HEALTH

Struggling with sleep is one of the *worst* feelings in the world. Not to mention it's even worse when you're stuck lying in bed worrying about it. But stress no more—these 5 tips will help you relax, refuel and get ready for the day ahead. You'll be dreaming about Ross Lynch (or your current celebrity crush) in no time.

Channel all the cozy vibes

A warm drink, comfy pj's and a fleecy blanket can help you feel safe and secure in a snap. Heat up some apple cider, milk or non-caffeinated tea (try chamomile!) in your fave mug and take a sip before bed. Then, slip on a pair of fuzzy socks and snuggle up under a super-soft blanket. If music helps you relax, pop on a calm playlist (think: soft piano) and listen for a few minutes before hitting the hay. And—we know this is hard—but definitely try and stay off your phone and laptop close to bedtime. Both emit blue light that can make it tough to fall asleep. But don't worry—TikTok and Insta will still be there in the a.m., and you'll feel more refreshed to keep up with the latest trends after a good night's sleep.  

Page through a favorite book or mag

If you've been lying in bed for more than twenty minutes and still can't catch any z's, a change of pace might help you out. Pick up a favorite book and read a chapter or two, or choose a magazine and flip through a few sections. Having something else to enjoy and focus on will help lull you to sleep. Some chill, feel-good books to try are To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han, Wonder by R.J. Palacio and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares. 

Pick up a puzzle, coloring or activity book

Who says coloring books are just for kids? Pop a word search book or chill adult coloring book onto your nightstand for calming vibes. Finding hidden words or filling in flowers are great ways to help you feel calm and centered. Check out The Selection Series coloring book, which has *tons* of gorgeous drawings and inspirational quotes to shade in. Or, try this cute Disney word search and coloring book combo. How can you be stressed while coloring in a photo of adorable Dumbo?

Write it all down

Too many thoughts traveling through your head can sometimes keep you tossing and turning. You're not alone, though—it's a stressful time for everyone. Grab a journal or notebook and jot down everything you're thinking about, from that awkward Zoom moment with your crush to the formulas for the pre-al quiz tomorrow. Getting all these thoughts out of your head and down on paper will allow you to unwind and decompress. And, to help yourself think of happy thoughts, try writing down three things you're grateful for. Ending the day with a smile on your face will make your snooze *that* much sweeter. Looking for other prompts? Check out our list here.

Practice mindfulness and meditation

Meditation, mindfulness and yoga are *amaze* ways to put your mind at ease before bed. If you're looking for a soothing self-care yoga vid, check out this quick one from Yoga with Adriene. Massaging your tense muscles will help you breathe and relax, and it's simple enough that you can do the motions without the video.

Never tried meditation before? It's never too late to start! Take a few minutes to focus on your breathing. If you start thinking about something else, just let the thought go and try to bring your attention back to your breath and your body. If you're feeling especially stressed or upset, recognize and acknowledge the emotion, but then move on.

Will you try these sleep strategies? For even more before-bed routines, check out this article here! 

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Slider image: instagram.com/arnold_minidachshund

by Ariane Faro | 3/7/2021