There are a few days every month when I can feel myself becoming quieter, more emotional, and honestly a little sad. Instead of fighting it, I’ve learned that sometimes I just need to make everything soft for a night.

I don’t try to be productive or force myself into a better mood. I make the evening feel comforting, turn my phone off, and give myself permission to do absolutely nothing important.

Put On an Old Record

• I love starting with an old vinyl playing in the background. Something familiar instantly makes everything feel a little calmer.

Take a Long, Hot Bath

• I’ll light a candle, put a hair mask in, and stay in the bath for 30 to 45 minutes. Sometimes I’ll read, other times I’ll put an old movie on my iPad and let it play beside me.

Stay in My Robe for as Long as Possible

• After my bath, I do my skincare, put on a face mask, get into my robe, and basically refuse to move for the next hour. I’ll finish my movie and keep my phone turned off.

Make Tea & Journal

• I’ll make a chamomile mint tea or white rose tea with a tiny bit of honey and write for a while. Sometimes I’ll write down everything that’s been stressing me out, and getting it all out of my head always makes me feel a little lighter.

Do Absolutely Nothing

• This might be the most important part. I cuddle with my dog, let myself be lazy, stop feeling guilty about it, and go to sleep early.

I’ve realized I don’t always need to fix the way I’m feeling. I’ve learned that sometimes the best thing I can do is let myself have a quiet night and trust that I’ll feel a little more like myself again soon.