The daily grind is tough, and balancing work, family, and everything else on your to-do list can get pretty stressful! Add to that the fact that we live in an “always on” connected world, and it’s easy to understand why so many people struggle to find the calm and relaxation they need in order to get a good night’s sleep. That’s why it’s so important to curate your own relaxing bedtime ritual that can help alleviate stress and unwind your body and mind before going to sleep.

So, put down your smart phone, kick back, and get ready to find your own relaxing bedtime ritual so you can get the restorative sleep you need to feel your best during the day. Here are some ideas to get your inspiration flowing:

Schedule Phone-Free Time with Loved Ones

Let’s face it, we are all a bit addicted to our smartphones. It’s so easy to fall into a pattern where we are endlessly scrolling through social media or checking work emails when we should be focused on being with our friends and family. When you schedule phone-free activities with your loved ones in the evening, you create the space needed to connect with those around you. It will also help get you into the mindset that it’s OK to put your devices down and enjoy the moment while reducing stress and anxiety, preparing your mind to rest.

Indulge In a Little Self-Care

Remember, self-care is never selfish because when you are rested and feeling your best, you are better positioned to help those around you. Creating a nightly ritual is a great way to reset your body, mind, and spirit so you can relax and fall asleep faster. Some of our favorites: lighting a scented candle and enjoying a warm bath, turning on soft music and reading a book, doing a puzzle, or just relaxing in a quiet space without distractions. Whatever activity you choose, remember that you work hard and play hard – so you deserve it.

Keep a Bedtime “Worry” Journal

One of the most common reasons that people have difficulty falling asleep is worrying thoughts around the past events of the day or concerns around the day ahead. And quieting a racing mind is often easier said than done! Keeping a bedtime “worry” journal lets you literally put your worries down on paper and tuck them away while you sleep. This can help lift the worries from your mind, knowing that you can pick them back up after a good night’s sleep, and clear the way for the calming and pleasant thoughts that will help you fall asleep.

Meditate

Meditating from bed before sleep is a great way to find connection between your body, mind, and spirt, while preparing for restorative sleep. If you are new to the practice, it’s easy to get started with bedtime apps and a variety of meditation videos available online. When practiced regularly, meditation before bed can help promote an overall sense of calmness, which means you can fall asleep faster. And it’s important to promote total body relaxation while meditating, so if your mattress isn’t comfortable and making it difficult, it may be time for a new one.

Are you ready to create your own relaxing bedtime ritual? Whichever ideas you choose to try, it’s important to carve out the time you need each night to put them into practice. So, turn off your smartphone notifications, take a deep breath, and get ready to relax, unwind, and fall into deeper, more restorative sleep!