One of the habits that we often discuss is sleep. We spend so much of our lives asleep, or at least we should. It’s one of the keys to recovery, it’s a huge part of self-care, and it’s a way to really maximize your health and increase your lifespan.
Often times the reason people struggle with sleep is due to the lack of routine. If you find yourself aimlessly scrolling, clicking next episode into the wee hours of the night, or simply laying in bed staring at the ceiling, you might benefit from the structure of a bedtime routine.
But where do we start? Well a simple way to start is by deciding your evening nonnegotiables. What are the things that you need to do after work or at the end of the day to unwind and feel like you are getting some time for yourself?
For me, that’s watching some silly reality TV, cooking a quality dinner, having quality time with my boyfriend, and ideally doing some reading. These are the ways that I love to end my day. They make me feel fulfilled and ready to tackle another day. So I know these things need to be a part of my bedtime routine.
Step one is to take your nonnegotiables, and work those early into the routine. So for me I’ll spend quality time with my boyfriend cooking dinner and then eating together. And then I’ll be sure to carve out sometime to watch a guilty pleasure episode. Lastly I’ll have a book waiting for me by my bed.
About an hour before bed is when things should start to wind down. The screens should go away, the lights dim down and things should get quieter and more relaxing.
This is where a habit, such as reading, meditation, deep breathing, or listening to soundscapes.
Whatever it is for you, just make sure the last thing you do before trying to drift off to bed is something that effectively calms your mind and allows you to drift off peacefully.
If you feel like you just can’t crack the code on forming these habits, get in touch with us for a consultation on where to start!