I’m writing this post during my wind down time. I’m sitting here with a large glass of milk and a brownie next to me, cooking shows on the television to serve as background noise, and my computer on top of a pillow on my lap. My son and husband are sound asleep. The dogs are sound asleep on their dog beds next to me. The clock just hit 11:00 p.m. Between 9:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., I enjoy me time (aka my wind down time).
From the moment I hear our son start moving around and making noises in the baby monitor around 6:30/7:00 a.m., to the moment I sit down for my wind down time, I’m go-go-go. I live a pretty nonstop lifestyle. In my mind, the busier I am the better.
I take care of our son, try to make as much quality time with my husband as possible, work a full-time work-at-home job, do chores around the home, run this blog … I have quite a bit on my plate but I love it that way. I’m not the type of person who can sit around. I need to stay active and busy.
But, I’ll tell you this. When it comes to wind down time, I’m very protective.
This time of the day is my day to recharge my batteries, not be interrupted, crank out any last minute work to prepare for the next day, work on my blog, learn a thing or two from cooking shows, enjoy chocolate, and sip on my nightly glass of milk.
When all is said and done, I close down the computer. I get the house ready for the night by wiping down the kitchen, letting the dogs outside for a quick bathroom break before bed, making sure everything that needs to be turned off is turned off, and locking up everything. And then it’s to get myself ready for bedtime by heading up downstairs to get ready for bed and checking on our son one last time before I crawl into bed.
This routine is pretty much what I do on a nightly basis. It’s my me time. It’s my time to get ready for bed. It’s my time to recharge my batteries.
10 Ways to Wind Down Before Bed
Here are 10 simple ways to wind down before bed:
1.) Set aside an hour before bed.
Many researchers say to shut down all electronics at least an hour before bed. Find a way to remove yourself from technology to allow your mind to relax before your shut your eyes and catch some ZZZs.
2.) Watch a lighthearted show.
*Gasp* Yes, I said it. I know this goes against #1 in this list. However, many people find it very relaxing to watch a bit of lighthearted television prior to bed. For me, cooking shows are like brain candy for me. Even though I learn tips and tricks, they don’t require a lot of attention and thinking. I can simply watch and enjoy, allowing my mind to slowly relax before I go upstairs and crawl into bed.
3.) Write in a journal.
Take out a journal and write down your thoughts. Or, write about your day. Many people are into bullet journaling. Here’s a great video to show you how to bullet journal.
4.) Read a book.
I used to be really into reading books. I would read around two books a week (I used to ride the metro to and from work every day so I would fly through books). My eyelids are much too heavy to crack open a book after I crawl into bed. However, a book is a fantastic way to help your mind destress.
5.) Drink a cup of tea.
They make all sorts of tea that is geared toward helping a person calm down and destress. The next time you’re at the grocery store, peruse the tea aisle. Pick out a tea that is perfect for nighttime. Then, fix yourself a cup of tea that night, sit down, and sip on the tea to become more relaxed.
6.) Turn on the music.
Pick some music that is soothing and slow. Anything upbeat and with a fast tempo might get your heart racing. A great relaxing song or Pandora station will help you relax and destress from the day.
7.) Receive a back massage.
My body has a tendency to get really tense throughout the day. Every once in a while when my husband stays up wth me, I’ll give my husband the puppy dog eyes and sweetly ask, “Will you rub my back?” After a few minutes of rubbing my back I’m usually passed out across his lap. He usually has to wake me up and send me to bed. My body feels great and my mind feels destressed.
8.) Try aromatherapy.
Light a lavender calendar. Enjoy essential oils. Spray your sheets with a relaxing scent. Smelling calming scents will help calm your mind.
9.) Take a warm shower or bath.
The temperature of the water will help calm you and the experience might help clear your mind.
10.) Enjoy intimacy.
Yes, I went there. Let’s face it, it’s a great way to release some tension.
What’s your favorite way to wind down?
Photo by London Land Interiors – Look for contemporary bedroom pictures
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