Odd question, why would I ask!
Well because a good night’s sleep is as vital to
our health and ability to function; as air, food and water is to live.
So many of us have night time rituals that are so
ingrained, we do them automatically, unconsciously. The issue is that many of
these are not in our best interest or conducive to a good night’s sleep and
creating the life we desire.
So many of us are on auto pilot, just going through
the motions, programmed to do what we’ve always done, or instilling and strengthening poor habits
over time with consistency and no conscious thought.
As with any area of life, by looking at specific things we can begin the process of change. Without this awareness and inventory of our thoughts and actions it remains the same. As the old saying goes "when nothing changes nothing changes"
So let me first paint you a quick picture,
A long, long, long time ago I would go to bed
exhausted, run down, stressed. After numerous coffees, a scull of Pepsi Max,
some chocolate, and a mind full of worries, I'd crawl into bed. My mind ticking
over "He said, she said, why did that happen, I can't afford...., it's hopeless,
life sucks", on and on. The list was long, my body was heavy and the circles
under my eyes were dark. I was restless, unhappy, focused on everything
seemingly bad, sad and problematic. I woke up feeling the exact same way and
just picked up where I left off the night before. The cycle continued for years.
So not a very pretty picture I'm sure you'd agree!
Now I fall into bed with the utmost peace, with a
drink of water and a happy, peaceful mind. As soon as I lay my head on my
pillow or after I share a few magic moments with my partner (wink, wink) I give
thanks for everything in my life. I send loving energy to those I know & to
the world, then it's straight into my nightly gratitude ritual. Thinking of and acknowledging all
the beautiful things I am grateful for - people, places, experiences, even little
objects in my home that make life sweeter and easier; drifting off to sleep
with a smile.
So how do you go to bed every night?
When the sun goes down and your day is winding up
what do you focus on, what do you do?
It really is an important question to ask, to think about because it can make a big difference in your life.
We have so many rituals, things that we do on a regular basis, things that have just become habits - some good, some not so good.
You may never have stopped to think about it, so I hope this inspires you to take an inventory of your thoughts and actions each night. To take note of how you feel, what you focus on. And if it doesn't bring you joy, if you find your waking up tired, in an unhelpful, unhappy state of mind, start looking at what you can change, replace and do to feel more energised, happy and inspired. Lack of sleep and a good night’s rest leaves you vulnerable to so many problems and over time can lead to chronic health problems. Not to mention we simply cannot function properly let alone to the best of our ability when we are overtired and not getting the rest our bodies and minds need.
Below is a list of my positive nightly rituals, routines and even things I won’t do to ensure a good night’s rest. But I will add first I understand everyone is different; something's will resonate, some won't. The key is working out what lights you and what would be beneficial for you. These are simply my nightly rituals or things that help make my night & getting ready for bed happier & healthier.
Instilling positive nightly rituals (preparing for how you go to bed each night) can really set you up for a great night’s sleep and consequently a beautiful start to your day!
How do you go to bed each night?
Karen Offord › Blog › How do you go to bed each night