How have you been sleeping? I have good nights and bad nights of sleep quality. Thankfully last night was pretty good, as I am feeling pretty awake. However, more times than not I find that I am waking up with horrible quality of sleep. So after doing some research, and taking some advice from fellow bloggers, I have started a new nightly routine. Here it is:
1. Every night around 9:00 (sometimes it's later) I take a nice warm shower. I like to shower at night so that in the morning, I don't have to blow dry my hair. I can go straight into styling it for the day. In the shower, as mentioned here, I use Aveda rosemary shampoo/conditioner. I also use a shower steamer when the day has been extra long or stressful. I really like the sleep shower steamer because the aromas help calm me down for bedtime.
2. Every other night I do a nice face mask. I don't think face masks should be saved for special occasions. A face mask helps me feel relaxed while deeply cleaning and moisturizing my face. I am currently using this Detox Face Mask. I recently went to this spa in Chicago and fell in love. They sell handmade soaps, body wash, lotion, face masks, and more. When we went into the store, we actually were able to meet the owner/soap maker who personally helped me pick some products out for my skin type. I also like these face masks: Aveda, GLAMGLOW, and this Aveda face mask too.
3. I then put on some nice and soft pjs (PJS), my favorite robe (Similar ), and my slippers (Minnetonka ). After I take off my face mask, I lay down in bed and read for however long I want. Right now I am reading The Girl on the Train.
Challenge: Add These Steps for the Next Two Weeks
1. I have been reading among some other blogger's posts that turning off electronics (tv, computer, phone, etc.) an hour before bed has helped clam the mind. By doing so, I will be avoiding the excitement electronics and entertainment triggers and be able to focus on my reading.
2. Stop Drinking caffeine after 11 am, on weekdays. Caffeine, whether you want to believe it or not, does effect how you sleep. I have been doing this since Monday, and really have found myself ready for bed earlier than days that I have caffeine in the afternoons or with dinner. Also my quality of sleep has gone up.
3. Drink more Water: I have also been doing a challenge this week that I am going to include in my nightly routine challenge: drinking at least 3 large Tervis size cups of water every day. By adding fresh mint from the garden, fruits or cucumber, I am able to better enjoy my water.
4. Stick to a routine, and don't let anything/anyone change it (unless it's an emergency of course). I have a hard time saying "Alright, well I'm going to go wind down" when my aunts and I are working on something or watching Orange is the New Black. However, for me to become my better self, I need to learn how to stick to a routine, especially for bedtime. Find a time that you know you can start your routine at least 6 times at week, and stick to that time. A change in this could throw off all the progress you are making.
5. Keep your phone and electronics at a distance. By doing so, you will not only be able to really focus on avoiding them but also during the middle of the night it isn't so easy to answer a text when it bings. I also use my phone as an alarm clock, so having it a distance away will help me wake up when I really need to, rather than hitting snooze a few too many times.
Things to Help:
- Buy soft pjs.
- Sheepskin Rug: literally these have made the world of difference in my life. I have always loved having one of these to step on right before bed and right when waking up. You can also find these at TJ Maxx for a fraction of the price.
- Charging station for electronics away from the bed.
- Good quality sheets: having soft sheets to jump into at the end of the day can help ease your mind and make you excited for bedtime. Serena and Lily sheets are an investment but trust me, you'll be glad you made the investment.
Follow me along my Sleep Routine Challenge and comment below if you have any suggestions. Feel free to join me in this challenge and comment with how it is impacting your sleep quality. Look for my post tomorrow about my favorite sunglasses.
XOXO-Mandie
PC: Google Images.