We hear a lot of talk about mornings, but what about nightly bedtime routines?
I have spent a few months implementing habits that make the most out of those precious moments before bed.
I am a morning person, so establishing a morning routine is something that comes naturally to me.
But finding a night time routine was a lot harder After some slow changes, I’ve found some concepts that work.
- Go to bed at the same time each night -now this isn’t always practical or possible. But if I can do it 4 nights a week I’m happy.
- Eat light – I’ve been working towards lunch being the main meal of the day for a while. I don’t always make it happen, but when I do, falling asleep is easier.
- Epsom Salt Baths; Never underestimate the power of magnesium at night. It helps muscles relax, and helps you sleep. A bath listening to calming music by candlelight is a great way to wind down.
- Wrinkles Schminkles: These fantastic anti-aging silicone products work best when worn at night when sleeping. You simply stick them to your chest, forehead, under eyes or hands and fall asleep to wake up to crease-free skin.
- Gratitude Journal; Just 2 minutes invested in my gratitude journal helps a lot. Studies have shown it helps relationships with those around us, decreases materialism, lowers stress and helps us sleep.
- Watching a TV show that helps you switch off has more benefit than you think. It helps your mind unwind, helps distract from the stresses within your mind and can be relaxing.
- Supplements; Night time is a great time to take supplements, especially after dinner. I am currently loving Ocean Kissed Hot Chocolate by Locako. It is a delicious hot chocolate powder that has magnesium in it as well as oyster extract which acts as an aphrodesiac.
- Sex; Sex is so amazingly natural and necessary for our physical, mental and emotional health. It helps us sleep. Sex releases oxytocin as well as endorphins which boost our immune system. Definitely the best pre-sleep activity.
- Read: Ok so reading is no alternative to sex, but it is still a calming, soothing way to end the day.
- Meditation: I go to sleep listening to meditations, (much to my children’s horror who are often heard shouting “turn that down”). But I have found either calming music or spoken word meditation help me sleep.
- Devices; I switch my phone onto night mode at 9pm every night.This allows me to disconnect from the world. It is all still waiting when I wake – guaranteed.
- Pets: Cuddling your pet before you sleep can be a great way to ground yourself before sleeping, just don’t sleep with a pet in bed for a whole lot of reasons, hygiene being the main one.
- Setting up the next day; Putting my fitness gear out and/or working out what I will wear the next day ensures I don’t waste time half asleep in the morning thinking about clothing.
- Reduce stress; Of course there are nights when I go to parties or a dinner or work late and may only achieve one or two of the above. But I forgive myself, let go and move on, and resolve to get back to as many healthy night time habits as I can, when I can.
- Overnight Face Mask: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque glides on the skin, and sinks in, moisturising your skin while you sleep. I only need to use it once a week for silky, smooth skin.
