HEALTH

Dragging yourself through first period doesn’t have to be the norm. In fact, getting more sleep and better sleep is actually pretty darn cinchy. Don’t believe us? Here are three ways to add more quality S-L-E-E-P to your daily routine.

#1: Go to sleep 10 minutes early every day for one week

Think about it: Ten minutes is so not a big deal. But if you go to sleep 10 minutes early every day for a week, by Sunday evening, you’re racking up an extra hour of snooze time. And that’s a big deal. So log off Facebook, say see-ya to Instagram for eight or nine hours and go visit the Sandman. Trust us, what seems minor this week will be huge next week, when you’re suddenly not a zombie during school.

#2: Take 10 minutes to write down everything you’re thinking about

Most of what keeps us awake when we turn out the light are thoughts about the previous 24 hours and what’s coming up tomorrow and for the rest of the week. We consider drama, homework, afterschool activities, family issues, snappy retorts we should have said to our frenemies during lunch, thesis statements for that lit essay due next week—everything aside from counting sheep. Try decompressing on paper for 10 scribble-heavy minutes. Get everything out so you’re left thinking about, well, nothing. Hello, zen place.

#3: Sit quietly for 10 minutes before getting ready for zzz’s

You can call it meditation. You can call it a time-in. You can call it quiet time. Whatever you label it, we want you to spend a speedy 10 minutes in a dim or dark room, sitting comfortably with your muscles relaxed, breathing deeply and thinking positive thoughts about the day and the coming hours. Breathe out your stress and consider soothing thoughts. Set your phone alarm for 10 minutes, and when it goes off, get into your jammies, turn down the bed, brush your teeth and wash your face. It’s time to snooze!

What is your bedtime routine? Tell us in the comments!

by Brittany Taylor | 3/24/2016