It is not a secret that a night of good night sleep is a must for a healthy body and mind. It is crucial to have a nightly routine that signifies to your body that it's time to shut down for the night. It can be challenging to turn your brain off at the end of a long day, especially if you haven't checked everything off your to-do list, have unfinished projects, or are unclear of the next day's plans. Here are some ways that you can release stress before bedtime to improve your quality of sleep in under half an hour.
Brain Dump
5 minutes
I'm not sure about you, but when I have a ton of thoughts going on, it is hard to focus on one task at a time. When this gets overwhelming, the only thing that will help me get back on track is a brain dump. If you aren't familiar with the term, it is what it sounds like. You want to sit down with a pen and piece of paper and write down anything that is on your mind. I am a journal freak, and I like to put down my thoughts onto paper. It is so zen for me that sometimes I come up with a solution to an issue that bothers me. This solution could be as simple as being able to look at the problem through a different angle and to not hold on to it mentally or emotionally it anymore, to let go.
Make a Plan for the Next Day
5 minutes
Life is hectic. We tend to put more things in our basket than we can handle. You can plan out your next day from the night before. Set yourself for success! Write down what you need to accomplish and the importance of it. This way you will have it all written down, and you know you won't forget anything. Don't leave any task in the house undone such as dirty dishes in the sink or clothes that you have left in the washer or dryer. By doing this you have already added to your to-do list before even waking up, and you will wake up feeling behind before your day even starts.
Meditate / Quiet Time
5-10 minutes
Meditation is one of the best ways to relieve stress when you are overwhelmed. It gets you into a positive mindset, allows you to release any negativity, and truly reset for the next day. Yes, there are many ways that people meditate, and if you want to try a specific technique more power to you, but don't feel like you can't attempt meditation because you've never been shown how or think it's just nonsense. I add a few minutes of meditation throughout the day, and I bet it won't come as a surprise if I tell you that I fall asleep to meditation.
Feed Your Spirit
5-10 minutes
Everyone needs positivity, before laying your head down at night, read something that will pour into you what the stressful day has taken out. Whether you prefer to read positive, uplifting stories, a religious passage of your choice, a daily devotion, or your daily uplifting quotes, find something that leaves you happy uplifted, and like you can take on tomorrow with no problem. Once you clear out any negative thoughts or negative space, it is essential to replenish, because it is so easy to allow those negative, stressful thoughts, or feelings to creep back if we aren't making sure that we replace them with intentional, positive, empowering beliefs.
