Here’s how to make the most out of your fall time coziness.
– KEYS SOULCARE
Sweater weather has arrived. As the days grow shorter and chillier, the pull to rest can be strong. (No shame in hitting the snooze button once… or twice.) But the desire to do less in your day-to-day life can start to feel too tempting. That’s exactly why it’s so important to seek refuge in the form of a ritual. In fact, small tweaks to your night routine bring balance to your day. Prioritizing a nighttime ritual significantly improves energy levels while giving you the rest you truly crave. Here are three simple ways to start reaping all the benefits.
1. Wind down
When it comes to rest, it’s important to expand beyond just getting to bed early. The process of sleeping well starts long before your head hits the pillow. Reducing sleep inhibitors as part of your daily process is as important during the day as it is at night. Some things to remove or include:
- Stop caffeine intake earlier. Even the greatest coffee aficionado should avoid a late-night espresso. The stimulant can disrupt your sleep up to six hours before bed. Be sure to be mindful of your intake and opt for decaf or caffeine-free drinks to curb cravings.
- Digitally detox. You probably saw this one coming, but it still holds true. Your late-night scrolling, working, and texting are costing you rest. Create a habit of unplugging and respecting your own tech time boundaries.
- Make movement meditative. If you’re feeling restless or can’t find time to work out until later at night, you might want to try a restful movement routine. While exercise is known for improving sleep, strenuous workouts can give you a surge of energy you don’t need before bed. Try walking, yoga, or stretching instead.
2. Prep for your day
Have you ever found yourself scrambling in the morning? You’re not alone. Whether you have a hard time getting out of bed or spend your mornings wrangling your family for school, the a.m. rush is real. Here’s how to make it easier:
- Pack the night before. Make your mornings easier with nighttime prep. Gather breakfast and lunch items for the next day. Prep ingredients or complete full meals at the beginning of your week. Start small by laying out your coffee mug and utensils so you can brew and go in the a.m.
- Pre-plan your outfits. Like meal prep, you can do fashion prep. Getting your outfit for the day laid out the night before means you have less to think about. Want to work out first thing? Have your gym ‘fit ready to go. Dropping the kids off before starting your day? Have your loungewear visible so you dress for carpool without a second thought.
- Prioritize your essentials. If you’re not in a prepping mood, do yourself a favor and have all your must-haves in one place. Keys? Wallet? Work I.D.? Place them in one visible spot so you can skip the stress of finding them when you’re pressed for time.
3. Set the scene
Creating a clear line between your day and night requires a shift in your surroundings. The transition from morning to night should be emphasized by tangible markers. Your mind will receive the signal that it’s time to relax and set you up for rest mode.
- Lower the lights. Brighter spaces create more alertness. Make any room a tranquil oasis by dimming or turning off the lights. Warm, tinted bulbs or burning your favorite candles can cozy up the space. (Our OG Sage + Oat Milk calming candle is a soulcare favorite for a reason.)
- Wash away the day. A good cleanse is vital for your skin and spirit. Nighttime hygiene leaves you feeling refreshed. Make your shower a meditation and visualize stress going down the drain. Pair this mindfulness practice with feel-good offerings to keep skin protected throughout the season.
- Dress for success. How we dress impacts our day and night. Your bedroom attire deserves more attention. Silky robes can make you feel luxurious and oversized T-shirts can bring a deep sense of comfort. Whatever you choose to wear, feel excited about it.
Soulful tip? If you find yourself lying awake for more than 20 minutes, remain calm and do a simple activity, like reading, until you feel tired again. This will keep you from overthinking and stressing, which makes it harder for you to fall asleep.
What do you need to do to honor your sleep this season? Share your bedtime must-haves in the comments!
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