According to recent reports, 62% of moms get less than one hour to themselves each day. This can make the prospect of having an entire evening to themselves incredibly exciting, especially if they have all but abandoned their usual self-care routine.
Photo by Isabell Winter on Unsplash
However, after spending so much time and energy on others, it can be hard to know where to begin when one of these rare solo nights crops up. With that in mind, here are some top tips for planning the perfect night in for one!
Set the tone. The first step toward a relaxing and peaceful night in is to make sure that you’ve set the tone for the evening. This can be achieved by creating a relaxing and cosy ambience in your home, such as by lighting scented candles and turning down the lights.
Order takeout. When you have a rare few hours to yourself, don’t waste them in the kitchen. Instead, order takeout so that you can enjoy a delicious hot meal without having to lift so much as a finger (apart from when you answer the door). If you are not sure where to order from, a quick search for something like “pizza places for delivery near me” will help you find what you are looking for.
Get into your pyjamas. Once you’ve placed your order, it’s time to settle in for the night. For example, you may want to have a bath or shower before reaching for your comfiest pair of pyjamas. This is also a great time to run through your skincare routine and remove your makeup, ahead of the next step on this list.
Apply a facemask. Nothing says rest or relaxation quite like a facemask, and it’s a great way to pamper yourself, too. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to read the ingredients carefully to prevent breakouts or flare-ups when applying a face mask.
Turn on your favorite TV show or film. Once your food has arrived, pour yourself a drink, whether that’s a glass of wine or a soda, and settle down in front of the TV. With no need to fight over the remote, don’t be afraid to indulge in one of your guilty pleasures, whether that’s a classic chick flick or a reality TV show.
Avoid spending time on your phone. While there’s nothing wrong with spending time on your phone, it is not the most relaxing activity, especially when you’re winding down after a busy week. As such, try to avoid going on your phone unless it is absolutely necessary to do so. Instead, find other ways to occupy your time when getting into bed, such as reading or even meditating.
Final thoughts. Whether your kids are at a sleepover or at your parents’ house, there’s a lot to be excited about when you realize you’ll have a night to yourself. Careful planning ahead of time will ensure that you’re able to make the most of every moment and that you wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
