8 Secrets For A Good Night's Sleep

This cozy bedroom situation at the Akakura Onsen during my trip to Japan certainly made for a very comfy sleep experience...no additional effort required!

​Working full-time freelance from home most of the time and traveling as part of my work the rest of the time means sleep patterns aren’t always guaranteed but over the years, there are some known tactics I’ve observed work for me so sharing it here if it helps you as well! Of course, not all beds are as comfy and neither are all bedrooms as cozy as this pic above clicked at the Akakura Onsen in Japan during my trip there last year. Slept like a tired baby after a day full of activity but I know falling asleep that easy is not always possible. Here's what works for me, like a  charm, every single time:

Hard stop to work: This is essential given that I work from home. Giving my brains a regular turn off time to move away from work gives me time to relax and bring my 200% at work mode down to be able to begin my turning in for the night routine.

Love a well-deserved home-cooked nutritious and healthy meal after a long day's work!

Early dinners beckon: When I end my work day at the right time, that gives me sufficient leeway to prepare a healthy dinner, enjoy it while I read or watch a movie/TV show or even listen to some music…anything but look at my phone or laptop where I can access work emails!
 
Organize for tomorrow: You might not realize this but sometimes the reason you are not fully asleep is because in the back of your head, you are still working on something for tomorrow – an email you have to send, a deadline to meet, what to wear for your client meeting…but if you take the time to organize all of this then you will have less troublesome sleep.

Warm Numi Organic Tea and a light read or the local library as I slide into bed.

Warm shower or beverage: This is especially effective when I travel. A warm bath at the end of the day of activity and a cup of warm tea, milk, turmeric milk or hot chocolate gets me feeling cozy under the blankets and ready for my siesta. Currently sipping Numi Organic Tea!
 
Lavender scents: Or any aroma that soothes you really. I have little lavender sachets I keep under my pillow and carry lavender sheet sprays for hotel stays and the like. It immediately calms me down and also gives me a sense of familiarity for some peaceful shut-eye.

Sometimes I resort to carrying a bottle of this on my travels and spraying in the room or leaving a bowl out to fill the room with the aroma - double duty but so worth it!

Rosewater: On especially stressful days, long days of travel, or days of excessive laptop and phone screen time (also knows as deadline days!), dipping a cotton wad in rosewater, squeezing out the excess and then using it as relaxation pads for my eyes works wonders.
 
Night-time cleansing routine: Another sign for my body that signals bedtime is near is when I go through my night-time cleanse-tone-nourish routine, and feel like I’ve given my body and face some self-love for seeing me through the day. This Massage Envy exclusive Whish body butter with Kabosu sea salt is currently a night-time bedside staple!

Love the soothing notes on this, perfect aroma for a good night's sleep.

Zoning out altogether: Dimming down the lights, closing the curtains and removing chances of any light sources going on is integral to a night of sound sleep for me. I usually listen to some soothing music, get engrossed in a light read or (sometimes cheat and) watch a show but something light hearted and relaxing. 

I hope these are helpful for you, and if you have any specific tactics that help you, I'd love to learn more so leave a comment below! Wishing you peaceful zzzzzzz always :)