| Health |
One thing in life that can affect just about everything is how well rested you are. Waking up after getting great sleep sets you up for success. On the other hand, if you don’t get enough quality sleep everything else seems to suffer.
The following lists some ideas from Target Your Life: A Guide to Get You from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be that have helped me improve my sleep.
- Lower the lights in the evening, keeping bright overhead lights off and using soft lamps or candle light (I recommend natural beeswax).
- Stop screens at least an hour before bed.
- Read a good book to relax you into sleep.
- Go to sleep at a regular time, giving yourself enough hours between your bedtime to wakeup time.
- Keep your bedroom organized, clean, and clutter free.
- Create a beautiful and relaxing bedroom.
- Treat yourself to luxurious sheets and comfortable blankets.
- Check your pillows and mattress. Is it time for replacements?
- Wear comfortable or beautiful pajamas.
- Make your room as dark as possible. Do you need light blocking window treatments? Is there an electronic device shining light all through the night that needs to be unplugged, covered up, or moved?
- Do a sound check. Does street noise or a snoring partner disturb your sleep? Get noise reducing drapes and/or a sound machine.
- Keep the temperature cool.
- Add a potted plant or a few.
- Try eating a few hours before bed. I was surprised by how much better I sleep when my body isn’t in full digestion mode.
- Alcohol also affects how well you sleep. If you have a drink every night, try a night without it and see if you sleep better. You may find you want to give yourself some nights off.
- Cut caffeine out in the afternoon and evening.
- If you worry or have a racing mind at night, try journaling your thoughts before you go to sleep.
- Drink a calming tea like chamomile in the evening. I would advise not to drink too much right before you go to sleep or you may wake up in the middle of the night needing to use the restroom.
- Create a relaxing evening routine.
Try some of these ideas out if you’re struggling with sleep. I hope they help!