When I stumble in the door from work (and yes, I literally stumble because we're currently remodelling the front of our house and I always seem to catch my shoe at the top of the step), I usually do the following things in this order:
- drop keys in silver tray
- drop bag on the dinner table
- devour a packet of Sunbites
- open fridge and slam dinner ingredients on counter
- put on apron
- cook
- eat with John
- get grumpy that it's already 8:00 pm and I haven't accomplished even one thing on my long list of home "admin". You feeling me? Laundry, personal emails, Pinterest (I mean, pinning ideas for outdoor garden lights and definitely not new shoes at Kurt Geiger) ... my anxiety levels bubble just thinking about this list after dinner.
So ... recently, I switched it up a little. Ever since the Great Clear-out (which you can read more about here), I've been feeling a lot more zen because my room is so tidy - and I've been able to keep it that way!
Now that it's one of my new favorite places to spend my time, I've been rushing home from work, slipping off my shoes, dropping my keys in the silver tray, running upstairs to our loft room and ...
Washing my face.
Oh, my goodness. It feels so amazing. I like using cleansing oils that I can massage into my face (my favorites are Emma Hardie's Moringa Cleansing Balm because it smells so, so good and this DHC cleansing oil, which I just received a sample of and fell in love with) because it feels so luxurious and they take off all my make-up without drying out my skin.
Then.
I change into "comfy clothes" (typically a t-shirt and shorts or a t-shirt and sweatpants - John said he never had "indoor" clothes until he met me and that I ruined him for life because he now immediately changes into them when he comes home from work!) before slowly padding down to the kitchen and choosing a recipe to cook that night.
The whole ritual takes only about 15 minutes or so, but it's time that separates "work me" from "home me" and I think that's so important. By the time John comes home, I'm a better mood, more relaxed, and I have more realistic expectations of what I can/can't achieve that evening after dinner.
Do you have a post-work routine to help you wind down? I'm curious to know!
Snap, I always wash my face and hands then get changed into comfies and slippers as soon as I get home. It also means I won't get too tired to wash my face later on and end up in bed wearing make up!
ReplyDeleteoh man ... you just reminded me ... slipping my feet into sheepskin slippers in the winter after work = HEAVEN.
DeleteI do the exact same, change into "indoor-me". and my boyfriend has just bought his first pair of jogging pants ever as well, haha!
ReplyDeleteLOVE IT, Lisi! Same with John ... after he discovered the joy of changing out of his suit into sweatpants, he's since invested in 4 pairs, ha!
DeleteYes! Ever since I started working as a field archaeologist in 2005, I've had to do my daily shower as soon as I get home from work, since I get SO dirty. Now it's my habit and my way to decompress, even if I've just been in the office for the day. Get home, walk my dog, then take a shower and put on my comfy clothes before starting to get dinner ready. (My favorite sweatpants are from American Giant - a splurge but they are the best.) I never understood as a kid why my mom always changed into comfy clothes at home and NOW, I'm like, jeans at home? No way!
ReplyDeleteThat's so interesting, Alix! You *literally* wash the day off! I love it! It must be so refreshing to go for a walk with your dog as soon as you get home - I can totally see how that would help clear your mind.
DeleteAnd, YES to not wearing jeans at home! It feels so weirdly tight and stiff and uncomfortable! You cannot tuck your legs under you on the couch when wearing jeans. Not comfortably, at least. Haha!
I've always changed out of my work clothes (probably started when I was in the military) and I'm training The Boy Child to be the same way once he's home from school. My husband always changes out of his suit into lounge wear.
ReplyDeleteLove hearing that you have a similar routine at home as well, Ruth! The Boy Child will probably end up doing the same as an adult!
DeleteAmen! We get in, shoes off (cause who wears shoes inside when they don't have to?), dressing gowns on, tunes turned up and relaxing can begun!
ReplyDeleteSHOES IN THE HOUSE. So weird. Also: have you noticed in TV shoes (especially Gilmore Girls) - WHAT IS UP WITH SHOES ON THE BED? WHAT? WHY? HOW?!
DeleteI've only just started changing out of work clothes when I get home and I so agree! It does make such a difference! Now to try washing the ol' face... :) xx
ReplyDeleteOMG, please try washing your face (that came out wrong). It feels SO GOOD. xx
DeleteAmen! Shoes off, fluffy slippers on and hair up! I've always had "indoor" clothes too even at school and it really feels so relaxing to change into something comfy. It's like, you can be who you are, no fuss. I never got into a habit of washing my face though, have to try that! xoxo, nano
ReplyDeleteLove that you put your hair up - I thought I was the only one who did that! I used to joke that when people say they want to relax they go, "Come on, let your hair down!" For me, it's ALWAYS putting it up! Nothing feels more satisfying as soon as I get in the door than getting it out of my face!
DeleteLove this routine - I take such great pleasure in coming home after work, throwing a t-shirt on and a pair of joggers. I especially love those weekends where it rains so hard that you have an excuse not to leave the house :) . I definitely need to work harder on keeping my side of the bedroom tidier though xx
ReplyDeleteThat feeling of putting on comfy sweatpants ... so good. Haha, I can relate to being the untidy one in the house. I'm the worst! Trying to improve, and doing better now, though! xx
DeleteI think everyone can relate to this post! When I'm on the train home, I plan my home routine - shoes off, hair up, wash off makeup and genuinely feel so relaxed and weirdly excited haha. Creatures of habit eh :) I also go offline and try and not go on my phone, that relaxes me the most!
ReplyDeleteThe EH balm is so dreamy I had a mini pot and really need to repurchase!
Hanh | hanhabelle
I love love love washing my face and pampering it with oils! I'm in love with French pharmacy classics (LRP, Nuxe, Vichy) but I love Sunday Riley oils because they actually work! =)
ReplyDeleteI definitely need to get comfy, although I'm usually so ravenous that I can't do anything that takes too much time. I need to get on with cooking asap - I'm also too hungry to decide on a meal which is why I meal plan. I just read what's on the list and away I go. I am definitely going to start washing my face when I get in though, this is going to sound strange but it's often the thought of the bother of washing my face that stops me from going to bed at a reasonable time. If I can get that out of the way early, maybe I'll get to bed on time!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great idea, Jaime - and one I definitely want to implement! I always feel so grubby after the long Tube ride home and I'm sure washing my face and hands the second I get in would make me feel like a human being again. I'm guilty of getting in, dumping my things and sitting down immediately with my laptop - way worse than your old routine! Going to try your ritual from now on :) x
ReplyDelete