Is stress keeping you from the sheets? We’ve got some tips to lower stress!

We’re all experiencing an increased amount of tension in our lives, but the last thing we wanna do is let it keep us from a solid night of sleep. 

Getting 7-9 hours of sleep a night is vital to keeping your brain and body in tip-top shape. In fact, sleep is so important that we highly recommend you read this.

So how do we turn off the brain and get to counting sheep? Here are 4 tips to lower stress and sleep better.

Routine Routine Routine

Most schedules have been thrown out the window in the last few months. Working from home, not working, working overtime; regardless of your situation, keeping a routine is a major key.

Take it from an expert: “This is actually a time when we need to remember and be mindful of how we are living our lives in this very different way. So, we need to keep our lives as close to our routine as possible,” says Navya Singh, PsyD, a psychologist at the Columbia University department of psychiatry. 

Skip the Nap

We know it’s hard. You just buried an entire pizza for lunch and your next zoom call isn’t for another 3 hours. It’ll be ok if you just close your eyes for a few…

While that afternoon siesta might feel good, studies show that it’s going to mess up your sleep in the long run. Try and use your sleep schedule routine as an anchor to keep feeling 💯.

Blue Light = Bad Night

All of the screens in our life emit blue light. Even when your smartphone tells you it’s in night mode, your eyeballs are still soaking up blue light. 

Screen time really affects the production of melatonin in our brains: the “sleep chemical.” One hour before bed, cut the screens, stash the devices, and read a book or listen to relaxing music. Or both, go crazy.

Your brain will thank you. 

No News is Good News…Before Bed

We know it’s important to stay informed. We also know that not all news is negative right now 😉. Schedule a time for news and stick to it.

*Shameless Plug* We also suggest upping your dosage of positive news from sources like yours truly.

Seriously though, along with avoiding screens, avoid anything that may cause extra anxiety before bed. Let your calming music and good book usher you into a night of sweet sweet sheets.