Sleep is so often underrated by many. But, boy, do we need it.
Not only is a good night’s rest extremely beneficial to your overall health, but it completely rejuvenates you and prepares you for being a better person.
When it seems like you can’t find a routine for bedtime or get yourself to bed on time, here are three ways to help you find your slumber.
1. Set The Mood
Your bedroom shouldn’t resemble a concert hall. There is no need for surround sound, bright lights, and distracting colors to surround you in the place where you revel in dreams.
Design and decorate your bedroom so that it reflects what goes on in it nightly -- and that’s your safe haven for slumbering.
Paint the walls a neutral and relaxing color, pick furniture that isn’t too loud, and choose furnishings that mute the loudness of everyday life.
Don’t forget about the temperature either. I run on the hot side, so I like to keep my bedroom on the cooler end so that I don’t wake up sweating in the middle of the night.
Find your perfect climate for sleeping because it’s an important factor in setting up your environment for a peaceful snooze.
2. You Are What You Consume
Use your common sense here.
Is it smart to drink two cans of soda right before you’re set to go to bed? No, it’s not. In fact, any and all caffeine should be stopped by noon so that it has a chance to run its course through your body and move on.
Because everyone is affected by caffeine differently, try cutting it out altogether from your diet. If you can’t do that, then at least concentrate on cutting down your consumption of it.
I have my morning coffee, which is caffeinated, and then I’m done with all caffeine for the day and I switch over to water. Not only is it healthy for my body but I know that water can’t be held responsible for keeping me up at night.
Try working in a cup of decaf herbal tea an hour or two before bed. Sip it slowly and thoroughly enjoy it. It will warm you from the inside out and get your body ready to unwind from the day.
3. Form A Routine
After dinner and once your kids are in bed, have a routine for yourself.
Perhaps it’s reading a book under a blanket with your slippers on, maybe you close your eyes and meditate for ten minutes, or maybe you knit for an hour or so.
Find whatever it is that’s relaxing to you and work it into a nighttime routine that you do daily. Not only will it help to calm you down before bedtime, but it will let your mind and body know that this day is done.
Also, pay attention to your surroundings -- dim the lights in the living room, lower the volume on the TV, and bring your voices down so to create an ambiance of relaxation throughout your home.
The trick with catching some well-deserved Z’s is to allow yourself to unwind and fall into a nighttime routine that works for you. Play around and experiment with different ones until you find one that works for you and your family