Five Ways to De-Stress Before Bed
April is National Stress Awareness Month. Stress affects many of us in many ways, but bringing awareness to the causes and symptoms of stress can help us better understand how we can avoid, manage and cope.
As the night-time experts, the Fable and Eve team know just how important sleep is when it comes to managing stress. Often when we are going through a stressful period, our sleep cycles, unfortunately, get the brunt of it. Getting a good night’s sleep is so important, allowing the body and mind to relax and recharge.
Here are five helpful ways to de-stress and detox the mind before heading to bed…
- Stretch and unwind
Yoga and meditation are credited to improve sleep by stretching away any built-up tension. Taking ten minutes to do some light evening exercise, like yoga or pilates, can leave you with a stronger sense of revitalisation, more energy and less confusion, stress and depression.
2. Write a gratitude list
Just before you get into bed, write down the things you achieved that day. What went well and what you feel grateful for. Doing this can help detox the mind and reduce anxious thoughts, giving you a greater sense of happiness and peace ahead of your night’s sleep, ready to wake up and face tomorrow.
3. Relax all your muscles
Taking a warm bath or shower before cosying up into a warm bed is said to help our muscles (including the brain) relax and feel sleepy, tricking our minds and bodies into falling asleep. The same goes for a hot, non-caffeinated drink like chamomile or honey and lemon, which are great to drink an hour or so before bed.
4. Switch off the devices
We are constantly surrounded by news, and sometimes it can be overwhelming. A clearer mind and a more focused approach allow us to understand the causes of stress within our lives and what affects our wellbeing. Try setting limits on your devices, which will send alerts when you reached your daily social media usage – reminding you to put down your device and be in your own thoughts.
5. Calm the mind with books and breathing
We often struggle to fall asleep when our minds are in overdrive. Reading a book can help distract your minds from any worries you may have. Regulating breathing patterns through the 4-7-8 breathing technique is also said to promote calmness and relaxation which can help you drift into a peaceful night’s sleep.