In order to fall asleep faster, you need to calm your mind before bed. Our brains are always performing important cognitive functions such as thinking, planning and learning. However, when you want to sleep you just have to stop thinking up various scenarios.
Thinking about how much work you have to do the next day, or all the people you have to meet, can increase your stress levels. You need stop thinking stress-inducing in order to calm your mind. Thinking about unfinished work can lead to release of the stress hormone called cortisol.
How to calm your mind before bed
Here are 6 strategies to add to your lifestyle in order to calm your mind before bed:
1 | Put away your phone
Social media is very addictive today. We end up mindlessly scrolling through our feeds or watching videos till late. Sometimes we don’t even notice what time it is. Also, using our phones at night in the dark is harmful to our eyesight. In order to calm your mind before bed, keep your phone away and relax.
2 | Focus on your breathing
To stimulate calm in your mind before bed, focus on your breath entering and leaving your lungs. This is a great way to increase your oxygen level, improve blood circulation and promote relaxation. Breathe deep and try not to think of anything too stimulating. With this tip, you will find yourself drifting into a calm and peaceful slumber.
3 | Wind down an hour before bed
Engage in activities that will get you into a relaxed and soothed mood before bed. Try to wind down an hour before bed. Take a long soothing bath or shower. This will help you to feel relaxed before bed. Try drinking a quiet cup of tea, or having a quiet conversation with someone. Use dim lighting to get yourself in the bed time mood.
4 | Meditation
Meditation is the number one activity to calm your mind. All it takes is focusing on achieving a state of no thoughts while breathing deep. Try not to think of the past, or the future. You could also try out guided meditation. This is involves following the prompts given by an instructor.
5 | Listen to calming music
Studies show that listening to music affects different areas of the brain, including the amygdala. The amygdala is responsible for emotional responses and feelings. Soothing ambient music calms the amygdala. Try out classical, ambient or folk music to calm your mind before bed.
Finding out what works best to calm your mind before bed helps you to manage your stress and sleep better. Experiment and figure out what works for you. In general, wind down and avoid engaging in mentally demanding activities. This will help you to calm your mind and ensure relaxation.
Leave a Comment!