to relaxation. We actually store stress in the body, and one way to manually release it is through simple yoga flows and stretches like the ones discussed above. So while a peaceful ambience may make you feel more relaxed, stretching figuratively presses your body's "chill-out button" as well. 

Meditation and mindfulness have been shown to be powerful tools for improving mood, enhancing attention2, and decreasing markers of stress3. Not bad for a practice that's safe, free, and available at any time.

There are many different styles of journaling, and each one offers different benefits. Here are a few examples: 

It's important to choose whatever feels best for the moment, and you don't have to stick to one style just because you're used to it. In fact, it may actually be beneficial to switch it up. You can read more about journaling, the benefits, and how to take part in different methods here.

As far as daily skin care routines go, we're all about simplicity. That being said, there's nothing wrong with a little extra pampering every once in a while. I find taking care of my skin relaxing and enjoyable, so I like to put some extra effort into it when I've had a long day. I'll typically use a face mask and play around with some facial tools to send my skin the extra love it deserves. 

On busy days that make your head spin, a wind-down routine can help your body and mind relax after the fact. Taking sleep-promoting supplements, moving your body, mindfulness techniques, and some much-needed self-care can all have a significant impact on your mood.* Of course, there are many other ways to calm yourself down, so feel free to add other steps that may call to you. Here are 15 expert tips to calm down quickly if you're unsure where to start.