Relaxing Nighttime Routine
Life is stressful, especially this year. We live in a fast-paced world, but if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that our health is the most important. I know it’s been a stressful 10 months, our anxiety is running high, and we’re scared of the unknown, but we need to focus on the stuff we CAN control and try not to stress on the things we CAN’T control. Even a simple nighttime routine can keep us motivated and have a better day than the last. So, before you go grab that bottle of wine to relax, or binge watch the latest Netflix show, some of these may help you rest and recharge for the next day.
Around 8PM, is when I really start prepping myself for sleep. I start by creating a calm and relaxing environment. One of my favourite ways to wind down is by surrounding myself with a comforting scent. I will either plug in my diffuser with a few drops of a tranquility essential oil or light a soothing candle. Fragrance is so important when it comes to setting the mood and creating ambiance. Fragrance instantly creates an intimate atmosphere and immediately changes the dynamic of a room. Depending on the scent you choose, it can help calm and relax for a deeper, more restful sleep.
At this time, I also try to limit my screen time. I find it too stimulating, which in return disrupts my sleep. It’s recommended that you put away phones at least 2 hours before you go to bed. I know this can sound challenging at first, especially with social media, but the light that these devices emit can affect your internal body clock. I’ve also found, late night scrolling, creates extra worry and stress, which can keep me up at night.
Now comes my favourite part, a bubble bath. I’ve always been a bath person, I find the relaxing benefits of soaking and unwinding in a hot bath helps improve my mood. I’ve also read that it can help you sleep better. At night, our body temperatures drop, which affects your sleep hormones, but the hot water will instantly raise your body temperature, creating more melatonin to prep you for sleep. Having your bath in the evening can help you unwind and process all of the thoughts and feelings from the day. It’s your alone time, where you can de-stress your body and mind.
Speaking of a busy mind, we often can’t fall asleep because we have a hard time shutting off our brains. Although this is fairly new to my nighttime routine, practising meditation or relaxation exercises before I go to bed, is helping enormously. Even if it’s a quick 5-minute session, breathing deeply and thinking of things that I’m grateful for, really helps to improve my mood and leave me feeling calm. By focusing on my body, it stops me from focusing on my thoughts.
Even though I’m usually tempted to turn on the TV, a few days a week I opt for a book instead. I find that reading in itself, helps me fall asleep faster. Although not ideal, I usually do this in bed, as once I’m in bed, I instantly start to feel sleepy.
Maybe one of the main reasons I feel so sleepy when I hop into bed is because of our new Douglas mattress from GoodMorning.com. We’ve been officially sleeping on it for over 3 months, and let me tell you, it’s been the best 3 months of my life. Although I never necessarily woke up in “pain” from our previous mattress, I did notice that my hip and lower back always felt a little “off’ when I woke up. This is probably because I’m a side sleeper and my old mattress was too soft. The Douglas is a medium-firm which takes the pressure off both your neck, shoulders and hip. I also can’t fall asleep without a blanket or comforter on me. I like to be warm and cozy, but not too hot. The Douglas mattress actually has an innovative cooling gel foam layer that helps regulate temperature. Nothing worse than feeling like you’re melting under the covers.
Another thing I quickly noticed about The Douglas from GoodMorning.com is the edge support. This isn’t something many of us think about, but do you catch yourself sitting on the edge of the bed putting on your makeup, playing with your fur babies, or simply just reading? Every time I sat on my old mattress, it was like I was sinking straight into the foundation. Not a deal breaker, and something I thought was quite “normal”. Now I can sit on the edge of the bed with comfort and ease. Finally, the premium Elastex®️ foam construction, provides comfort and balance for both Derek and I. Derek has always tossed and turned in his sleep, so he’s either doing less of it, or I can’t feel it. Which is a win win for me.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by GoodMorning.com, but all opinions on this blog are my own. I also want to thank you for supporting the brands that support my blog.
