After a long day at school and/or dance practice, there is no better feeling than winding down for the night. Having a good night routine that helps to relax you and put you into a peaceful state of mind is an important factor for getting a good night’s sleep. It’s easy to get lost in creating a routine, though, so we have that pre-sleep ritual down to four essential pieces.
Comfortable Outfit
Finding comfort in your bedtime outfit is as important as having a blanket that you love. Good pajamas and a sleep hairstyle aren’t about fashion or style. They’re about creating an environment for your comfort. Experiment with what you feel comfortable in. For some people, an oversized graphic t-shirt and shorts are a dreamy combination. For others, a hoodie and sweatpants are a formula for cozy, or a cute matching pajama set is a simple sleep solution. Do what feels right.
When you’re experimenting with bedtime hair, take the same relaxed approach. Play around with different hairstyles, and see what’s comfortable to sleep in and leaves you with the best results. Braids leave your hair wavy. Wrapping your hair up prevents damage. What are your priorities?
No-Tech time
One of the most common things that can stop you from feeling tired when you are trying to sleep is spending time on your phone! try to set your phone aside at least 30 minutes before you go to bed. If you find yourself getting bored because you can’t sleep, read a book, crochet, knit, journal, or do a “slow” activity that will allow your brain to ease into a more restful state.
The Comfort Snack
Who says that midnight snacks can’t help you sleep? In fact, that late night trip to the fridge might be just what you need. Healthy snacks like fruit, nuts, and veggies can help stabilize your blood sugar levels and promote better sleep. If you’re looking for a comforting bedtime drink, a cup of non-caffeinated warm tea like chamomile, lavender, or green tea is a great option.
Hygiene Routine
When you think about night time routines, hygiene and skincare are probably the first things that come to mind. For the basics? Brush your teeth and your hair. After that, make sure you’re going to bed feeling glowy, healthy, and most importantly clean. Nighttime showers, lotion, and even a skincare routine (no matter how many steps!) can all be part of this process.
