Getting a good nights sleep is currently trending. Remember when you were young and you would dread naptime or bedtime? Now you can’t help but daydream about what good sleep used to feel like.
You’re overworked. But more than anything, you’re overtired. Is your job or lifestyle to blame? Possibly. It may also have something to do with your sleep hygiene and nighttime routine. Firstly, you need to put your phone down, get off the gram. There is nothing on there that you’re missing and I guarantee you that you can see it the next day. Scrolling through your phone before bed sets you up for poor sleep and anxiety. It’s time for you to get better sleep and one of the best ways to relax your mind before bed is reading.
photo via social viral
Have you ever gone to bed thinking about the characters of the show you are watching? You have to get to work early in the morning but your mind is racing with all kinds of wild scenarios. You might be one of those people who likes to watch shows on your laptop or on your phone. Whatever device you use, even your tv, the light from the screen makes it hard for your brain to shut-off. Although you may feel tired these lights are sending signals to your brain to wake up. Have a plan when you get home and don’t stream an hour before bed. If doing this every night is hard for you, save your streaming for Thursday nights and the weekend.
photo via InspireCycle
1. You can’t really learn anything from Instagram. Just because everyone is posting it, this doesn’t make it true. Go to a library or book store and pick up a few books or journals that can enlighten you. It is time to use your mind to help you make better decisions.
2. Self-help will help you sleep better at night. Have you ever wondered what meditation is? There are so many great books you can read that can not only teach you the foundation of meditation but they can also guide you through it. Yes, Google has a few great resources but the best way to learn about meditation is to fully dive into it. There is a lot of information on google and not all of it is great. Don’t trust anyone who simply tells you to google it. Besides, no screen time before bed.
3. There is nothing better than getting lost in the pages of a good book. Allow yourself to use your imagination. If you suffer from anxiety, reading a book before bed helps to calm your mind. Forget about your to-do list or what happened during the day.
4. Whether you know it or not, your body loves a routine — even at bedtime. You have your day time routine down and you feel quite accomplished. For some reason as on top of things, as you are, you are always exhausted. Well, you’re neglecting one of the most important things, your sleep routine. I am sure you have heard the archaic saying “sleep is death’s cousin”. Only foolish people believe this. Did you know that sleep deprivation affects your immune system, contributes to heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, lower life expectancy and it’s contributing factor to weight gain? Remember working well doesn’t mean you have to work around the clock. Sleeping is important for your overall wellbeing.
Keep these tips in mind next time you’re about to go to bed and pick up your phone. Instead, pick up a good book and you’ll see the difference in the quality of your sleep!