I’ve mentioned a few times before that I’m a very anxious person and how I’m trying to tackle an issue that seems to disrupt my daily life. I’ve come across very useful tips like making lists, exercise, have a well-balanced diet, practice yoga and give a shot at meditating but, I also singled out the moments when I feel it worst, like at night. It’s usually the hardest for me, I don’t like to go to sleep and, when I do, I have to be really sleepy otherwise my mind starts to wonder.
With that in mind, I developed a few routine techniques that help me settle a bit and easy my way into the night and going to bed. If you relate to any of the symptoms, you will definitely relate to this post but if you’re like M, who always looks careless and falls asleep instantly, this isn’t for you.
Face cleansing.
This is one of the first things I do when I know I’ll be hitting bed in about an hour. I always start with the eye make-up remover, then the lait confort and, if I still have some remain, I either wash it with water or tap with rose water.
Tea drinking.
I’m an avid tea drinker and would spend the whole day drinking it, if possible. I always start my mornings with a green tea and if I feel like having more, throughout the day, I always go for chamomile or infusions – mainly to avoid spoiling my sleep. They have a known calming effect and even help you sleep better.
Plan the day/week ahead.
I’m a checklist girl and anything that allows me to do a checklist, I’m in. Something that helps calm me down greatly is planning ahead, even if most things I can’t control, it eases me knowing that there are still a few I can. I write down things like what I’m wearing, to grocery shopping lists, to paying bills or even calling/texting a friend. This technique forces your mind to be pragmatical and think rationally about real-life tasks.
Shut down your phone.
I don’t mean literally but at least put it on silent mode – mine doesn’t even vibrate when it’s silent. This is one of the most important things you can do, since being constantly on your phone can worsen your anxiety. Just by checking Instagram or Pinterest, the levels rise what with comparison to what we are seeing, FOMO and all. Make sure you set a time frame to go on it hours before you go to bed.
Stretch or do a few yoga poses.
This is more sort of a recent technique that been finding very helpful. Me and M, normally watch a TV show before going to bed, and while at it, instead of being on the couch, I tend to practice a few of my yoga stretching exercises and poses. Obviously not a head stand but some of the calmer ones.
Reading a book.
This is major therapeutical for me and something I’ve been doing for years, reading a book as soon as I hit bed. After my night beauty routine is done, my alarm is set, my phone is off and everything else is done, I squeeze into a comfortable position in bed, pick up my book and read until I get really sleepy or start to misinterpret what I’m reading – especially if it’s a book in english.
Lighting a candle.
Candles are essential wherever I go and live, I’m never without at least one (or ten!). I honestly feel like they sooth me and the environment while, at the same time, eliminating any smells from the apartment and setting a comfortable and pleasant smell.