Things I do for: restful sleep.
Welcome to a new series called things I do for, kicking off with things I do for restful sleep.
Imagine waking up feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to take on the day ahead. That's the power of a good night's sleep. It's not just about the hours spent in bed; it's about the quality of rest you get. Join me as I share my personal tips for achieving restful sleep and the rituals I swear by to ensure each night is a tranquil escape into dreamland.
As tempting as it may be to stay up late, especially during weekends or in the summer when the weather is nice and the sun is still out, I remind myself of the importance of prioritizing bedtime. The energy of tomorrow is shaped by the quality of sleep tonight. By honoring my body's need for rest, I set the stage for a good and productive day ahead. So as the sun dips below the horizon, I prepare for a gentle transition into the evening by switching from artificial lights to the warm glow of candles or amber light. This simple act signals to my body that it's time to wind down and get ready for rest. I also make sure not to drink any stimulants (such as coffee, black & green tea, or cacao) in the evening, choosing calming herbs that promote relaxation instead.
Pre-Bedtime Routine: An hour before bedtime, I start my pre-bedtime routine. I turn on the relaxation mat (which needs some time to preheat), a beautiful healing tool that combines pemf therapy, photon lights, gemstone therapy, and infrared warmth. Following this, I indulge in a moment of self-care with a simple evening skincare routine, slipping into my favorite cotton pajamas, and brewing a cup of chamomile and lavender tea. I will share my morning and evening skincare routines & rituals later in this series. Stress, a common adversary to restful sleep, is something I actively work with by keeping a journal nearby to write down any thoughts that may disrupt my peace of mind.
To quiet the mind and release the day's tension, I spend 30 minutes to an hour on my relaxation mat, where the low-frequency vibrations gently lull me into a state of serenity. On the days I don't use it, I opt for a slow yoga session. I also like to end my days with breath work, using the Othership app for all my breathwork needs. The aroma of essential oils, particularly the Tranquil roller, which is a blend of Cedarwood, Lavender, and Roman Chamomile, further enhances the calming energy, acting as a cue for my body to embrace sleep. I apply this blend under the soles of my feet and on my wrist. I turn to the Rutavala roller if I have trouble falling asleep, which contains Ruta (Rue), Valerian, and Lavender. I wrap up my evening with a short gratitude writing session in my journal before settling in to read before I fall asleep.
A restful night's sleep is not just a luxury; it's a necessity for overall well-being. By embracing mindful practices and nurturing a soothing bedtime routine, we can cultivate a deeper connection with ourselves and nature, allowing us to awaken each morning feeling restored and rejuvenated.
I'll leave you with this sweet little lullaby that my dad used to sing to me when I was a little girl. These are actually the lyrics from a song called “mlk” by u2.
”Sleep
Sleep tonight
And may your dreams
Be realized
If the thundercloud
Passes rain
So let it rain
Rain down on him”
