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We spend a third of our lives asleep—that means our bedroom is the most lived-in space in our homes. It’s the room where we start and end our days, and that’s why the rituals that happen there are extra important. In The Wind Down, we’ll be exploring the nighttime routines of people we admire and taking their advice to make the moments just before bed when we feel our best.
Babba Canales Rivera leads a busy life: She’s the founder of brand marketing agency ByBabba, the cofounder of women’s leadership community HER U.S., and she’s a fashion icon in her own right. Yes, you’ve definitely seen her in street style photographs before.
With a lot on her plate, the New York–based Swede finds time to relax at the end of every day and follows a routine that helps her to stay balanced and refreshed. By the time morning comes, she gives herself 10 extra minutes in bed after hitting snooze before heading to the office to continue building her empire. Below, she shares her nightly rituals in her own words.
First up, an herbal remedy: At 10:30 pm, about 30 minutes before going to bed, I fill a glass of water and add natural sleep drops to it. I was having vivid dreams, and since taking the sleep drops, I haven’t had a single one. Instead, I find myself in a true deep sleep.
A quick skin routine: I typically shower in the mornings, so at night, I wash my face with Tulura’s oil cleanser and moisturize with Kristina Holey + Marie Veronique Intensive Repair Serum, which is super gentle and lightweight. I brush my teeth with my Quip brush and toothpaste.
Ready for bed: I slip into my silk pajama set and go to my bedroom, usually around 11 pm. I try to pull out an outfit the night before based on what my next day looks like, as that makes the morning so much easier.
Aromatherapy time:I always light Palo Santo before going to sleep to clean the air and set my mind in a different mode.
Essential additions: I also apply lavender oil on my wrists with a roller, put a CBD-infused healing stick on my neck and shoulders, and if I feel a slight sense of a headache, I will apply Bye-Graine essential oil roller on my temples. I also apply Aesop hand cream, which I keep on my nightstand.
Bed buys: I sleep on Lexington sheets with thin gray stripes—during the winter, I opt for its cashmere blend sheets, which are super cozy.
Pillow talk: I only sleep with one pillow and I currently use the Casper pillows, but I’m currently searching for the perfect pillow to help with my neck pain.
Book worm: Rather than get caught up on my phone—I keep my phone usually in the living room and out of the bedroom—I try to read a few pages every night, as it helps to put me to sleep. Currently, I’m reading The Year of Magical Thinking. I love books that help me widen my perspective on personal growth. An all-time favorite is Emotional Intelligence 2.0. I also love The Hard Thing About Hard Things and I’m excited to read Option B by Sheryl Sandberg next.
Lights out!
More wellness: Casper Is Reinventing the Night-Light—But for Adults I Tried 5 Hacks to Become a Morning Person—This One Actually Worked 7 Overnight Masks for Happy Next-Day Skin