I don’t mind going out and socializing; I love finding new music or dancing to classics. Meeting new people is fun, too (when my social anxiety lets me approach). Since my move to New England, though, I find myself happy with my own company like I was as a kid. It’s peaceful being alone especially since I make it so.
Here’s my version a peaceful night at home as a creature of routine. I’d love to see how you cozy up in the comments!
A Nice (Iced) Cuppa and Food
Warm is nice sometimes, but I like my drinks iced. My go-to relaxation teas are Japanese sencha green tea for daytime or a classic pure peppermint for the evening in a cute mug. The drink and a couple Biscoff cookies get my feet that can’t touch the floor on a chair swinging with glee. If I feel lazy, I’ll do a food delivery; otherwise, a homecooked meal hits.
Candles and Incense Galore
Smell is my strongest sense; the snug embrace of a pleasant scent soothes racing thoughts and tight muscles. I switch between candles or incense sticks depending on my mood and which scents I have.
There’s also nothing better than candles after dark. After sunset, I often extinguish my lamp for some bed relaxation. A candle’s lit, flame’s dance casting along my altar wall. Then I’m ready to roll onto the bed I made that morning and just…be.
Put That Record/Video On
Music is a lifelong hyper fixation for me; YouTube videos (especially true crime) are a close second. While I do enjoy watching media and do so at bedtime for noise, my record collection in candlelight brings me the most peace.
Perusing my Kallax, connection envelops my heart touching/listening to records once loved by my mother and aunts. I’ll often throw on classic rock or smooth listening like The Bee Gees for my relaxation session. (This is also the rare time I listen to albums the whole way through…thanks, ADHD.)
Friends and Games
Just because I’m a hermit doesn’t mean I’m antisocial. My day’s made talking to my friends on Discord and playing video games. I’ll occasionally play something competitive for fun, but that gets me heated. I prefer throwing myself into the cozy world of Stardew Valley as a beach farm master fisher (level 8 fishing by end of Spring 1 – shush). Meadow farms for the animals are up there on the favorite tier, too.
And there you have it. It’s simple, lowkey, and yet connected.
The Soft Sea Witch 
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