Written By Margherita Fresilli

The day is finally coming to an end and you’re more than ready to finally chill, take some time to yourself, slip under the covers and call it a night. And then suddenly, a thought, then another, and then a symphonic orchestra is playing in your head and you just can’t sleep.

Trust me, I’ve been there. Sometimes, when life gets hard, higher stress levels can have a massive impact on different areas of our life. It can affect our mood, our work flow, our relationships… and ultimately our sleep cycle.

Our precious rest, however, is a fundamental time of the day to preserve our health, and both our outer and inner beauty. That is why I’d like to encourage you to create a personalized overnight self-care routine. I know what you’re thinking: more work after a full day of work!?  If you’re like me, you’re probably super tired and do not have the time nor the energy for a 40-step self-care menage. However, this does not mean you can’t start small.

Creating an overnight routine is not only beneficial for our mood but also for our skin.

Actually, multiple studies have shown that while we are asleep, the specific cell group that renews and repairs our skin is at its best. The skin’s temperature heightens, making it way more receptive to skincare absorption. In other words – your expensive lotions work better at night, aka you’re getting more bang for your buck. Choose hydrating, cocooning formulas that are able to restore moisture levels, while taking care of your delicate (and probably very stressed) skin barrier. You’ll wake up in the morning with plumper, clearer, and ultimately less zombie like skin.

I especially love this overnight mask from Youth To The People – sustainable, effective, and jam packed with superfoods.

If you have a hard time falling asleep, it can also be a great idea to turn off your electronic devices an hour-ish before bed time. Yes, I’m talking phone, tablet, tv, the lot. And yes, I know how hard it can be. But maybe this could be the perfect time to squeeze in a chapter of that book you’ve been putting on hold for so long. Writing a few lines of your journal or Gratitude meditation can also be great to end the day on a positive note if your mind is still spinning like a Ferris wheel.

Currently I am reading everything under the sun written by Donato Carrisi. Nothing like a mysterious thriller to get in the mood for sleep eh? But if you prefer lighter -yet not useless- reads, may I suggest Everything I know about love by Dolly Alderton

Another boring yet effective way to welcome the sleepy vibes is with a hot, steaming beverage. You can choose your favorite, according to your mood, your taste or the season, however I personally suggest to add in one or two drops of CBD oil.

My favorite is the CBD Booster from TABA 

And, cherry on the pie in my opinion, as a last step, take care of the most used and abused parts of your poor, tired body – your hands and lips. Slather a generous amount of hand cream/mask and lip balm and call it a day. I guarantee there’s nothing more therapeutic than a calming scent and a lil’ self-massage.

For Hand cream I am currently testing – and loving this one