I LOVE SLEEP.
So so so much.
It’s definitely in the Top 10 of things that I love. It’s so delicious, incredibly important for our mental and physical health, and I never take it for granted.
And, luckily (knock on wood) I’ve never experienced much trouble sleeping. Sure, there’s the occasional night or two when I have too much on my mind and I find myself tossing and turning until the wee hours of the morning but usually I go deep and dark for 7-8 hours a night.
In the last couple of years I have found that these 3 things have helped make my sleep experience even sweeter:
1. Sleep mask: I looooove my eye mask from Cottonique. It’s adjustable and made from 100% organic cotton. Blocking out the light makes for a deeper sleep for me and I find it so comforting to have something lightly resting on my forehead and the area around my eyes.
2. Meditation: for the past 2.5 yrs I’ve been meditating twice a day for 5 minutes, including at the end of my day, in bed, right before I go to sleep. If my mind feels particularly active I’ll use a breath focused meditation (inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts), otherwise I’ll choose a mantra or affirmation to silently repeat. This short but powerful practice is a great way to transition from the activity of my day to the stillness of rest.
3. Lavender essential oil: lavender is known for its calming and soothing properties. I like to place a few drops on my wrists, rub them together, and inhale the scent with a few deep breaths. I keep a bottle close by on my nightstand in case I wake up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep. Usually I’m out like a light within a few minutes of breathing it in!
Do you have any favorite bedtime rituals? I’d love to hear from you!
Sweet dreamzzzzzzzzzzzzzz,
-mel-
xo