Usually I have absolutely no problem falling asleep. My bedroom is cozy, my bed is like a fluffy cloud, and closing my eyes after a long day of work is all too easy. But a few nights this week I totally ran behind. I worked, ate, and exercised far later than I normally do. By the time my head hit the pillow I was so wired I couldn’t fall asleep if I tried.
On nights like these it’s important to have a few tricks up your sleeve (unless you’re okay with functioning on less than five hours the next day, which I am totally not). Here are a few of my tried and true tips!
1. If you want to fall asleep fast, drink Herbal Medicinals Nighty Night Tea.
This stuff is pretty much like an organic tea version of Tylenol PM. Seriously. I start drinking this about 15 minutes before I’m getting ready for bed. I’m ready to fall asleep by the time my mug is empty every single time. I’ve given this tea to so many of my friends and family. I honestly haven’t had one person come back to me and say it didn’t work. Now that is a testament, right there!
2. Spend a few minutes with your legs up a wall.
I know it sounds weird, but it’s the truth. Get down on the floor (or if your bed is right up against the wall, you can hop on your bed). Lie on your back facing the wall. Then lift your legs and schooch yourself forward until your bottom is resting up against the wall, and your legs are straight up leaning against the wall. Stay in this position, breathe, and relax for a few minutes – or until it’s no longer sustainable. There’s something about this restful yoga position (probably has to do with reversing the flow of blood in the body) that has a very gentle relaxing effect.
3. Empty your head.
Everyone reading this is probably in their head going “yeah sure, Emily, easier said than done” – and I get it. My head is all over the place at night still thinking about what went on today and what may happen tomorrow. I’ve got multiple clients, family, friends, my blog, and my writing all swimming around up there in my skull fighting for attention. The only thing that helps me is writing it down. I keep a book by my bed and just throw everything I’m still thinking about from today onto the page and write a list of priorities for tomorrow. The list usually changes by the time morning comes, but it eliminates that horror of potentially forgetting something when you wake up.
What are your tips and tricks for falling asleep?
Leave a Reply