I am so guilty of nightly Netflix binging. Who else is with me? I think a lot of my justification is that I can get work or blogging done while still entertaining myself. Editing pictures or linking outfits is something I have down to a science and allows me to still multitask. But I was finding that my sleeping habits and quality of rest were suffering. I am prone to anxiety. I don’t talk about it often on here but you can actually read a post I did a while back called How to Deal with Anxiety. For me, a big trigger in anxiety is an unforeseen future. When I lose sight in the big picture or have a lack of trust in God’s plan, I am overcome by anxiety.
Social media has been a huge blessing, but also a curse for many of us. Anxiety and depression are at new heights with the weight that we all carry on our shoulders on a daily basis. Throughout the years, I have gotten better at learning my anxiety triggers and coping strategies that allow me to find peace in those stressful moments. Estabishling a more relaxing and peaceful night routine is something that I have recently begun and I believe will lead to a more fulfilled and relaxing state of mind.
But before I list the things I have done to wind down in the evening, I want to share something that might make you a little uncomfortable. Nothing will fulfill you in the way that Christ will. There have been many things I have done that definitely have been practical solutions in dealing with difficulty or anxiety. And I do suggest you try these techniques. But please remember that He is the way, the truth, and the life. Through him alone can you have true healing. I just wanted to share that with you because I realized that by making more time for prayer I started to see a change in myself.
Okay, let’s jump into the tips for setting up a more relaxing night routine!
1. Diffuse Essential Oils
Two Christmases ago, my mom got me an essential oil diffuser. I used it for about two weeks and then shoved it under the bathroom sink. But I recently brought it back out again when I had the opportunity to collaborate with Simply Earth. Using their essential oils has made me a serious believer in Aromatherapy. If you are someone who struggles with anxiety, I seriously recommend you give it a go. Simply Earth is a subsciption service that includes 4 essential oils each month as well as the ingredients, containers, and extras you need to make 5-7 natural recipes. If you are interested in giving it a try, you can use my code glamlifelivingfree at checkout to get the big bonus box and a $20 gift card (which you can use on future purchases) with your purchase of the Essential Oil Recipe Box! If you are just getting started with the whole essential oil world like me, I think it’s worth looking into!
2. Read Before Bed
I totally understand just wanting veg out and watch tv before bed. I am totally with you. But both my husband and I have been turning off the technology just 15-30 minutes earlier to go to bed and read. Not staring at a screen will help your body to relax and prepare for sleep. The key to actually make this happen is to get a book you are super excited about reading. The fact that my husband is reading is like a miracle! But the trick was he went and picked out a book at Half Price Books that he was intrigued by and it made him thrilled to start reading it. So find something you think you will love to get you motivated.
3. Take Your Time Getting Unready
I find that the nights I take my time with my skincare, brushing my teeth, and putting on cozy pajamas can help me get into the right mindset. Start this process earlier in the evening so you can begin that relaxation process before you actually plan on hitting the pillow. Plus if you start earlier you are more likely to pay more attention to detail and give yourself that pamper time you deserve.
What are some things you do to unwind before bed? Share your tips in the comment section!
Thanks for reading. Happy Fourth of July!