I’ve heard a lot of talk about nighttime routines for babies…we established them pretty early on with both kids, so I get the importance. But, what about after the kids go down? What about us?
I’ve got two toddlers, and I am almost thirty five weeks pregnant, so when it is finally my bedtime, you could say I am more than ready for my head to hit the pillow. And what I gather from pretty much everyone I talk to, mother or not, they are on the same page. Life is busy, and when it is bed time, we are tired.
But a consistent routine is so dang important. Taking even ten minutes for yourself each night for some consistent self-care will make a world of difference in your day to day.
You will sleep better.
You will wake more rested.
You will be a better you because, see above.
And by self-care, I don’t mean a tv show or scrolling through Instagram (totally not against these things, but they don’t set the right mood for healthy sleep).
- Go to bed at the same time every night: do your best. Some nights are going to be later than others, that is okay (always about that balance). But, pick a reasonable time for bed that you can stick to the majority of nights. (Mine is about 9PM)
- Start your routine at least 10 minutes before your bedtime: You don’t want to go into bed feeling like you just rushed some self-care because it was another thing that needed to get done. This time is for you, and you are important.
- No phone in bed: this is a tough one, I love a late night scroll, but the blue light from your phone (or actually any electronic) has been proven to effect sleep negatively…get your last social media update or last few minutes of your tv show in BEFORE you start your bedtime routine.
- Take care of your body: two parts to a good bed time routine, and the first is taking care of your body. This can be anything from a bath to a few yoga poses. Now personally, I love, like really love, a nice warm shower before bed. Even if I’m not washing my hair, I throw it in a bun, and hop in. I always have a body wash I love (smell is everything for me), and I use the Rodan and Fields Redefine system for my face…heaven, more on this another time.
- Take care of your soul: second part, just as important, but I recommend doing very last, is taking a few minutes for your soul. Whether a few minutes journaling, prayer, reading a personal development book, or even having a good conversation with your spouse…these all fill the soul right up.
Some of you may have a bed time routine, but not even realize it. Sometimes establishing that it is in fact “a thing” for you can just make you feel good that you do take that time for yourself.
And if your nights feel hectic and varied, maybe you crawl into bed without even remembering what the heck happened a few moments before, I recommend trying out a little routine and seeing how you feel.
Do you have a bedtime routine? What are some of your favorite things to do before you hit the hay? Would love to hear! Comment below.