I always stress the importance of routine. It basically puts our bodies on a timer and can help us be healthier, more productive and even happier. Rituals and routines, (and the use of an actual planner), have made such a tremendous difference in my life. What works for me, may not work for you and that’s why I’m going to lay out 15 night habits to consider: (Try some, make up your own & find a nightly routine that you love):
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1. Bedtime Tea And/or Bone Broth
If you struggle with falling asleep on your own, consider some tea before bed and/or bone broth. Find a tea that you find relaxing and have a cup before bed. You could also heat up and sip on some bone broth, (something that has extremely helped my insomnia, personally).
There are loads of benefits for both of these options, which is why I alternate which one I drink before bed every night.
2. Apply a Night Cream
None of us want to wake up with dry skin and bags under our eyes. After you wash your face before bed, make sure that you’re applying a lot of moisturizer or a night cream that you love. Again, I like to alternate between different products, (as I think, in doing so, I get better results).
No matter what – ALWAYS apply moisturizer to your face and neck before bed. If you really want to wake up with every inch of your skin feeling amazing, lather yourself in coconut oil before hitting the sheets. Below are all products I recommend:
3. Journal
Worried, overthinking minds really have a knack for keeping you laying there, tossing and turning. For a lot of people, journaling before going to bed helps them decompress the events & worries of the day so they can relax into a deep sleep.
4. Read
Since the very brilliant purchase of my Kindle, I can actually read in bed without disturbing my partner. It’s very relaxing and allows me to read even more than I already do. It’s a solid before bed activity. 🙂
5. Light Yoga
Why not do some light Yoga before going to bed? It will help your muscles relax so you don’t wake up stiff and is also deeply relaxing. Nightly yoga is an excellent nightly ritual to consider.
6. Plan for Tomorrow
Get everything ready for the next morning. Set your coffee pot. Write down your to do’s for the next day. Lay out your clothes. Do anything and everything you can before bed to make your morning run smoother.
7. Always brush & FLOSS
A lot of people really don’t realize how important it is to floss. It’s like a workout for your gums. Floss 2x per day – everyday, no excuses. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a lot of problems down the road. This should always be part of your nightly routine.
8. Unplug an Hour or more before Bed
Bright lights and stimulants can have a huge impact of the amount and quality of sleep we get. At least one hour before bed, unplug. Don’t watch TV. Don’t keep checking social media. Read, journal or do some yoga instead. It’ll help you sleep better.
9. Aromatherapy
Lavender = magic sleep, (for me at least). Diffuse a calming essential oil or even apply a few drops to your pillow. Put on lotion that smells amazing.
10. Cool & Dark
I like to sleep in pretty cool temperatures and a lot of other people do too. Make sure that your bedroom is not only dark, but cool also. I like it to be around 65 degrees, (ideally). If some light gets in for whatever reason, wear an eye mask for better sleep.
11. NEVER go to bed with makeup on
Ever wonder why it seems like men don’t age as quickly as women do? It’s because they don’t walk around all day with makeup weighing down their skin. Never – EVER go to bed with makeup on. We all have those hectic days where we just want to go home and hit the pillow ASAP. Put makeup remover wipes on your nightstand for times like those. But, NEVER SLEEP WITH MAKEUP ON.
12. Meditation
There are some great guided meditation apps for free that you can use. Or, you can do it the old fashioned way. Clear your mind. Relax.
13. Take a Bath before Bed
A warm, relaxing bath can be a great way to calm yourself before bed. Make it a detox bath, even. Toss in some Epsom salts and essential oils, light some candles.
14. Have a Quick De-Clutter Session
This will make your morning 10x better, seriously. Before bed, throw away anything cluttering your space. (I sometimes leave things on the coffee table before bed and it’s annoying to wake up to clutter – ugh). Take ten minutes before you do the rest of your nightly routine and de-clutter your space. It will seriously improve your mood in the A.M.
15. Other Ideas
Think of ways that personally relax you and nightly tasks that will help your morning run smoother and help you wake up glowing. Have sex if you can. Always set your alarm. Sleep naked. Dim the lights an hour before bed. Make a list of all your ideas and start testing them out until you find the perfect nightly routine that best suits you.
Have a Peaceful Rest:
Routines will vastly improve your life, overall. Find out which activities help you have the best sleep – stay on top of personal hygiene and of course, have a bedroom that is a sanctuary. 🙂
I hope you’re able to create the perfect nightly routine. 🙂 If you have any other ideas that are calming – that personally help you sleep, please let me know in the comments.
Have a great night, every night!
Much Love <3