You heard right, all sleep routines weren’t created equally.
We’ve all been there, waking up after a solid 8 hours but still feeling exhausted. Having regular early nights but still having a 3pm crash.
But even more annoying - the puffy eyes, dull skin and constant exhaustion.
Which is why I wanted to share today a little about what I’ve learnt about sleep so that you can lay your head on the pillow and wake up feeling refreshed and revitalised in a few simple steps!
There are things that I know to be true when it comes to getting AMAZING sleep… and it starts the day before.
STEP ONE
Slow down your mind
Sleep prep doesn’t happen in the moments before jumping between the sheets. It happens a few hours before.
How often do you scroll social media before drifting off? Or watch reality TV to ‘wind down’ after a big day?
This may seem like a great way to get ready for sleep BUT it’s actually hindering your sleep quality.
Why?
Because you’re stimulating your mind when you should be allowing it to wind down.
I know that personally, when I scroll Instagram before bed and check out photos of people on exotic holidays or in their gorgeous homes with their perfectly dressed children - I start to get caught up in a little bit of comparion-itis (learn more about how I combat this here) and my mind can start over thinking things. How I can serve more people through my business, how I can raise my girls with the values I hold close, how I can be thinner, smarter, prettier and richer! All the things! So instead of drifting off into a restful sleep, my mind is racing with thoughts of development and growth.
On top of that, you’re allowing the blue light that is particular of TV and mobile phones to stop your brain from triggering the release of melatonin. You may still fall asleep fast, but you won’t fall as easily into the restorative sleep pattern that you need to wake up with energy!
I personally wear these Blue Blockers at night once the sun goes down to help me get better quality sleep. Sometimes I have online trainings for the Gratitude Gang at night so I can’t avoid the blue light. I’ve found since using these glasses for the last year I’ve been able to wind down much fast after a night of connecting with my girl gang!
STEP TWO
Create a wind down ritual
It definitely seems easier to just get into bed when you’ve had a big day and when exhaustion gets the better of you, it’s inevitable that you’ll pass out immediately.
But having a ritual that prepares you for QUALITY sleep can change the game, allowing you to wake up fresh and refreshed for the day ahead.
My own ritual is as follows ...
:: Turn down the lights, leaving on one in my bathroom and a very dull lamp in our room.
:: Jump in the shower and read over my end of day questions that I have laminated on the shower wall. Personally I have borrowed Brendon Burchards - Did I live? Did I love? Did I matter?
:: Put on my face creams and do a little Face Yoga which is a new thing for me that I’m kind of really loving!
I’ve been using MooGoo Night Time Face Cream and I’ve noticed a huge difference in my skin when I wake up. It was recommended to me by a friend and I’m so glad I’ve been using it religiously lately!
And then I moisturise my body and pay extra attention to massaging my feet, they held me up all day and they totally deserve extra love!
:: Last up I read, not something educational but something that calms my mind and prepares me for beautiful dreams. Inspiring books. I’m currently re-reading the Tao Te Ching.
STEP THREE
Mini Medi
This is the part where we fall asleep. I highly recommend having your phone in a different room when you sleep and also keeping it on night mode so you don’t hear or feel any vibrations or notifications. But I know that some people will thrive on a guided meditation to get them started with this ritual. I would recommend doing one weeks worth of guided meditations (I love the Omvana app) and then start to leave your phone in a different room and take yourself through the meditations.
Usually you’ll get a few minutes in and drift off.
