For the past few months, I’ve been feeling a little more anxious than usual. I wrote about it a while ago when we arrived back in the UK.
I’ve been under a bit of stress, suffering from health anxiety and well general anxiety.
So while I’ve got the comfiest bed that I’ve ever slept on, my anxiety means that I’ve been struggling to get myself to actually stay asleep on the regular.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m still one of those lucky people who fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. But what I massively struggle with waking up in the night, unable to get myself to fall back asleep. Which means I end up feeling groggy and honestly pretty cranky that next day.
7 ways to get yourself into a better sleep routine
Set yourself a bed time
Do you want to be catching zzz’s by 11pm? Get yourself ready for bed around 10ish. Trust me. It takes so much longer than we think to get ourselves ready for sleep. Or at least for me it certainly does.
Cleanse your skin
Seriously, the amount of people I know who use a makeup wipe and call it a day. Treat your skin like you would your best friend, with love, kindness and understanding. Get yourself a proper cleanser, toner and moisturizer. A mask if you’re feeling particularly indulgent. You’ll feel luxurious, clean and ready to sleep restfully.
Fresh sheets are a must
I know we’re all a little guilty of this one. But it’s recommended that you wash your sheets every week. I know I leave it longer than that. Still, every time I wash my sheets I feel like that Homer Simpson meme where he says he’s a ‘toasty cinnamon bun” and isn’t that what we all want to be when we go to bed?
A good tip is to have a couple spare pairs of sheets to use – it feels like less hassle than washing constantly.
If your sleeping is erratic like mine, try a natural sleeping aid
I know I have lovely routines and rituals to keep my bedroom feeling like a cosy room that you can’t wait to sleep in, but I have to admit, it has gotten to a point where I’ll try just about anything to keep myself asleep for a full 8 hours – hell, I’ll take 6!
The only thing I hadn’t given a go until now has been an ingestible sleeping aid. I’ve always been a heavy skeptic on medicine that helps you sleep, so I’d never tried anything before. But I felt confident that trying a natural supplement (not a prescription) would be a good way to experiment with a little more control over my sleeping habits. And it’s natural, containing quality ingredients that I actually recognize. I thought that the best that could happen is that it changes my sleeping routine. The worst? Nothing changes. Fine, because I was well used to that anyways.
But I’ve got a spoiler for you. The reality is, that I did sleep.
Again, skeptically, I wasn’t sure of it when it first arrived. And the first few days of taking Utmost Me, I didn’t notice much of a difference. But like anything (hey – it took me two weeks for antibiotics to even make a dent in my ear infection), it takes time. After about a week or so, I started to notice that my sleeping felt less erratic, more rested, and much calmer. And I’ll take that any day!
Their capsules use a combination of blends, what they call: Sleep Quality Blend which reduces tireless and fatigue; Sleep Cycle Regulation which regulates sleep and signals to your bod that it’s bedtime; and Mental Wellbeing Blend which helps you switch off for a night of sleep. As directed, I’ve been taking it 30 minutes before I go to bed. You can read more on Utmost Me’s ingredients here – and they also have a daytime supplement that I’m keen to try out now too. (Also remember if you’re struggling with sleep, or anything else, remember to speak with your GP before taking any supplements or medicines.)
I’m making sure to pack my Utmost Me Neuro Rest capsules in my suitcase as well for my upcoming travels because I’m not ready to sacrifice this new routine and rhythm I’ve got going.
Move your phone away from your bed
This one is so challenging as I love a good Insta-scroll before I sleep. But the reality is, that blue light isn’t so great for you to be seeing before catching your shut eye. Put your phone on a table or dresser that’s just out of reach so you can’t be tempted to check it either.
Tuck into a good book
Joe and I have become this old 50s sitcom couple where we sit in bed together at night and read our books. It’s really helped me stop looking and reading via blue light of my phone and looking at pages – which seems to tire my eyes out much more. After a few chapters, I’m starting to feel ready for sleep.
Get your exercise on
Joining a gym has really helped not only with my anxiety, but with my sleeping habits. I’m finding it easier to fall asleep after a hard day’s session than I am after a day of rest. I’m not even saying do anything mega-cardio if that’s not your jam. Try yoga or meditating (I like the Headspace app).
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to place such a significant value on sleep. When I was younger, I thought so much less about getting a good 8 hours in. But it’s become such a seriously valued part of my life now. I realize that the saying goes “nobody remembers what a great night they had staying in” versus “that one crazy time at this party” but honestly, I do think there’s become such a shift in society where we place more value on our actual wellbeing and feeling good.
I like waking up in the morning knowing I feel well rested and am therefore ready to tackle the day. It brings forth such a positive mindset and has massively helped with my anxiety. Sleepless nights lead me to feeling more anxious and stressed throughout the day (and well into the night again). Changing my sleeping habits and routine comes as a decision to first and foremost, make me the best me. Being tired and anxious all the time because I can’t rest my body doesn’t leave room for the happiest of Kellys.
So for me? I’m rather comfortable now knowing that I’m one of those people who goes to the party – but you know, makes it home in time to go to bed.
Kelly xox
PS. This post is sponsored in collaboration with Utmost Me but as always, all viewpoints, opinions, feelings and photos are mine. And one more time: if you’re struggling with sleep, or anything else, remember to speak with your GP before taking any supplements or medicines.