I believe that a nighttime routine is essential for a good night’s sleep and will result in a refreshed face in the morning. I really try to stick to this nighttime routine I’ve created for myself, as I feel sluggish the next day and irritated if I don’t stick to it. I’ve also noticed that I’m less organised and less focused if I don’t sleep well the night before. Generally, I tend to lose my marbles!!! By creating healthy habits for unwinding and feeling relaxed, now I can honestly say that when I do these habits before going to bed, I feel sleepy quicker and I sleep better. Think of babies! All babies have a nighttime routine to fall asleep faster: bath, dinner, book and then sleep. These are some of the habits I do every single night to relax and have quality sleep.
Although it’s in my culture (Greek girl here) to have a light dinner in the evenings, I tend to recommend this approach to anyone who asks for my opinion. In Greece, we don’t have a meal as dinner, so for dinner I usually stick to something light like yogurt, a toastie, and a huge salad. This helps me to not feel like I have a brick in my stomach. If I get hungry again around 9pm, I grab some fruit or have some toast with olive oil and oregano or even a bowl of cereal- generally a light snack!
I always shower at night. I feel more relaxed after my shower and just clean! Showering at night is a must for me because it makes me feel sleepy after a while. Also, I love the feeling of sleeping on a clean bed. There is something about showering; it’s just takes my stress and worries away.
After my shower, I do my nighttime skincare routine. This is a great nighttime habit as you’re pampering yourself and treating your skin to some love and quality goodness. Especially after my shower, I feel it’s the best time to put on my creams and serums, as my pores are open from the hot water and steam. All the good nutrients get absorbed more quickly and deeply!
After getting dressed and have put on my creams, I usually tidy up my bedroom. It’s peaceful to see the floor and not clothes/shoes everywhere. Besides, I don’t have to do it the next morning! I also like tidying up before bed, as it is relaxing for me – I know, it’s weird! It’s that time of night when I overthink about all the tasks I have to do to the next morning. I feel less anxious and overwhelmed about all the things I have to do when I’m trying to fall asleep.
After my room is tidy, and I feel refreshed from my shower, I usually feel relaxed and ready to chill in bed. But before I head under the covers, I make myself a cup of tea. I specifically choose a tea that has no caffeine. If on the packaging it says that it’s for the nighttime, then I buy it. Now, I’m really loving the Pukka Organic Night time Tea as it is really light and easy to drink. It’s such a simple yet important part of my nighttime routine.
After making a cup of tea, I get in bed but without my phone. If I open Instagram, then I get addicted thinking ‘5 more minutes’ and I end up sleeping late. Instead I put it on the side, avoiding temptation! It’s SO hard, I know! I generally read or solve sudoku- something easy to engage my mind but not feel alert and awake.
I don’t usually stretch before bed but I’ve noticed that it helps me feel more relaxed and tired. Stretching is now a crucial part of my nighttime routine now. So if you can’t sleep, try stretching a bit. Not to the point were you feel pain but just enough to stretch and relax your muscles.
This last nighttime habit is not a must on my list. Personally, I don’t like journaling every single day, but if you’re one of those people who do, I’d say go ahead! It’s a great way to write down your memories and actually get all your worries on a piece of paper and feel more at ease.
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