5 Ways to Wind Down Your Evening

Hand massage with a lovely essential oil: Choose from among lavender, chamomile, neroli, sandalwood and ylang ylang, all of which are known to promote restful sleep. Pour 2 to 3 drops of your chosen oil into a small bottle of a ‘carrier’ oil such as almond or sesame oil, and gently massage it all over your hands. Uncork the bottle and inhale the aroma. You will feel incredibly relaxed.

Soft, soothing lights: Invest some time and attention on the lighting in your home. It can make a dramatic difference to the way you feel in the evening. In rhythm with nature, our bodies crave low light in the evening, but we deny them that need by surrounding ourselves with bright lights. A dimmer switch, a set of lovely candles…simple luxuries that will take all your stress away.

A bowl of cherries: guess what. A small bunch of cherries can help you sleep better. That’s because cherries are one of the only natural sources of melatonin, which promotes sleep. You can also take them along on a plane journey—rest assured, you’ll have a stress-free flight.

A snug pillow: is your pillow hypoallergenic? When did you last change it? How well does it hug your head and cradle your neck? A good-quality pillow is not a luxury, it’s an essential buy—but yes, it can make you sleep like royalty.

A warm soak: just the thought of relaxing in a warm bath is enough to make me sigh. As far as I am concerned, its health benefits–better circulation and relief from aches and pains are only a bonus. The real comfort is in the way the gentle water soothes your mind and restores your spirits.

An uplifting book: I love to go to bed with books such as Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach, (even though it’s described as a ‘daybook’ of comfort and joy), all of Alexandra Stoddard’s elegant books, and sometimes even a beautiful childrens’ book that brings home a simple but powerful message. Just perfect for helping me sleep on a positive note.

Goodnight!

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Mandi R.

1:37PM PDT on Aug 16, 2012

Thank you

August 16
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Kathy P.

1:34PM PDT on Aug 16, 2012

heck yes! esp a good book and a bowl of cherries. Also, a warm bubble bath, a cup of warm tea, and a fireplace. yup

Sue T.

1:40AM PDT on Aug 14, 2012

I watch the news in bed...my bathtub is too small for a relaxing soak and my neighbors are annoying. what is the best way for me to relax?

August 14
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Dale O.

8:23AM PDT on Jul 31, 2012

These sound relaxing and life being a bowl of cherries that sounds like a delightful bed time snack!

July 31
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Sarah M.

3:51PM PDT on Jul 10, 2012

thanks

July 10
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geraldine o.

10:54AM PDT on Jul 4, 2012

Thank you. Let's not forget some light yoga or better yet, yoga nidra along with some soothing music. Please visit me on my Escape To Sleep website and FB page for more tips on sleeping. Escape To Sleep is based in organic aloe vera water and it is infused with time-honored and tested herbs used for insomnia, anxiety and nervousness. Sleep Well, Live Longer!

July 4
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Kirsten B.

1:39AM PDT on Jun 13, 2012

Great ideas, thank you.

June 13
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Melinda K.

11:08PM PDT on Jun 10, 2012

thanks for the info on Cherries!

June 10
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Sheri P.

6:47PM PDT on Jun 10, 2012

love a soothing bath at night...with relaxing scents! i need to eat more cherries...thanks for the reminder!

Elaine A.

8:17AM PDT on Jun 10, 2012

Aha! This is exactly what I do. Scented Gardenia bath oil and the same fragrance in the burning of candles, my i-pod with great music and my imagination to take me away to other places, people and time!