Starting your day off right is only half the battle. Being mindful of how you choose to end your day can have an impact on your sleep cycle, the morning after, and even stretch its way into the rest of your week! It’s recommended that healthy adults get between 7 – 9 hours of sleep per night. We're all guilty at times of sacrificing sleep to keep up with life’s daily demands, but committing yourself to a simple routine to end every day will fill you with rest, gratitude, and just enough peace to quiet your mind before you lay your head down every night.
- Create Consistency: We cannot always control our environments or the actions of others, however we can make a conscious effort to align our ‘end of day’ to a specific hour to create a rest schedule. Whether that’s eating dinner at the same time, creating a cut-off time from the world outside of your home, or setting a sleep alarm, being deliberate about what time you ‘turn off’ is important to both setting boundaries, and allowing your mind and body to begin anticipating the rest that is to come.
- Disconnect, Seriously: Our screen times have been skyrocketing as a result of the recent transition to WFH life and the advancement of technologies that keep us constantly connected. The National Sleep Foundation recommends no screen time for at least 30 minutes before bed, and this isn’t an easy task. Your Nook is a screen, as is your Apple Watch, so shut it all down, pick up a book, take a bath, and go on Airplane mode to get your mind right before bed.
- Induce Some Calm: Getting yourself ready for rest is daunting when your mind is racing, your body has been on autopilot all day, and you’re so tired yet wide awake. Melatonin is a hormone that tells your body when it’s time to sleep, and this supplement is widely available and known for being a natural method to help those with trouble falling or staying asleep. Another natural sleep-saver is CBD due to its impact on the endocannabinoid system which plays a role in maintaining mood, appetite, and sleep. The key is to try out what works best for your body and mind, to keep you calm and set your evening routine up for success.