A good night’s sleep is essential to wellness, happiness and productivity. If your evening routine needs to be optimized, fret not. Every day we create new patterns and habits. We turned to our friends and sleep experts at Parachute – a direct-to-consumer bedding essentials brand based in Venice Beach – for tips on creating a zen space so you can get your best sleep this year.
Clean the Clutter
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When your brain is surrounded by stimulus – especially clutter – it makes us feel distracted, down or anxious (whether we’re aware of it or not). Removing the chaos of clutter gives your unconscious full capacity to relax and release tension. A few simple steps reduce clutter and welcome serenity in any bedroom. Consider eliminating stimulating items like books or business documents. Clean out overstuffed drawers, jammed packed closets and beneath the bed, as open spaces provide mental clarity. Finally, reduce light and noise by using blackout curtains and a fan for white noise if necessary.
Banish the Blue Light
Blue or green toned lights from the TV, alarm clock or your smartphone interfere with natural melatonin production, making it harder to sleep through the night. Disconnect from your devices a minimum of a half hour before bed or consider wearing amber glasses in the evening – they block out blue light from your iPhone, laptop and television. We like to reduce the temptation to scan Instagram or email before bed by using a charging station, strategically placed in a separate room.
Meditate, Breathe, And Stretch
Relax your mind and body with a short meditation, controlled breathing or a slow pre-bed stretch. All three reduce racing thoughts and slow your heart rate. We suggest a guided meditation, the 4-7-8 breathing method or a simple yoga routine to get you started. Regardless of square footage or floor plan, designate a space – whether a peaceful spot by the window, in a comfy chair or sprawled on the floor with a yoga mat – dedicated to preparing for a restorative night’s rest. You’ll notice improved sleep quality almost immediately. It only gets better with consistent practice.
Intrigued? Read the Parachute Blog for more sleep and wellness tips, interior design inspiration, and helpful information about Parachute’s collection of home essentials.