With life busier than ever in 2016, sleep has been a major buzz word lately. Arianna Huffington released her book, “The Sleep Revolution,” which went to show that even the most wealthy, talented, and smart people were ignoring the importance of logging enough zzz’s.
We’ve heard the same thing for years; sleep for 7-9 hours to feel refreshed and have a healthy body and mind—but clearly that’s way easier said than done.
This year, one of my resolutions was to prioritize sleep, and it’s been such a energizing shift. Here’s what I’ve been doing, all without having to alter my life too much. I hope these work for you!
- Limit coffee. I know, I know, coffee is everything, but I noticed a huge change in my sleep when I stopped drinking it every day. If I really need/want it, I have an a.m. cup of Joe, then switch to tea. Tea makes me feel super elegant and it also has tons of benefits—especially green tea.
- White noise sleep machine. Two words: life.changing. It completely fades out any outside noises and provides a soothing atmosphere. Here’s the one I love.
- Set an alarm to get ready for bed. It’s not always possible (thank you, life, or anything HBO produces), but I set an alarm for an hour before bedtime to turn of devices and zen out. If I’m not already bare-faced and in PJs, I do that, then read, meditate, stretch, or write in my journal (more on this next). Having a set hour of ‘me time’ is such a peaceful way to end the day.
- Nighttime journal. Simply writing down anything on my mind or to-do list for the next day totally shuts my brain down. I do this right before I turn down the lights so that my thoughts don’t keep me tossing and turning.
- Gratitude. Once the lights are off, I lay and think of three things I’m grateful for. Going to bed with a positive mindset melts away stress and anything that didn’t go well in my day.
I’d love to hear what brings you sweet dreams!
P.S. Here’s Arianna Huffington’s TED talk if you want to hear more.
18 comments
Meditating right before bedtime helps me!
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Isn’t it sad that sleep is a “buzzword”? I totally get it – I work full time, have my own business, and on top of that, try to get in a little writing and, you know, a social life. It’s hard today to be balanced when a lot of people (myself included) have to work 50 hours a week just to keep your head above water.
I love the idea of turning off electronics an hour before sleep – it’s definitely something I am going to start doing. I feel like I am not getting proper sleep if I am checking my email right before bed and then going over all of the things I have to do the next day and already worrying.
Great tips, as always.
Maggie
http://www.shopean.etsy.com
ALways interesting to remember it!
Today on the blog I show a Casual outfit with my new Glitter espadrilles…a perfecto choice to attend a fest!!! 😉
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When I get hole from work, I have all the lights on. About an hour before bed, I turn off all but a few lamps. It seems to have made a big difference. I imagine it must trigger melatonin.
Thank you so much for these tips <3 I agree – it's definitely easier said than done, but it's always great to try to put in more effort for a healthier lifestyle, right? 🙂 I've never thought a white noise machine could make such a difference, but I'm tempted to try now!
XO, Elizabeth
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Thanks for the tips!
Love,
http://www.thestyleventure.com
My mind usually runs crazy when i am stressed over things like my job, relationship and some times things dont even worth thinking or worrying about. So far i have found a way that works for me. I record the sound of my favorite tv shows and play it when i sleep. It helps my crazy mind stop and listen to the sound of tv shows. ? i use an earphone of course ao that it wont bother my husband.
Reading a book works to relax me.
http://a-woman-of-a-certain-age.com/
Sounds so interesting!
XOXO
Sunita | http://www.alittlebitof.at
I like how these are different than the same old ideas you always hear about getting more sleep. And these are so relevant to me! I’ll definitely have to try these within the coming week 🙂 Thanks!
Apple recently released “Night Vision” so that all of your devices will adjust to a warmer color after a certain time you set. This helps as typically the blue tones in your devices keep up your brain activity!
I’ve been using this the last week or two and really love it. Give it a try 🙂
Christina | http://www.cuddlepill.com
These are some great tips!
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Cute pajamas. Where’d you get them? I want some too.
I have been trying guided meditation for sleep. It does not always work, but it has definitely calmed my nerves a lot. Thanks for this post
http://www.aparnamudi.com
These are such good tips! I try to limit caffeine and get away from technology before bed. I also try to think through what I’m grateful for– I need to try nighttime journaling!
-Lauren
http://www.chic-ethique.com/
Meditation, tea, and prayers are my cultivated habits for evening. My chill time before bed involves playing fetch with my youngest dog so she settles down before going under the covers to burrow.