- Closing the day
Our mind and bodies love to have a rhythm we follow. When we stick to regular and consistent timings for our activities, our nervous system can do its work more efficiently without getting frazzled. Move into your evening with a ritual that signals the end of the day. Start winding down and prepare yourself for a good night’s sleep. This could be any of the following
- Changing into your night clothes
- Having an early dinner
- Dimming the lights
- Switching off replying to texts and messages.
- Having an evening tea
- Lighting a candle
2. Evening Bath
One of the best therapies for days when you are feeling stressed, your mind is overwhelmed and your body is aching, is an evening bath. It will help melt all your stress away. You need a bathtub, 1-2 cups of epsom salt bath and a few drops of essential oils. Flower petals and candles optional. There are several elements combined here. Water therapy has been used for centuries in Europe for healing purposes. You can duplicate this in the comfort of your own home. Once you have filled up your bathtub with water, add the epsom salt and 8 drops of essential oil of your choice. If you don’t have a bathtub you can do a foot bath with a small container and add 1/2 cup epsom salt with 4 drops of essential oil. The magnesium in epsom salt is relaxing for mind and body.
3. Essential Oils
One of the fastest ways to shift your moods is with essential oils. They can be relaxing.and also help relieve aches and pains. Here are some soothing essential oils for mind and body
- Lavender
- Sweet Marjoram
- Clary Sage
- Roman Chamomile
- Frankincense
- Valor
- Stress Away
- Aromasiez
- Peace & Calming
- Dream Catcher
- Harmony
- Sacred Sandalwood
- Tranquil
The oils can be diffused, mixed with a carrier oil for a gentle massage ( 2-3 drops of oil in one tablespoon of oil), made into a spray with water or added to a bath as in Ritual No. 3 above.
4. Planning your next day
Most people cannot fall sleep because there are so many things going through their minds. When you plan your next day and put down those thoughts on paper in your planner, you can go to sleep in peace. Next morning you can start the day rested and productive with your day already organized the evening before. There are many great planners available. My favorite is this one.
5. Gratitude Journal
One of my favorite bedtime rituals is writing a Gratitude Journal . All you need is a notebook or journal. As part of your bedtime routine write down 3-5 things you are grateful for in your life. You will fall asleep with gratitude in your heart.
Good night and sweet dreams! May your sleep be peaceful and restful!
