Hey y’all!
Now that Ford and West are back in their school routine, our evenings have found a new rhythm. The days still feel full (school pickup, dinner, baths, stories, the usual), but once they’re tucked in and the house gets quiet, I have a little pocket of time for me.
I’ve realized this window is one of the most important parts of my day. Not because I’m checking things off a perfect self-care list, but because these small moments help me close the day, take care of my body, and actually prepare for real rest. It’s less about doing everything and more about creating a gentle landing so I wake up feeling more like myself.
Here’s what my wind-down looks like right now.
Epsom salt baths
On the nights I can make it happen (about three times a week), I run a warm epsom salt bath. I use about a cup of organic Epsom salts and sometimes add a few drops of eucalyptus oil. Then I just soak—no phone, no multitasking—just warm water and quiet.
I love Epsom salt baths because the magnesium not only helps relax my muscles after a full day of mom-ing, but it also supports my body’s natural detox pathways. The warm soak feels like it pulls tension out of my body while giving everything a gentle reset, and it helps relax my body so I can fall into better sleep. It’s one of the simplest ways I feel like I’m actually taking care of myself and signaling that the day is over.
Nighttime skincare
This is one of my non-negotiables. I always clean my skin and prep it for the evening. I never go to bed with my makeup on—and I haven’t ever in my life. I truly think that’s one of the reasons my skin stays so healthy.
At night I prioritize double cleansing. I start with an oil cleanser to break everything down, then follow with my micellar water on a 100% cotton pad to really get everything off my face from the day. After that, I focus on hydration: usually one or two serums, an oil, and sometimes I layer on a balm for extra moisture. I also wear a lip mask every night.
Something about the ritual of doing my skincare is so relaxing to me. It feels intentional and helps me wind down for the day instead of just collapsing into bed. I have a detailed blog post of my routine here!
Castor oil liver pack
I do this when it feels right for my body, and sometimes that’s during certain times in my hormonal cycle when I need a little extra support. I use organic hexane-free castor oil and place it on the right side of my abdomen where the liver is located, giving my body a little massage. Then I place the 100% cotton pack and tie it on. I might wear it for an hour or two, or leave it on throughout the entire night. I also like to add heat sometimes to help it work better. It’s really to support the liver and a gentle detox, plus it’s great for hydrating the skin and helping the body relax.
Rolling out my feet
Before I get into bed, I roll out my feet with a ball. It feels surprisingly good after a long day on my feet—it helps release tension in the arches and plantar fascia, improves circulation, and eases that end-of-day soreness so my feet (and the rest of my body) can actually relax.
Inverted pose
Then I lie on my bed with my legs up the headboard for around ten minutes. This inverted pose is my favorite way to “detox” from the day—both physically and mentally. Elevating my legs helps blood and fluid flow back toward my heart so they feel lighter, while the stillness calms my nervous system and gives me a clear transition into rest mode.
Magnesium
I take Moon Juice magnesium in the evening. It’s great for relaxation and helps my body and mind settle, but I also love it for gut consistency—it supports regular bathroom habits so I feel more balanced overall. Taking it at night has become one of the steadiest parts of my wind-down.
Reading (no blue light)
I’ve really been loving reading with a little clip-on red light. It means I’m not watching the TV or on my phone—that’s a habit I’ve gotten out of, and I feel like my sleep has improved. Keeping the blue light off helps protect my melatonin and circadian rhythm, and the soft red glow lets me enjoy a few quiet pages without signaling my brain that it’s still daytime.
Hot water bottle (especially on cooler nights)
As the temperatures drop here in the mountains, I’ve started keeping a hot water bottle nearby. On cooler fall and winter evenings, I slip it under the covers or rest it on my belly while I read. It’s simple, chemical-free warmth that feels incredibly cozy and helps me relax into sleep without needing anything plugged in. I have this one.
Why this matters
None of this is elaborate. Some nights I only manage the magnesium, a little reading, and the hot water bottle. Other nights I get the full Epsom salt bath and castor oil. What I’ve noticed is that protecting even a small part of the evening for myself—once the kids are asleep—helps me show up better the next day, both for my family and for myself. These little rituals remind me that taking care of my body is one of the best ways I can stay steady, present, and energized.
These are the small, realistic rituals that are working for me right now. One doable thing at a time.
If you have a wind-down habit that helps you feel more rested once the kids are in bed, I’d love to hear it. Drop it in the comments—I read every single one.
Here’s to quiet evenings and those small self-care moments that help us feel like ourselves again.
xo,
Kasey
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