My mom was a worrier. She knew we were growing up in a fast paced world where it felt as if things were only getting worse. Reading the daily paper only made her more concerned and so upset, she’d actually lose sleep.
I’m pretty sure she’d be beside herself reading the news today – ya think!? Lately, it feels as if we’re getting hit with one tragic story after the next and I don’t know about you, but it’s really beginning to freak me out.
I know if I let myself think about all that’s happening in the world, I’ll begin to feel antsy, worried and too worked up to rest.
Knowledge is power, but sometimes we need to detox and take a break from the news – especially before bedtime.
My mind tends to run a story over and over in my head and just like my mother, I start to ruminate over things I have absolutely no control of.
That is until recently…
I have adopted a restorative routine that has changed my life and with all the insanity out there, I want to share it with you.
5 things to keep you sane in an insane world
1. Get Moving
One of the best ways to relieve stress is to exercise.
Even if you can’t run or do intense exercise, find a way to workout every day.
Take a brisk walk for 30 minutes or take up yoga at home.
Health clubs have taken their group workouts online and there are tons of options out there to find a workout routine that fits your lifestyle.
Switch it up if you get bored but stick with moving.
Just be sure not to work-out too close to bedtime or your body may be too worked up to unwind.
2. Meditate
Find one of a hundred meditation apps you can download to your phone and start meditating.
Just five to ten minutes per day can have an impact.
Meditation pulls us into the present and trains our brain to focus on the here and now.
Trust me, this is one of the most important things we can do to fight stress!
Once you start, you’ll want to meditate everyday.
It’s a game changer for our stressed out brains and better than any sedative, I promise!
3. Make A Sleep Schedule
Make yourself go to bed at the same time each night (give or take 30 minutes) and make yourself wake up at the same time each morning (exercise early if you can each day – it helps wake you up)! Your body and brain will begin to adjust and soon you’ll find yourself craving your bed at the same time each night without even thinking about it.
4. Create A Bedroom Retreat
Get your television, phone and computer out of your bedroom!
Make sure your bedroom is just that; a room with a comfy bed for sleeping (intimacy is ok too) but not for watching TV, going on Facebook or writing that paper.
Take out anything that makes you think of work (get rid of the desk), or chores and keep the lighting soft so it doesn’t disturb you. Don’t forget a cool room is best for sleeping so try to keep the temp between 60 and 65 degrees.
5. Stick To A Bedtime Ritual
Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual every night: Put on your most comfortable clothes (MAJAMAS EARTH, anyone?) and sprinkle some essential oils on your wrists (lavender is great for relaxing). Pick up a night mask (I love the ones you can heat in the microwave) and make sure to follow the same steps each night so your mind and body know when to react to these cues and you unwind naturally.
Constant stress is a killer and hearing a barrage of bad news on an hourly basis stresses out the best of us. (I know that’s what finally got to my mom.) Adopting the five steps above has really helped me sleep (those who know me know that’s a miracle).
Trust ME, we must restore our spirit on a daily basis so we can go forth and take on the world with a positive attitude. It makes hearing the news a little easier to take and it protects us from the thing we can’t see… that evil stress monster inside all of us.
– Germaine Caprio, MAJAMAS EARTH Company Owner & Designer
Let ME know:
How do you relax before bed?
Please share your own thoughts with us – let’s get a conversation started in the comments below!