Lifestyle: Sleep Easy

I have been struggling to get a good night's sleep recently. I keep stirring in the night, waking up bursting for wee thinking my bladder may or may not explode at any second, getting up hours before my alarm, and feeling so drained of energy after working all day that I've been having afternoon disco naps. So I thought I would share with you some of the steps I have been taking, to try and get some much needed shut eye.

Unwind

Evenings are always my time to get everything done. I usually work my way through my to do list for the next day, maybe squeeze in a workout, binge watch my YouTube subscription box, write up blog posts and have a where did the last hour go? quick scroll through Twitter. 

I like to try and get everything done by about 9.00pm, which leaves me the rest of the evening to relax.

Namaste
I've recently started doing at home yoga once a week, in the evenings. I find it so difficult to switch off from the world, my head is so full of lists, schedules, doubts and worries, that it's nice to take half an hour to sit, stretch, breathe and lose myself - all while strengthening my body at the same time.

Pamper

I love having a hot shower in the evening - oh how I wish I had a bath! At the moment I've been loving the Lush Twilight shower gel I received for my birthday last year. It has a lovely lavender scent, which feels so calming and really clears my mind. I then do my skincare routine, and if I'm feeling rather fancy I might pop on a face mask or paint my nails.

Comfort

Comfort is definitely key in my eyes. After showering I'll whack on some cosy pyjamas, and maybe my dressing gown if it's a chilly evening and settle down on the sofa with a cup of green tea.

I love fresh bed sheets - there is no better feeling than sliding into a clean, fresh bed and cocooning yourself in those sweet smelling sheets. Pure bliss.

Netflix

Ian, my boyfriend and I, don't get to spend much time together during the day as we both have full time jobs, friends and commitments. So we always make sure we spend some quality time together in the evenings. After ten is our time - we curl up on the sofa, pyjamas on, with all the snacks and settle down to watch our current Netflix obsession. Some of our favourites are: Person of interest, Chuck, White Collar, Dexter and Warehouse 13.

Phone Free Zone 
I try, emphasise on the try, to not check my phone after 10.30pm. I find it's a good time to switch off from the online world. It's nice to spend an evening with your loved ones or even solo, without refreshing your instagram feed every five minutes and missing half an episode of How I Met Your Mother because you were liking a picture of someone's cat. However cute it may be...

Tea

I love a good cup of tea. I always make myself a green, peppermint or camomile tea before bed, as I find it relaxes me, settles my stomach and helps me to drift off. My current favourite is the PG Tips strawberry cupcake green tea - deeelicous. I'm always on the hunt for new teas, so if you have any recommendations please leave me a comment below.

Bedtime

I try to go to bed at a reasonable hour. I usually go to sleep around midnight, as that's the time I start feeling tired and ready for my bed, and I get up any time between 6.30am and 7.30am, depending on what shifts I'm working, or if it's my day off I usually lie in until around 8.30am. That gives me about seven to seven and a half hours of sleep, which for me is just right.

Light's Out

My last tip is the most important. For me, total darkness is key for a good night's sleep.

Draw your curtains, drop those blinds, turn that pesky hallway light off and starfish!

Sweet dreams.

I hope you enjoyed this 'Sleep easy' post, What are some of your tips for a good night's kip? Maybe you a yoga fan too, what are some of your favourite ways to unwind in the evening?

I'd love to know, leave me a lovely comment below.

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Love Laurenx