And, just as much as we love sharing that info with each other, we’re so happy to be able to send it your way! Here’s what’s been working for us when it comes to being well-rested.
Go dark(er)
Something we’ve found to be helpful to prepare for a night of restorative sleep is to turn off most lights (especially those that come from a screen!) an hour or two before bedtime. Opt for a warm-hued lightbulb or a candle (if you’re good at remembering to snuff it out before bed) and take advantage of that calming atmosphere to relax before going to sleep.
Keep calm
Towards the end of your evening, start getting your mind ready for rest. Do some light reading (this isn’t the time for catching up on the news), meditate, try a clay mask or concoct one of your very own using ingredients from your kitchen pantry — honey, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar are great for your skin! Soothe yourself by diffusing essential oils like lavender, rose, chamomile, or clary sage (if you have critters at home, make sure that the oils you choose are safe for pets as some may be toxic for them).
Set the scene
Turn your bedroom into the ultimate sleep-inducing space. For starters, try to establish a separation between your office/workspace and your resting space, even if they happen to be in the same room. You could begin by banning your laptop from your bed during the day (okay, maybe not completely, but at least when it comes to using it for work). Put away all work-related objects before settling in for the night and turn to items that can help lull the mind – like blackout curtains, a sleep mask, a noise machine, or comfortable bedding.
Be patient with yourself
Many of us have a tendency to expect a lot from ourselves, and quickly. But there’s nothing more ironic than to get down on yourself for not performing self-care properly! Like most things in life, figuring out what helps you sleep better can be a process of trial and error. Try fostering pro-sleep habits during the day even if you're working from home, like soaking up as much natural light as you can or going out for a stroll at lunchtime to take in some fresh air. Practice cutting down on screen time or treat yourself to blue light lenses. What works for one person might differ for another, and that’s okay.
Sleep is such a big part of keeping our health and well-being in check, and we hope that you’ve found something in here to gradually work into your routine and that maybe, just maybe, you’ll feel a little more rested at the beginning and a whole lot better at the end of each day.
