For some people, myself included, one method of routine self care involves a night in. That’s right: as an introvert, I need some dedicated time in the comfort of my home, without any outside pressures of being social and talkative and done up.
While I am a firm believer in weekend travel and exploration and adventure, I’m only human. Sometimes my mind, body, and soul require a little down time—a chance to recover and refuel. The mountains and hot springs and breweries will be there next weekend.
My recipe for the ultimate night in is pretty straight-forward, though timeless.
Things that make for a perfect night in
1. Comfort is KEY
If I am hanging out at home, it’s a requirement that I need to be as comfortable as possible. At the minimum, this includes sweatpants and a baggy t-shirt, with a fuzzy blanket nearby. Other factors may include:
- my hair in a messy bun
- no make-up on
- glasses on, contacts out
- fuzzy socks
- a soothing face mask
2. Easy food available
If I’m being honest, the last thing I want to do on a lazy night in is cook. And it’s likely that my husband will feel the same. So, the solution often lies in either grabbing some fast food quickly (I’m a sucker for fries), or ordering a pizza. Our delivery items are limited in our small town, so we typically only have one or two options.
There’s nothing quite as comforting as digging into a slightly junky cheat meal when in the midst of a night in. Snacks, like popcorn or chocolate or ice cream, are also appreciated, though planning is required.
3. Screen time
A night in is one of those opportunities for me to dive into my screen of choice. Usually this involves either binge watching a TV show or putting on a movie, while also scrolling through my phone.
What I’m watching entirely depends on our moods. I’ve been known to enjoy brand-new movies, continue our television marathon, and watch something that requires our full attention.
I fully endorse heavy screen time on my Friday or Saturday nights, especially after a long week of Trying To Be Better.
4. Perhaps a beverage or two
If it’s the weekend and I’m really ready to relax, I might enjoy an adult beverage. I’ve been really into fruity and sweet wines lately, though I would never object to a sour beer. Champagne is always a fun addition, especially if we also have orange juice. If I’m feeling extra spicy, we will make Moscow Mules or some other vodka-mixed drink.
Cheers to a night in, I say!
5. Optional (but preferred): my husband
Though I’m perfectly happy spending some quality time with myself and choosing whatever I’d like to watch, I am happiest when I get to share my night in with my favorite person.
I think we all have someone who we feel completely comfortable with, and prefer to spend your spare time together. For me, it’s my sweet and cute husband, who doubles as a best friend and fellow introvert. Ideally, we’re together, both in sweats, swaddled in blankets, and smiling our way through a fry-induced happiness.
When mixed together, the result is a night-in of sheer perfection, coziness, and ease. A little lazy never heart anybody.
What does your ideal night-in look like?
Cheers to the weekend,
So much YAS.
all the YASS
Awesome post! That’s exactly my idea of a fun night 😀
Right?! Sometimes nothing beats being cozy, comfortable, and at home. It nearly always sounds good. Thanks for reading!
This sounds like a great night in! Who says you have to go out in order to have a good night? Nobody. Haha. I would definitely enjoy a night like this, especially with a good Netflix series and a bottle of wine!
Kendra🌸
Exactly! And if I’m saving money in the meantime, even better. And I’m thinking a bottle of wine sounds delicious! Thank you for reading, Kendra! 🙂
As an introvert, I almost always prefer an night in the comfort of my own home: a nice meal follwed by an interesting book or Netflix usually does for me. I’m smiling just thinking about it now.
I love the sound of a really delicious meal or diving into a book and having nothing else to worry about. It’s so rejuvinating! I hope you’re able to do so soon. Thank you very much for reading.
Oh, Savannah, another introvert:) ! The awesome thing about being an introvert is that a night in never seems like a punishment but treat!! There is so much to be done alone! So many words to read and write, fabulous movies, so many thoughts to think and the great company of yourself and those you call family. I agree!! We are a family of five; all of us introverts except my one 14 year old daughter. It’s so funny how a night in seems like the worst, most horrible punishment. To each their own!f Thanks for following my blog and I love your blog!
So true! In reality, going out is wayyy more of a struggle for me, and I really have to prepare myself mentally to deal with being social. While still fun, it’s not necessarily 100% easy, whereas staying home is! And that is so interesting with your daughter—it’s probably even intensified as a teenager.
And thank you so much for reading, following, and commenting; I’m so happy to be following another Colorado blogger!
This sounds like heaven to me! I live in baggy t shirts (but I have to admit, I only crack out the facemasks for special occasions 😉 ) https://scripturientbloggermarketing.wordpress.com/
Over-sized baggy t shirts and sweat pants are pretty much my nightly uniform. And I’m with ya there—I used to have a goal for once a week masks, but that hasn’t been fulfilled in ages. Thanks for reading! 🙂
I totally agree with your requirement of a night in. I’m an introvert as well so I struggle with my need for alone time and being social. Especially since I’m trying to date again which takes a lot of energy out of me. These are perfect ideas to help with recharging and fueling myself up again to be around people. Thanks for sharing.
I imagine that dating someone in today’s climate and culture is energy sucking and can be really difficult to put yourself out there, fairly often. I was really lucky in that regard, since my dating period happened in high school and college and being social is just part of the gig; even more so that my husband is also an introvert. I hope that you have many nights of recovery and eventually date someone who also likes to relax as well! Thanks for reading.
I’m such a homebody so I definitely love staying in and making the most of my time at home. Today I did all the housework in the morning, so I have the WHOLE evening to do whatever I please. It might involve a blanket, take out, and copious amounts of Suits episodes!
That sounds amazing! I love getting things done in order to get to the good stuff: total relaxation. Love Suits, too! Thanks for reading and sharing. 🙂