There are so many ways to start your day with a positive outlook, but have you ever considered how important it can be to go to bed with a smile on your face? There are actually several simple things you can do each night to wake up the next morning feeling better.
Clean Your Space
First things first: clean up the area where you rest. You don’t need a model home-ready room to be happy, but try to clear clutter off the dresser to reduce that “noise” near your bed.
Pick Your Time
There’s no universal bedtime that works for everybody. Instead, do a quick calculation to determine the best time to settle in for sleep. Do you tend to drift off right away? Or does it take you a little while? Factor this in to make sure you get a solid night of sleep.
Cheat Once In A While
I just told you to get a good night’s sleep. It’s true that science shows sleep is essential to health and happiness. However, once in a while, if you have an opportunity to stay up a little later for some good, old fashioned fun, go for it. Treat yourself.
Smile At Somebody
Make this a ritual. Before you go to your bedroom at night, smile at somebody. It doesn’t matter if this somebody is your dog or your reflection in the mirror. The action of smiling has been proven to improve positive thinking in both the smiler and the recipient.
Spend Quiet Time
Before bed, create a few minutes of “you” time to be quiet. You may want to read, meditate, or completely clear your thoughts at stare at the wall. Allow your brain to wind down.
Stretch
Exercise is a great way to improve your mood, and gentle stretches before bed can loosen your muscles so you’re not feeling stiff all night long. You’ll wake up with a positive attitude and a relaxed posture.
Check Your Pillows
So many people complain of cramped necks and headaches. These interrupt sleep and make for sluggish, unhappy days. Search for the pillow that puts your head in the right position for you.
Journal Three Good Things
Just before you go to sleep, journal three things that went right that day. Even if the day felt like a complete loss, and even if you’re absolutely exhausted, make time for this. It can be something simple like “I remembered my mother in law’s birthday.” You will be amazed how looking at a list of your little successes each day can turn your mind around.
Hungry? Eat Something Light.
If you get hungry right before bed, quit beating yourself up about it. Try to find ways to improve your dinners so you aren’t constantly hungry at bed time, but if you occasionally need a healthy snack to get comfortable, let yourself have that. It’s better than tossing and turning for the next few hours!
Shut Off The Screens
Studies are now linking nighttime screen time to insomnia and even cancer. If you’re used to sleeping with the television on, try to break this habit. Instead, you might find that putting on soft music is a soothing alternative. Electronic lights are unhealthy, and they are definitely mood killers.
Pair these ideas with common methods for starting your day off with a positive outlook, and you will build up a strong defense against the blues!