3 Easy Tricks For a Great Night's Sleep
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

3 Easy Tricks For a Great Night's Sleep

No hard effort required

194
3 Easy Tricks For a Great Night's Sleep
Burst

Sleep is not only super important but incredibly enjoyable. There are many ways you can improve it, from getting your hands on the best-rated mattress for 2017 to meticulously wrapping yourself in a blanket exactly 8 hours before you have to be up and counting sheep. Therese, however, can be tough, so I've turned to exploring lesser-known sleep-improving techniques.

As someone who dances salsa till 2 am every night and has to be up and running for work in the morning, I've taken been experimenting with ways to relax better for a while. Here are my best 3 tricks for getting a great night's sleep that doesn't require any medication, gadgets or hard effort.

1. Philosophical Meditation

Before you get all intimidated and tell me that you suck at meditation, this is not the type you're thinking about. Philosophical meditation is a method that lets you destress big time. You don't need to be sitting in any particular position or changing your breathing.

photo by Freestockpro

Step one - get comfortable. I like to sit on my couch under a fuzzy blanket.

Step two - get a notebook and a pen.

Step three - write down all the things you're anxious about. This can be anything small from "I didn't like how my mom asked me why I'm 25 and still single on the phone today," to "I bought three pairs of shoes that I didn't need and now I have to live off of Ramen for the rest of the week."

Getting the anxiety out of your head and on paper is incredibly helpful. Think of it as unloading all the negativity and locking it into the notebook.

Secondly, talk about the things or people who have hurt you. I find myself writing things like: "Why did this guy stop texting me? He pursued me for weeks before I agreed to go out with him and now it's as if he doesn't know me." Being super honest about the things that truly bother you can be extremely satisfying and will ease your mind big time.

Finally, and this is my favorite, write down everything you're excited about. It could be apple picking, Christmas shopping, going on a date with that guy you met on the subway. The key here is to mention even the smallest things, like eating a warm slice of apple pie on a cold November evening and move up to things that have to do with your job and love life.

Going through these three steps of emptying my mind in a notebook and being honest with myself helps me sleep like a baby. Meditation is always a great way to end the day. Give it a shot.

2. Incense

I used to be kind of weirded out by incense, thinking that it was some hippie crap. That was before my roommate introduced me to the wonderful world of lavender, aloe and strawberry scent. There's nothing better than lighting incense on a cold evening to create the ultimate cozy feel in your room.

Picture this: you're relaxing into the best mattress while inhaling the warm scent of lavender. It feels like you've ascended to a cloud. You won't even have to count sheep. Another upside of incense is that it's really cheap, so you can stock up for the month for less than $20. Plus, you can carry it with you when you travel and create a sense of home that will help you fall asleep in even the dullest hotel room.

photo by FreeStocks

3. Tea Infusions

I've never been a big tea drinker. I need that sweet caffeine in the morning to make me a fully-functioning human being. At first, I was skeptical about tea infusions but once I found myself dozing off while sipping on a cup of chocolate tea with herbs, I realized I was on to something.

Not only are flavors like forest fruits, mixed herbs, and chai with milk delicious, but the process of having a cup of tea is extremely relaxing in itself.The repetitive action of bringing the cup to your lips and the warmth that your hand physically holds on to, lead you straight to sleepiness. Add a few pieces of ginger and lemon, and you're all set.

So there you have it, three easy tricks to get a great night's sleep without having to exhaust yourself at the gym or take a handful of pills. Relax, meditate and get ready to recharge big time.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

42432
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

26641
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

951751
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

138922
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments