How To Unwind After A Stressful Week

If you’re anything like me, you have some weeks that are just harder than others!  Sometimes I my weeks fly by and other times they feel like they are never ending and it’s those times when I need a little extra something-something to help me relax on a Friday evening!  Today I’m going to share what I like to do on Friday evenings to help me unwind as well as some of my favorite at-home relaxation products that I’ve tried and loved!

Ok, it may seem crazy but one of the things that really does help me relax is getting the kids bedtime routine completed about an hour early and then passing them off to Lance for movie night (or whatever they want to do, really)  I know what you’re thinking…. “after a long hard week the LAST thing I want to do is be in charge of the bedtime routine for my tinies!”  Yes, I get that… however, I like to have that time with my kids and give them their baths and get them dressed in PJ’s and ready a story together early on so I can still have that bonding time with them AND THEN be able to relax without worrying if it’s even getting done or not!  (because lets get real… sometimes dad’s think 3 popsicles on the back porch is a sufficient bedtime routine….) haha

After I get my kids ready for bed I hand them off to Lance and retreat to my bathroom for a nice loooooong bath!  Depending on my stage in life… (read: pregnant or not) I also like to make myself a yummy champagne cocktail to enjoy in the peace and quiet of my bathroom!  If you ARE pregnant or  choosing not to drink you are still in luck because I came up with the BEST relaxing cocktail that can be made alcohol free using one of my favorite alcohol-removed sparkling wine!  Fre Wines makes a great Brut that is so close to the real thing you won’t even miss champagne! So if you aren’t drinking, sub the Fre Wines Brut for the sparkling wine and omit the vodka!!

Blackberry Lavender Mimosa

1/2 c Fresh Blackberries

1/4 c Lavender Simple Syrup

1 oz Vodka

Sparkling wine of your choice (I prefer Prosecco in this recipe)

Fresh Lavender Sprig for garnish

mix  fresh berries, lavender simple syrup, and vodka on the stove and simmer over low heat until berries break down.  Allow to cool completely.  Spoon 2 tbs of the berry mixture into a champagne flute.  Top with prosecco and garnish with a fresh lavender sprig!

OK, once you’ve made yourself the MOST relaxing cocktail known to mankind… it’s time to some pampering to start!  I like to do a combo of two masks sometimes.. I start by applying a charcoal mask and then let it get to work while I’m drawing the bath and lighting candles (like this one which is AMAZING)!  Before I slip into the bath I always wash this mask off completely!  I like to do this because it deep cleans your face and preps your skin for any other treatments you are going to do!

What would a relaxing bubble bath be without BUBBLES??  I love using a bath bomb with a lavender scent or some bath salts with lavender and epsom salts to relax my tired muscles while also relaxing my mind with the aromatherapy of lavender!

Once you’re ready to TOTALLY relax, turn on your favorite playlist, grab yourself a hydrating sheet mask and your cocktail (maybe you’re needing a refill by now so I suggest bringing the whole bottle into the bathroom…. you know, for logistical purposes!)

OK OK OK, you know how to take a bubble bath already so here are a few more things that I like to do to relax!

1. Meditate on what I am thankful for
2. Journal about my week – write down the stressors and leave them there!
3. Make sure the house is cleaned up PRIOR to coming home from work on Friday so I don’t have to mess with it
4. Stock up on my favorite ice cream flavors BEFORE Friday… again, it’s always best to just have these things on hand so you don’t have to go to the store!
5. get a quick workout in!  Even just a jog around the neighborhood releases endorphins and helps your mood
6. Pizza delivery and a chick flick on Netflix never hurt either!

Let me know in the comments what you like to do to relax!!

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