That sounds sassy, but there’s a lot going on. Responsibilities. Bills. Too much information barreling at us. Big emotions moving through us. Old and new stories circulating outside of us, inside of us. Am I repressing too much? Too little? No answers from your bloggerina pajamanista. I only know to be human is to have a body with thoughts, longing, and emotions continually arising and to have no obligation to believe or be ruled by them. I need extra rest for that level of discernment, ya know? Napping is responsible. Let us nap more.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Let Us Nap More for Resting is Lovely
A Chi-town false spring thing is happening today, and I’ll take it. Fortunately I escaped to milder weather on the Emerald Coast last week when polar temps sank below zero. I actually took naps on vacation. GLORY BE! I mean, what could be next? Remission? Cardio? A 5K?
*shakes Magic8Ball* don’t be trippin now, sis
The time seems right for slower, gentler days and checking in with the body. What does yours whisper? More sleep?
The National Sleep Foundation offers these sleep hygiene ideas:
No. 1: Improve Your Sleep Environment
The ideal sleep temperature is 60-67 degrees, and eliminate noise and light.
I like layering my coverlets like the one above. Here’s the scoop on my exact pillows by Honeydew:
Does the right pillow even matter? Scrumptious pillows were gamechangers for us. I love the potential for customization in terms of easily tailoring the amount of fill. (I didn’t need to tweak the amount at all since right out of the box, it felt yummy!)
Not only does my Honeydew pillow provide proper neck alignment and support, it also has a unique feel. Sooooo aptly named Scrumptious.
Pillows to Sleep Well
Why care about the fill inside? Honeydew’s Scrumptious fill is doughy and soft, yet supportive. The foam component of the fill inside the pillow is 100% CertiPUR-US certified. But extra healthy for me personally? Made entirely without formaldehyde or heavy metals. I am allergic to formaldehyde…no wonder it agrees.
Is the quality high? Child, yes. Beyond the superior design for support, it offers copper-infused foam.
Copper? Far more effective at cooling than gel-based memory foam. It has naturally antibacterial properties, which help it remain fresh night after night.
Will the fill break down over time? Our pillows feel like new after FOUR years. I used to think pillows just flatten. Nope. The copper is combined with a fiber thinner and stronger than silk. A luxe feel that delivers.
Love Your Mattress?
This mattress is still the one right for us.
Splurgeworthy Sheets on Our Bed
We also highly recommend these luxurious, impossibly soft sheets:
Extra Toasty Sheets
For an entirely different type of sheets – here’s a linen blend set made by Joanna & Chip’s Magnolia line. These will keep you warm, not cool, and they have a completely different feel than bamboo sheets or all cotton.
Budget Friendly Sheets
Tired sick of photos of me in pjs. New photos are needed for the pajamanista! Please send your peeps and a glam squad.
No. 2: Awake? Keep it Moving
Exercise every day. For me these days, it means light housework and gentle yoga. It’s okay if it’s just walking, but be consistent.
Here’s a workout you can do indoors in 20 minutes.
I recommend YOGA FOR BETTER BALANCE to ease into yoga. I think you’ll love it.
No. 3: Be Consistent
Stick to a sleep schedule. It is tempting to switch things up on the weekend (stay up late and then sleep in), but it won’t help regulate your body’s clock, which is the goal.
Soothing Nightly Rituals
Have a bedtime ritual. It should be a soothing activity. Read a book? Skin care routine? Warm bath? Meditation or yoga? You’re likely to fall asleep better and to stay asleep.
If you’re seeking an idea for a skin care routine (remember that when you use products at night, they are much more effective as you sleep!), consider Oak Essentials from Jenni Kayne.
Lights Out
Manage your circadian rhythms. There should be no bright light when you sleep, and you should get sunlight in the morning (please instruct Midwest weather to provide this for me).
Prevent Indigestion & Poor Sleep
Don’t eat dinner too late. Avoid heavy meals, and don’t eat later than 2-3 hours before you turn in for the night. (Goodness, I have been terrible about this tip lately! Just starving at 9:00 and obsessing about g-free blueberry waffles. What do you do when cravings beckon?)
Looking for a great acai bowl recipe packed with antioxidants? I shared mine HERE. I still eat acai bowls all of the time, but the frozen acai berries are often tricky to find. To improvise, I “rice” frozen cauliflower in the Vitamix with acai powder, strawberries, and blueberries. Yum!
If Insomnia Happens
When you can’t sleep, head to another room for a relaxing activity. It may be necessary to avoid using electronic devices since the light from the screens can activate the brain.
Do you know about blue light filtering lenses?
Here’s something to turn on for complete relaxation – it provides some space from the intensity of anxious thoughts and any tense muscles.
A PAUSE FOR A FEW PRETTY THINGS.
Tranquil Bedroom Things
No. 4: Sleep as Good Medicine
Sleep & Prevention of Disease
Our bodies are counting on us to be extra gentle and mindful to prevent and heal from illness. Sleep can actually help us fight infectious diseases. What happens to us as we sleep?
According to Dr. Eric Olson of the Mayo Clinic, “Your immune system releases proteins called cytokines, some of which help promote sleep. Certain cytokines need to increase when you have an infection or inflammation, or when you’re under stress.”
Additionally, “Studies show that people who don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus…”
If Essential Oils Help
Need a diffuser for a bedside table or dresser to infuse a gentle stress soothing mist?
If you’re facing stressful days, you need extra sleep, friends. You know that thing about putting on your own oxygen mask first? For some caretaker types, it doesn’t feel natural to do so.
You are not lazy when you rest. Sleep as much as you possibly can without apology…we really need to disconnect from age old messages about productivity and defining our worth by output. Life is hard and weird enough without having to filter stimuli through emotionally-weirded-out, sleep-deprived consciousness.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
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