Not everyone deals with stress the same way! Some people exercise, other people, find relaxation in sitting on the couch watching Netflix. There’s no perfect way to de-stress — but it is important that you find a way that works for you. Especially before bedtime. How you wind down at the end of the day determine how well you go to sleep and how relaxed you feel in the morning.
For The One Who Works Way Too Hard
Is every minute of your day completely filled? Do you typically go from meeting to meeting, without taking much time in between to breathe? It sounds like you have a career where people rely on you and that’s great! But it’s important you’re taking care of yourself, just as much as you’re taking care of your co-workers. Instead of coming home late, eating leftovers, showering, and then just sitting in bed on your phone; really wind down for the night.
Before you get into your bed, spend some time reflecting. Maybe even a journal for a few minutes. Write down what you accomplished that day and what your goals are for tomorrow, the next day, even the next month. And then, let it go! People tend to feel better once they’ve written their thoughts down. Why not try it?
For The One Who Loves Beauty
Nothing feels better than coming home after a long day and tending to your skin! Are you obsessed with makeup wipes, cleansers, toners, masks, and exfoliators? Then, make them a part of your nightly routine. So many people love beauty but they rush through it at the end of the night because they’re tired. Try not to do that. After cleansing, apply a face mask and actually let it sit on your face for the listed time. Then, just relax. Don’t immediately jump to putting on your serum or moisturizer.
According to beauty experts, you should wait at least 15 minutes in between applying products to your face so they actually have time to work on your skin. Wind down for the night by spending time doing something you love — treating your skin!
For The One Who’s Always On Their Feet
Does your job include standing on your feet for hours at end? Then you definitely need to relax at the end of the day. I recommend spending time in the bathroom —your bathtub, to be specific. Draw yourself a hot bath and add some Epsom salt. Heat will relax your muscles and also raise your body temperature, which will make you feel nice and drowsy!
For The One Who’s Religious And/Or Spiritual
Are you a religious or spiritual person? Odds are, you don’t have a ton of time during the day to really focus on prayer or meditation. Carve out some time before bed to do just that. Especially if talking to a higher power makes you feel better! You can speak aloud, read a scripture from your bible, or a book on the powers of meditation and self-reflection.
For The One Who Loves The Gym
Do you prefer working out at night? A lot of people do! And while I’m more of a morning exerciser, I definitely see the allure in an evening workout. It can alleviate the stress of the day and help you feel ready for bed. Just make sure you’re working out at least a couple hours before bedtime so the energy you receive from your workout doesn’t get in the way of your sleep.
After you exercise, don’t forget to stretch. Come home, lay down on a yoga mat and take a few minutes to stretch out your muscles completely. Maybe even turn off the lights to create a meditative mindset. After you’re done, take a shower, and drink decaf green tea to help flush out your toxins.
For The One Who’s About To Be A Mom
Being pregnant isn’t easy, getting a good night’s rest when your pregnant is even more difficult. Regardless if this is your first, second, or third pregnancy — you might still find it difficult to wind down at the end of the night. Not only should you create, and stick to, a nightly routine; you should make sure your routine includes drinking water (not too much, though, you don’t want to have to pee all night), stretching, and maybe even practice your breathing for your upcoming delivery. All of these things will help ease your mind and body before bedtime.
For The One Who Always Brings Their Phone To Bed
Whether a millennial or a baby boomer, you probably have a habit of scrolling through your phone at night. What I’m about to suggest isn’t going to be easy, but it’ll help you fall asleep (and stay asleep) — stop using your phone, at least an hour before you go to bed. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? After all, your phone is your baby. But trust me, your phone is incredibly distractive and potentially destructive. You don’t need to take what you see and read on your phone with you to bed. You want your mind to be as blank as possible!