31 Days: start a bed-time ritual
Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized
Day 14 in 31 Days to Better Energy and today’s task is another sleeping strategy – find some time to wind down, before going to bed.
Why?
Sometimes it’s easy to rush, rush, rush all day. At work, at home, we’re constantly trying to fit more into our days. Time for ourselves and time to sleep are two things that get pushed aside in this busy-ness. Not enough sleep and problems sleeping are two direct consequences of this, which inevitably leads to tiredness.
Many people watch TV to relax in the evening, however it’s still stimulating your brain. Going straight from watching TV to bed, can also lead to disturbed sleep.
Bedtime rituals can help you unwind after your day and they encourage a more restful sleep. It’s about turning the TV off and spending 10 or 15 minutes, slowly and gently getting ready for bed. This will mean you are physically and mentally ready for sleep and will sleep better. You’ll then feel better the next day.
Today’s task
Today’s task is something to do this evening – start a bed-time ritual. When you’re feeling tired, switch the TV off, but take a little time over your going to bed ritual. Put on some gentle music, maybe have a warm bath, or drink a glass of hot milk with honey and nutmeg. You could try some meditation, or simply spend a few minutes breathing mindfully. Make it something you could do every day, as a regular bed-time ritual.
Once you’re ready for bed, climb in and enjoy feeling relaxed. You should find you drop off to sleep a lot more easily.
Do you have a bedtime ritual?
This post is part of a series I’m writing over August – 31 Days to Better Energy. For more information and to view the other tasks, take a look at the introductory post.
14 August, 2007
Comments
Oh bed time rituals! I love them. I used to have one. From the time I got home winding down to the time I went to bed. Get home and have dinner at 7pm. Train (at the gym or running or boxing) from 7.45pm to 8.45pm. Shower, in bed with a book until 9.30pm. Lights out.
That was on my training nights, every second night. On the alternate nights it was just a case of coming home at 7pm. Dinner and discussion till 8pm. And then television for up to an hour, shower at 9pm and in bed, lights out by about 9.30pm.
Then work took over, and my ritual went kappuut… Need to try and get back into it! Thanks for the reminder!
Paul, work does tend to do that – send all our good habits and rituals flying out the window. It’s important to re-focus on yourself and the things that YOU need to do to keep well, healthy and happy.
Last night, despite my good intentions, I failed to start my bed-time ritual. It was again work which stood in my way, keeping me to my desk until 7pm. Bugger. Tomorrow night. Or I’ll start fresh next week… maybe.
Leave a comment