Welcome to my cozy corner of the internet, where today we're diving into the world of dreamy slumbers with "8 Tasty Tips for Blissful Zzzs." If you're anything like me, a good night's sleep sometimes feels like a mythical quest. But fear not, my fellow night owls and early birds! I've gathered some delightful recipes to help us all embark on a journey to the Land of Nod.
Transform Your Bedroom into a Sleep Sanctuary: Picture this: your bedroom as a tranquil retreat. Say goodbye to work stress by keeping laptops and work materials out of this sacred space. Embrace the calm by dimming the lights and keeping the temperature just right, ideally between a cool 60 and 68°F. Imagine lowering your thermostat as part of your nightly lock-up routine, setting the stage for a serene night.
“After I lock the doors at night, I will turn down the thermostat to sixty degrees.”
Embrace the Rhythm of Rest: Consistency is key in the dance of sleep. Try setting a sleep and wake schedule that you can stick to, even on weekends. Imagine your alarm as a gentle nudge, not a snooze-button battle.
“After I hear my alarm in the morning, I will get up without hitting snooze.”
Craft a Pre-Sleep Ritual: Create a wind-down routine that whispers "it's time to relax" to your body and mind. Whether it's losing yourself in a book, soaking in a warm bath, or drifting away to mellow tunes, find what soothes your soul. If sleep plays hard to get, let a book be your lullaby in a softly lit room.
“After I get into bed and I’m not sleepy, I will open a relaxing book to read in a dimly lit room.”
Dim the Digital Glow: As night falls, let go of the digital world. Limiting bright and blue light exposure from screens can signal your brain that bedtime is near. Make a pact with yourself: no more screens after 8 p.m., transforming your evenings into a peaceful screen-free oasis.
“After I see it’s past 8 p.m., I will stop using electronics and staring at screens.”
Bask in the Morning Light: Greet the morning sun to keep your internal clock ticking perfectly. A lunchtime stroll in the sunlight can invigorate your day and help you wind down effortlessly at night.
“After I finish eating lunch, I will go outside into the natural light of the sun.”
Move to Improve: Regular activity is the secret ingredient to a restful night. A post-dinner walk can be just the right activity to transition from the hustle and bustle to peaceful slumber.
“After I clean up from dinner, I will go for a walk.”
Navigate the Caffeine and Alcohol Maze: Discover your caffeine cutoff by experimenting with timing and consider water as your afternoon elixir. Although a nightcap might seem like a shortcut to dreamland, alcohol can actually disrupt the second act of your sleep, leading to a less restful night.
“After I see it’s past 3 p.m., I will drink water instead of coffee.”
Dine Mindfully Before Bed: Timing is everything when it comes to your last meal. Aim to finish dinner early to give your body time to digest before bed and brush your teeth to signal snack time is over, setting you up for a night of uninterrupted rest.
“After I finish dinner, I will immediately brush my teeth in order to stop snacking in the evening.”
For those intrigued by weaving these tips into your daily fabric with ease, dive deeper into the Tiny Habits® Method for a sprinkle of magic in your sleep routine. Contact me at Natural Life Choice calendar.
Here's to nights filled with sweet dreams and days brimming with energy. Until next time, sleep tight and dream big!
Warm wishes,
Ela
Bibliography:
BJ Fogg, P. (2020). The Tiny Habits + the small changes that change everything. Boston New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
The professional's guide to health and wellness coaching. (n.d.). San Diego: ACE.