You can’t go one swipe of a finger on social media without seeing or reading about someone’s morning routine. But what about nighttime routines? Just as much as we want to amp ourselves up for the day, we also need to calm ourselves down and prepare for rest mode. The secret to better sleep can come from creating and sticking to a simple, easy-to-follow nighttime routine that helps you wind down before bedtime.
What is a nighttime routine?
A nighttime routine is simply a few practices or rituals you do before bed. They can help you reduce stress, prepare your body for rest, or simply get organized for the next day. A nighttime routine can look different every night, or it can be the same. The main goal of a nighttime routine is to help you transition from the ups and downs from the day to a more comfortable, relaxed state.
Why create a nighttime routine?
A nighttime routine acts as a nourishing buffer between the day you’ve had and the sleep you’re about to have. Imagine if you went straight from running a marathon to sleeping, that’s kind of like having a day full of work and tasks and going straight to bed! A nighttime routine offers a gentle easing out of the day and into the night. It prepares not just your mind, but also your body and spirit into a more blissful state, ready for slumber.
How to create a nighttime routine for better sleep
There are an infinite number of ways to create a nighttime routine, but there are a few basic elements that serve as a foundational place to start.
- Bergamont
Use these as essential oils or sip back with our Lavender Bliss tonic, which combines French Lavender, chamomile, and peppermint to soothe away your worries before bedtime.
There are more options for this step than just showering or bathing! Cleansing from the day is a way of releasing what’s happened, and not bringing it to bed with you. Water is an extremely cleansing element, however so is smoke. If you want to burn some palo santo while you take a bath, even better! Outside of those options, something as simple as writing a gratitude list for the day, or putting in a load of laundry can help release what is no longer in your control–the past. This ability to let go will help you prepare for tomorrow!
While television can seem like a mindless thing to do, the blue light from screens actually stimulates your brain into thinking it’s daytime. Taking on a more relaxing activity, like reading or writing, can help relax the mind and body. This can include drawing, praying, cleaning up an area, or simply meditating.
