Everyone needs a good night routine to relax, unwind, and help get you together before bed. Doing so will bring quality to your evening and set you up for success in the morning. Sleeping is supposed to be refreshing and relaxing, but because so many fail to shut their minds off before bed, stress dreams can occur. Stress dreams occur during sleep and bring on feelings of anxiety. These dreams often wake you in the middle of the night. Getting a good night’s rest is essential to combat these dreams and waking up feeling refreshed. One of the best ways to do this is by creating a solid nighttime routine to help you destress and relax. Keep reading for five things to do to wind down at the end of the night.

Unplug

One of the most important things to do to ensure a good night’s sleep is to eliminate screens before bed. Put down your phone, throw your iPad on the charger, and finish up any TV you’re watching. Many people use the excuse of wanting to play games on their phones or read on their iPads, however, it’s so tempting to check e-mails or respond to messages when you choose to do so. Instead, just shut off all devices and put them away. This is the first step in creating a solid night routine of relaxation.

Do some self-care

There’s no better way to relax and wind down than by pampering yourself. Self-care can look like running a bubble bath, taking a long hot shower, and doing a facial. Here are some other ways that you can do self-care at night:

  • Steaming your face
  • Clipping your toenails
  • Whitening your teeth
  • Getting a massage
  • Meditation

These are all great ways to take extra care of yourself before bed to ensure you wake up refreshed and rejuvenated.

Have a drink

What better way to wind down after a long day than with a nice cocktail or glass of wine? Whatever your drink of choice, pour it up and take a seat. Put your feet up and breathe, releasing the day’s stressors. Studies show that a glass of red wine every night increases longevity.

Read a book

Nothing is more relaxing than cozying up with a good book before bed. Reading before bed is a known stress reducer and allows you to fall asleep more quickly. It’s best to indulge in a good fiction book before bed because it can take your mind off your worries and troubles. Not only is reading a nice distraction, but studies show that reading before bed improves sleep quality.

Listen to soothing music

Another way to relax and wind down for the evening is by listening to soothing music. Think jazz, classical, ambiance, and meditation music. Music like this has many calming effects and is known to help ease the mind, soothe anxious thoughts, and enable you to fall asleep faster. Soothing music can even aid babies in falling asleep. So put on some calm, relaxing music while you shower and get ready for bed to ensure a nice sleep quality.

Do you do any of these things at night? What will you add in to your nighttime routine? Leave a comment below!