I hope everyone has had a relaxing and cozy first week of September. I think I’ve successfully changed my inner and surrounding vibes to ~fall~ even in 90 degree weather. Though we still have a couple weeks until the official start of autumn, the “ber” months are here!! If you ask me, one of the most drastic seasonal shifts is the one from August 31st to September 1st. You go from full on summertime to cooler days, school beginning, leaves changing, the halloween and holiday seasons approaching, and more. Even though the climate hasn’t changed too much here in Orlando, the vibes have certainly shifted.
The changes I make myself are really what helps me get into the mood for the season. I’m trying to have earlier nights and embrace all things cozy. I’ve really been loving my evenings and thought I’d share my routine that helps me unwind and enjoy my hours after the workday during fall time!
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A healthy, warm dinner. Obviously, I can’t cook at work, and cooking is something I really do enjoy and find to be grounding if I take my time. I love taking my time to chop up veggies and add lots of spices, especially as it gets closer to the fall and winter months. My go-to is usually some version of broccoli, cauliflower, rice, and spinach, with lots of seasoning of course. Soups, homemade pizza, or any kind of curry dishes are also so perfect for this time of year. Eating seasonal fruits and veggies is good for your body and the earth.
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Wrapping up the day and prepping for tomorrow. After dinner, I clean up and double check my agenda to wrap up any “to do” list items I missed. I use this academic planner and have been loving it. There is plenty of room to schedule out my month, my week, and my day to day. I’ll double check my “to do” list for the next day as well. I seriously love using my planner. Then I’ll prep my lunch for the next day (usually a sandwich or salad) and pick out my outfit. Back to school (or work) means I have a reason to get dressed up again! During summer, I didn’t really put outfits together on the daily but I absolutely love being able to be creative and pick out outfits for work that go along with the time of year. This can take some time, depending on how inspired I’m feeling but it is so worth it for the peace of mind when it’s time to go to sleep.
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Movement. Movement is so so important, especially in a job where there might be a lot of sitting down. I’m lucky to have a job that keeps me active and pretty much allows me to sit or stand as much I’d like that day. However, I need a little bit more intensity and intention to consider movement to be real movement for me. After I’ve eaten and gotten myself ready for the next day, I’ll either take a pilates class, hit the gym, or go for a walk around downtown. It mostly depends where I am in my cycle and how my energy levels are feeling. Recently I’ve been trying to make the switch to a morning workout, but that just hasn’t happened quite yet.
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Slow shower. Not every night of the week is going to be a fully body shower, let’s be so honest. But every night, it is worth it to make time for a peaceful shower. This may look different for everyone, so find what makes it best for you! I’ve found even the smallest things can elevate the showering experience, even if it feels like it’s a pain to do. I usually listen to an encouraging podcast from “Date Yourself Instead” or “Claim Your Power,” which really adds to my happiness in the shower! If podcasts aren’t your scene maybe make a soft playlist that you love. Products make a difference too. They don’t have to be crazy expensive but try to find shampoos and soaps that smell delicious to you and make you excited to use them. And if you can, keep the lights dim for some mood lighting that will get your body ready for sleep. Maybe even a waterproof shower lamp to add to the vibes. Anything like this can help to romanticize your daily life!
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A cozy show. I’ll admit, I do love a little television before getting into bed. In the fall and winter, I am a sucker for Gilmore Girls, and the like! The less intense shows help me unwind and relax. Bonus points if you’re rewatching because then you can halfway tune out and complete any doom scrolling that you must do before actually getting into bed. It’s also mandatory at this time to light a seasonal candle and make sure your lighting is low. My favorites from Bath and Body Works are Cranberry Woods and Leaves.
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Skin Care and Brushing. Right before bed, I brush my teeth, and sometimes whiten them. I absolutely swear by Plus White Speed Whitening Gel. I’ve been using it since high school, and it works soooo well plus it’s very inexpensive! When I first got it I was using it frequently but then I swapped to about once a week, so it lasts a long time. As far as my skin care, I actually do most of it right after my shower. But my nighttime skin care routine this season is as follows:
- Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanser
- Sophie Pavitt Glycolic Serum
- Ren Under Eye Cream (this is actually discontinued, so I will be accepting recommendations for a good under eye cream)
- Medik8 Advanced Night Cream (so good)
- Origins Overnight Hydrating Mask (this one I do add right before bed after I brush my teeth)
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Into bed with a book. This habit took a while to build, but I’ve swapped the phone for a book. I read as much as I can before getting too sleepy and let me tell you it is such a nice break from the phone and the busyness of the day. It’s so relaxing and I think it winds down my body and helps me to fall asleep faster.
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Each day is a little bit different but the gist of my evenings are like this. Free time during the week is precious so I try to make sure I really do enjoy each part of my evening routine. Adding or changing little things like candles, the shampoo you use, or even the music you listen to can make a world of difference. Enjoy your fall season! xo
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Shop This Post:
Academic Planner – Amazon
Pink Stanley x Wicked – Walmart
Pink Headband – Amazon
Fluffy Purple Robe – Amazon
Books – Barnes and Noble (but I recommend using your local bookstore!)
