I shared on Instagram about how I was looking forward to a low-key, relaxing weekend. And that’s exactly what I got. I spent some time with a few friends on Friday night, and then for the rest of the weekend, I didn’t have to leave my house. I hadn’t had a weekend since August that didn’t involve plans at least one day, so this was long overdue for me – I’m an introvert, so I really treasure my weekends with no plans.

Based on the overwhelming (ha) response to last week’s post about feeling overwhelmed, it seems like I’m not the only one in need of relaxation. So I thought that I’d share some of my go-to relaxation strategies so that we can all feel a little more refreshed together.

A good night’s sleep (in cozy pajamas)

I have been really bad about prioritizing sleep lately. I know how much better I feel when I get a full night of sleep, and yet, I’ve been staying up too late during the week. So when I have a weekend of plans, I take advantage and sleep in. Sometimes I don’t even realize how overtired I’ve been until I get a good night of sleep and wake up feeling so refreshed and like a different person.

And of course – no good night’s sleep is complete without a pair of comfy pajamas. It might sound silly, but it just feels nice to put on a cozy pair of pajamas and snuggle up in bed (ideally with Lily at my side). These Lake pajamas have quickly become my go-tos. I know they’re not a necessity, but it’s just a little thing that makes me feel better.

Get some fresh air

My allergies have been pretty bad lately, so I haven’t been spending as much time outside as I might like. But honestly, I always forget how much calmer and more relaxed I feel after getting some fresh air. It’s not even just emotionally/mentally, my body feels physically more relaxed. It’s something so small makes a huge difference.

Get lost in a book (with a hot beverage)

I’ve been struggling a little with reading lately – it’s not that I don’t want to; it’s just felt like I don’t have the focus and attention span. But reading is actually something that relaxes me, not a chore; I just have to remind myself of that sometimes. To make it even more relaxing, I like to set the mood a little bit! I wrap myself up in a blanket (my favorite is the ChappyWrap), sit outside if I can, and have a warm beverage at hand – either coffee or tea. If I’m inside, I love to light a candle – the Hotel Lobby Miami is my current favorite. It’s one of my favorite ways to spend my “me time.”

Give myself an at-home manicure

I used to paint my nails every single week. I’ve relaxed that a bit – for a while, I was letting a nail injury heal, and then I realized that I didn’t hate my bare nails as much as I thought that I did. I do find it strangely soothing, though, to give myself an at-home mani – I use the Essie Gel couture when I’m doing my own nails at home. I love the process of picking out a color to match my mood for the week, doing the base coat, color, and top coat, and then (of course) admiring my shiny nails afterward. It’s kind of silly, but it relaxes me and boosts my mood too.

Marathon a show

When I’m not quite in the headspace to read, I love a good marathon of a TV show! Sometimes it might be a new-to-me show on Netflix (Virgin River was great for this), or it might be an old classic (Gilmore Girls and The West Wing are two favorites). Sometimes it’s nice to just be able to kind of turn your brain off for a bit and get sucked in to a good show.