Instead of Watching Netflix Before Bed, Do THIS!
What could be more relaxing after a busy day than laying in bed catching up on a full season your favorite TV series? Although it sounds like a great way to end the day, research has found that using technology prior to hitting the hay can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. If you are scratching your head wondering what to do instead of Netflix tonight, take a look below for some ideas.
Get Creative
Who says coloring books are only for little kids? These days, there are coloring books especially for adults, and you don’t have to be a long lost relative of Picasso to use them.
Artistic Flair
On the other hand, if you have a fancy painting, why not give it a try? Whether freehand or painting by numbers, it can be quite relaxing.
Bring Out Your Inner Fashionista
Get a head start on your beauty regimen by choosing your outfit for the upcoming day and prepare your arsenal of beauty products. Easy access means more time to lounge in bed in the morning.
Making Dreams Reality
Instead of sitting idly drooling over mystical vacation photos on Instagram, make your dreams come true and organize a vacation of a lifetime. I hear Paris is beautiful this time of year.
Curl Up With a Good Book
Pick your favorite genre and get your reading. There’s nothing better than a good book.
Reading For Two
If you are happily coupled, why not share a good book and read to each other out loud? You can close your eyes and envision yourself in the story.
Sweet Serenity
What could be more than relaxing than doing a super tranquil yoga series to help you unwind and fall into a peaceful slumber?
Prepared in Advance
Instead of laying in bed going over what you need to do tomorrow, make a list so your mind is free from stress and worry. Better to fall asleep with a smile on your face than fretting about something that needs to be done at work.
Get Crafty
Make your best friend a special keepsake to let them know you are thinking of them.
Let it All Out
Sort out negative thoughts by jotting them down in a journal; out of sight and out of mind.
Mini Massage
Give yourself a mini facial or neck massage to end the day on a positive note.
Tea Time
There are special sleep teas like chamomile that make falling asleep much easier. Brew yourself a nice cup and sip it slowly without any distractions. It’s a great time to unwind and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.
Journal
Journaling is therapeutic and a great way to relax and let out all of the thoughts you’ve pushed back during the day. You can also keep your journal bedside and jot down any dreams you have when you wake up during the night. Dream journaling is one way that can get you closer to lucid dreaming, or improving your memory.
Get on Track
Instead of waking up and immediately being bombarded by the things you have to get done, write out a list in bullet points of tomorrow’s main activities. This way, you’ll be able to rise and shine without having to stress over what to do first.
Clean Up
Take 10 or 15 minutes to sweep the kitchen, put away any dishes and tidy up your bedroom so you can wake up to a clean and clutter-free area.
Nourish Your Spirit
Whether it’s the Bible or just a self-help book, read something that makes you feel more in tune with yourself and the universe. It’s a fantastic way to fall asleep, and it’s an even better way to start the morning.
Stargaze
You don’t have to be an astrophysicist to appreciate the night sky. Without any fancy equipment, head out onto your balcony or even just gaze through an open window at the beautiful sky above. If you live in a place where stars are clearly visible, then you can look up constellations beforehand and try to spot them on your own.
Aromatherapy
Before bed, spritz your sheets and pillowcase with a hypoallergenic spray in a soothing scent such as lavender or vanilla.
Get in the Zone
Practice a yoga bedtime ritual and make it a habit so that you eventually begin to feel sleepy as you’re finishing up.
RELATED ARTICLE: 16 Important Facts That You Should Know About Sleep
Give Your Pets Some TLC
If you’re out at work all day, you don’t get to see your kitty or canine companion as often as you’d probably like. The quiet night is the perfect time to spend some time together one-on-one. There are cat and dog massages you can learn to help your furry friend relax and prepare for bed as well.
Fantasize
Before technology, before books and music, people would simply sit and dream up their bedtime stories. Creating a fantasy world is actually also a suggested technique for falling asleep faster.
Pamper Yourself
Get a nice face mask and touch up on your nails or any other beauty rituals that you never have time for in the morning.
Make a Menu
Come up with meals that you could prepare throughout the week and write up the ingredients so you’ll be prepared next time you go grocery shopping. Goodbye, last minute takeout.
Call Someone
Your parents, An old friend, Your significant other, Just tell them you’re calling to see how they’re doing and want to wish them a nice evening.
Work Out Your Mind
Whether it’s with Legos, a puzzle, crossword or Soduku. Sharpen your mental skills and keep yourself occupied in a way that doesn’t involve technology.
Listen to Meditation Music or Sounds
Whether it’s the sweet chirps of the forest, wind rustling through leaves or droplets of water against a tent roof, there are plenty of free meditation soundtracks you can find on YouTube that will help center you and get you in the mood for bed.
Focus on the Positive
Don’t worry about the bills that are due, the meeting tomorrow or all the things that have to get done before the end of the week. Make your bed a stress-free zone, and whenever you lie down, simply go through memories that make you feel safe and sound and make mental lists of all the things you’re grateful for as you drift off into dreamland.
