I’m currently in the throes of midterms and the mid semester blues which accompany them. Though the time is stressful, I’ve found that taking better care of myself has helped me cope with everything going on. I’m going to share my perfected dorm room night time self care routine in the hopes that some of you can take inspiration and put your mental and physical health first. 

My routine begins when I finish my work. Once my work for the night has been completed, I am free to relax and take care of myself. The first thing I do is lay out my clothes for tomorrow, so that I feel well prepared. Then I grab my towels and pajamas, and go to the bathroom. My first task is to take a nice relaxing shower. I use a lavender scented shower balm to get myself in a calm mindset. I find that a nice long everything shower gets me into the perfect headspace. My current go to shower favorites are the Necessaire body wash, the First Aid Beauty KP bump eraser, the Boregio hair mask, the olaplex clarifying shampoo, the Cerave face wash, and the Necessaire body cream. 

Once I finish my shower, I put on my PJs and robe. Firstly, I do my skincare routine. Then, I blow dry my hair. You don’t necessarily need to style your hair, but a nice rough dry is a good way to make sure you don’t get your sheets or pjs wet. I, personally, find wet sheets to be exceptionally annoying. 

When my hair is dry and I am cozy in my pjs it is time to reflect and plan. I like to fill out my planner the night before while I have a clear mind. I make a to-do list and write out my schedule every night, and that way I am prepared to get up and start my day on a  productive note. My planner also has some journaling elements, which I find are a good way to reflect and practice gratitude. 

Now I am ready to get ready for bed. I turn down my bed and remove any decorative pillows. Then I use Alo Yoga magnesium spray on my pillows to create a relaxing aroma. Then I get out my book and Slip eye mask. I like sleeping with an eye mask because then I can keep sleeping if light comes through the blinds or my roommate needs to get up and turn on the lights. Another product I really recommend if you are living with a roommate are the Loop quiet earbuds. These earbuds block out over 30 decibels of noise, so you can keep sleeping while roommates get ready for class in the morning or come in late at night. 

Now that my eye mask is on and my earplugs are in, I am ready to get a good night’s rest. My bed is very comfortable for a dorm bed because I have a really amazing mattress pad. My mattress pad is from Tempur-Pedic and I highly, highly, highly recommend it.

I hope my routine can help inspire you to relax and destress, even during this hectic season.