Most of us have a hard time getting to bed on time. Let’s be honest, being awake is fun! Whether you’re watching Netflix, petting your cat, chatting with your partner, working out, completing a project, or out at a party, it’s hard to force yourself to turn in for the night.
Still, at this point, you know all about the benefits of a good night’s sleep. You desperately want to get to sleep so you can wake up feeling energized and well-rested.
Today, I am going to talk to you about how you can get those much deserved zzzs.
Beware of the Second Wind
Sometimes I start to get sleepy at a normal hour and then I decide to fight though it, making it that much more difficult to finally fall asleep hours later. I start to feel more and more awake and lively.
When your body first signals to you that it is tired, listen to it rather than ignore it! To avoid that second jolt of energy, go to bed at an earlier hour. Who knows why we get that peak of wakefulness in the evening time? Some sleep experts say that this is a natural part of the circadian rhythm that used to serve us; staying alert at night kept us safe from predators. It was a survival mechanism.
Now that these safety issues aren’t a concern, go to bed earlier to avoid that notorious second wind.
Ask Yourself a Few Important Questions
As you settle in to your couch to play a video game or read your page-turning crime novel, ask yourself “is this going to make me feel good tomorrow?”
It’s past midnight and you have a lot going on the following day. Is watching your show or doing whatever desirable activity so amazing that it is better than the feeling of being productive, upbeat, and full of energy? Won’t you kick yourself tomorrow when you’re feeling groggy and down in the dumps?
When you check in with yourself, you might be reminded that you do care about the way you’ll feel tomorrow.
Stop Bargaining with Yourself
Going to bed early sometimes makes people feel like they aren’t getting enough time to themselves. If you feel like all you do is work, eat, and then sleep, you’re one of many. You feel like you deserve to stay up late and watch your shows, read your book, or stay out late with friends.
There is no question that you deserve to live your life to the fullest. But chances are, if you’re reading this blog, you’re wanting to go to bed earlier. You realize the physical, emotional, and mental toll that your lack of sleep is causing you.
So, how can you live your life to the fullest and also get a full sleep tonight? Make sure you have time to engage in activities that bring you joy before bedtime.
Unwinding Activities
As I mentioned earlier, doing things that you love is essential to living your best life. What are some ways to unwind that won’t disrupt your sleep cycle? You could stretch, go for a walk, drink herbal tea, read a book, do a puzzle, do some light cleaning or organization, or journal.
There are countless creative ways to joyfully unwind in the evening time. Consistent caffeine, alcohol, and screens in the evening time are direct detriments to your ability to get a deep sleep. Ditching the screens and late-night parties might help you complete a project that you’ve always wanted to: writing a novel, painting a portrait, redecorating your bedroom.
You may find that you’re more reflective and at peace with yourself when you take the time to do calming activities.
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If you’re up late reading this blog right now, close the computer and go to bed. You can wish for a deep sleep all day long, but unless you actually practice proper sleep hygiene, you may have a rough day tomorrow.
Motivating yourself to get to bed on time isn’t always easy, but it will certainly be worth the effort. When you peacefully and happily unwind, you’ll feel like a million bucks in the AM.
Remember, you deserve to have a lovely day, free from grogginess. I wish you a deep sleep tonight!
Annie
Author
GetBodyPillow
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