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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 feel our best.
When you’re the CEO of a super-buzzy clean beauty brand that just launched in November and the mother of a 2½-year-old, you can easily find yourself stretched thin. Add in an extra-stressful news cycle, and you’re even more likely to feel overwhelmed by it all—which is why Saie founder Laney Crowell always takes a moment before bed to pause, reflect, and think about all the things she’s grateful for.
That, the occasional bath, and a big glass of lemon water help her to transition from her workday to bedtime. Here, she shares exactly how she finds peace of mind in the evening.
Make the switch: My WFH strategy is to keep my routine as close as possible to my office one. When my workday is wrapped, I change into something really comfortable—like oversize Champion sweatpants and cozy slippers—and get dinner going.
Mommy and me: I could work 24 hours a day, but my daughter is 2½ —I don’t want to miss out on time with her. In the evening, she’s my focus. We have dinner, play, and read. After she goes to bed at 8:30, I check back in with work before taking some time for myself.
Wash it off: I always take a bath or shower at night—I find that time really helps me to unwind. I especially love Nature of Things Fortifying Magnesium Soak and Follain Lavender Bar Soap.
Skin saviors: I just wash my face with water—that’s what works for my skin. Then I apply Vintner’s Daughter Essence and Serum. I finish off with our clear Brow Butter, which helps with regrowth.
Air control: I started using a humidifier when I was spending time in Los Angeles in the winter, and I’ve sworn by it ever since. I’ve noticed a really big difference in my skin since I started using it, and I sleep better because I don’t ever wake up with my throat feeling dry.
Big sips: I drink lemon water before bed and keep a big glass on my nightstand. I’ve found that it helps me detox throughout the night. I go through about 12 lemons a week. With it, I take a magnesium supplement to relax inside and out.
Tech disconnect: My business is only four months old, so it’s really hard for me to not stay on my phone until I go to bed. I’m always checking sales and checking Instagram—it can be quite addictive. I’m trying to put my phone on airplane mode by 10 p.m. Global anxiety and stress levels are so high right now that it’s more important than ever to have some time unplugged.
Check up: My friend Mia [Rigden] made a wellness journal that I use every night. It prompts you to share what you ate that day, as well as how you slept the night before, how your mood was throughout the day, and how much energy you had—it’s really holistic. It just takes a few minutes to do, and it’s nice to have a moment to ask myself how I’m really doing.
Best bed: I’m pretty particular about my bedding—I like Boll and Branch and Parachute. I go for white sheets but pair them with a charcoal gray bedspread. Our bedroom is compact, so the colors make it feel really cozy.
Perfect pj’s: My favorite pairs of pajamas are by Eberjey and Lake—they’re technically my maternity pajamas, but they’re so comfy I can’t quit them.
Aromatherapy: I spray Indie Lee Pillow Mist before I go to bed. I’m so wrapped up in work all day that it really helps me to take a deep breath.
Eye spy: I always sleep with a silk face mask. I have four that I rotate through and toss in the laundry every couple of days. It’s so important to keep them clean for your skin.
Give thanks: Instead of counting sheep, I list things I’m grateful for—and I do the same with my daughter before she goes to bed.
Lights-out between 10 and 11 p.m.!
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