1. Make a to-do list for tomorrow and leave it for tomorrow. I know there's the age-old saying "Don't leave for tomorrow what you can do today," but let's be serious - there are only 24 hours in the day and you should be spending 7-8 hours of them sleeping (for good reason too!) What that means is, make it a habit to mentally run through what you'd like to accomplish tomorrow, write it down, and then forget about it until the next day. Just because you're choosing to let go of the worry this way does not mean you're procrastinating, it means you're making the purposeful effort to prioritize. You'll automatically sleep better knowing you won't forget anything important and that you already have guidelines for how to start the next day.
2. Soak in salts. Bath salts that is. Find your favourite - there's tons of artisan salts out there in the market. I personally am a fan of lavender, lotus, and jasmine scents for the nighttime. When you're in the bath, double-up the relaxation by clearing your mind of the day's activities. If it helps with your meditation, try finding an app or playlist that will create the backdrop for your spa moment. I'm currently using Ambio with Thunderstorm and Ocean Waves on repeat. It's one of the best feelings in the world to just centre with yourself and let your stress melt away.
3. Slow down. It all begins when you start telling yourself it's time to hit bed. Turn down the music, shut off your computer, and put your cell phone to sleep too.
4. Get a warm drink. Chamomile and lavender teas are the tried and true drowsy drinks. But many Indian households will also tell you that a warm cup of milk with a little bit of honey is not only a source of comfort, it's done the trick many times for those who aren't fans of floral teas.
5. Try a tale as old as time. It's happened to you when you didn't even want it to, but having your eyes move from left to right on a page when you're reading helps to calm your nerves and prepare your brain to rest. Just make sure it isn't too thrilling a novel, otherwise you might be up turning pages until morning. I personally like to close off the night with a positive-thinking, non-fiction kind of read.
6. Turn off the lights. Invest in good blinds so you can block the nighttime street lights and prevent waking too early at the first signs of sunrise. If that's just not cutting it, try a cute sleep mask like this Holly Golightly one.
7. Cool down. Experts say that sleeping in a cool environment will help you drift off and stay asleep. From what I've read, most studies agree that a temperature between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal for sleeping, with temperatures above 75 degrees and below 54 degrees disruptive to sleep.The simple science behind it is that when you sleep, your body’s internal temperature actually drops to its lowest level, generally about four hours after you fall asleep. That's why it's believed that a cooler bedroom may be most conducive to sleep, since it mimics your body’s natural temperature drop. Just make sure your hands and feet are warm!
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What are some tips you have for falling asleep and feeling refreshed in the morning? Leave a comment below!
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