Getting a good night's sleep can be difficult at the best of times. It is even more challenging right now due to the pandemic. However, it is still achievable.
1. Go to bed at the same time every night.
Going to bed at the same time each evening will help you unwind more easily. Your body will become accustomed to sleep at a particular time. For the deepest sleep, go to bed before 10 p.m. if possible.
2. Avoid screens for two hours before you go to bed.
The blue light from screens can disrupt your sleep. You'll want to avoid screens for at least two hours before turning in. You might want to read a good book instead of watching television.
3. Take a hot Epsom salts bath.
Taking a twenty-minute Epsom salts bath with a few drops of lavender essential oil is a great way to relax. You should use two cups of Epsom salt and add a few drops of any essential oil that you find particularly relaxing. It might also help you unwind if you light a few candles.
4. Turn off the lights or dim them.
It will help your body adjust to the darkness and prepare for sleep if you turn off the lights in your house. If this is impractical, you might want to dim the lights if you have that option or simply light a few candles before turning in. This makes a world of difference.
5. Exercise.
Try doing cardiovascular exercise at least three times per week for thirty minutes per session. This will help you feel awake when you are working and will also help you sleep better in the evenings. If you live in town and have an elliptical at home, this is a great option. Some other great options are running, bicycling, and briskly walking. Don't forget that dancing counts as exercise too!
6. Drink lavender tea.
There are many brands of tea that will deeply relax you. Lavender tea is one of the best ones when it comes to helping you fall asleep. This is a good investment. You might even want to sip it as you are taking your bath.
7. Meditate.
There are a wide variety of meditations on YouTube. Meditating for twenty minutes in the morning and twenty minutes in the evening will ease any daily anxiety you experience. If you are having trouble sleeping, try a guided sleep meditation. This really does work wonders on the mind and the body.
8. Do yoga.
Doing yoga has a lot of benefits for the mind and the body. Doing restorative yoga on a daily basis will heal any tension and trauma you are holding in your body. There are even specific poses you can practice that can help you with insomnia.
9. Journal.
If you are having a lot of trouble sleeping, this might be because you have a lot on your mind about work or relationships. Journaling will allow you to express what is really going on in words. You will probably sleep better after you get it off of your chest. If you can't fall asleep because you keep focusing on your mile-long to-do list, try writing it down and then saving it for the next morning. You'll probably sleep a lot better if you do so.
10. Eliminate toxic relationships from your life.
This one is quite challenging. If you are constantly having nightmares or trouble sleeping, this could be due to toxic relationships in your life. If you have a significant other, friend, or parent who doesn't treat you well, it might be time to let go of that relationship. If you have a boss who doesn't treat you well, that's definitely more complicated, but you should only engage with that individual when it is absolutely necessary.
We know that this is a stressful time. We hope you are staying safe and resting deeply. Sleep well.