I’m a firm believer that a good day starts with pleasant, refreshing sleep- even the mention of it makes me feel rejuvenated. Through much trial and error, I’ve curated a set of bedtime rituals that help me to decompress and recuperate. There are truly a multitude of ways you can revamp your routine and do so in a way that is realistic and catered to your lifestyle. Beyond that, you’ll figure out actionable ways to combat your particular sleep problems. While my habit of indulging my night owl tendencies doesn’t always set me up for success, I try my best to work in sync with my body’s natural circadian rhythms and do what feels right each night. The urge to doze off hits pretty harshly in the afternoons for me. Sometimes a coffee hits the spot and takes the edge of my tiredness and other times it adds to it.
Since starting college a month ago, a consistent sleep schedule has well and truly eluded me. On the days that I have to rise before the sun, I can be grizzly and resentful, placated only with the thought of a sandwich and nap upon my return home at midday. On my days off, I rest to my heart’s desire and put no pressure on myself to emerge from the cosy haven that is my room. I’ve never particularly liked to set alarms as the sudden rude awakening is enough to startle me and get my heart racing. It immediately sets my sleep quality back, even if I’ve through the necessary phases of light, medium and deep sleep without a hitch. Of late I’ve been experiencing incredibly vivid dreams that I recall in great detail upon waking up. It’s something to ponder as I rub sleep from my eyes and blink in the glare of the morning light. I chalk the brain activity overdrive down to being busier than ever before. At least I keep things interesting!
In my younger years, I was a terrible sleeper. While I’ll never understand how people fall asleep in ten minutes, I’m incredibly grateful that it no longer takes me hours. My bedroom at the time had significant light pollution and was noisy as my house was located across from a pub. I was an insomniac who experienced a variety of strange sleep phenomena. Sleep paralysis, instances where I woke up with a jolt after levitating slight above my bed, astral projection, lucid dreaming and the like. Thankfully, I grew out of these conditions as I entered my teens and have enjoyed many years of increasingly sound and refreshing sleep. I have the odd nightmare or two but this seems directly related to my waking thoughts and the events of the moment. They require processing and mental energy and pay no mind to the time of day it is. Overall, I like to abide by these twelve energy givers and incorporate them into my day. Sunlight, dance, whole foods, hydration, nature, music, movement, resting, fresh air, decluttering and planning.
I like to begin by setting up my bedroom to be minimal, distraction free and cosy. I recently redid my space to fit an earthy, coastal bohemian theme. Lots of neutrals, wood tones and warm pops of colour interspersed here and there. The overall palette of cream, caramel, olive green, mustard yellow, dusky peach and a multitude of nude shades is just gorgeous and a breath of fresh air every time I walk in-I always feel so calm and collected! I’m very pleased that the simple and timeless furniture I chose will withstand trends and blend in with a variety of interior decorating styles. As a minimalist, I’m naturally quite neat and keep my belongings to a minimum, especially those that will be on display.
I’ll keep a stack of so called coffee table books on my nightstand for some light reading or to flick through during quiet time. My current bookish picks are the Collective Hub’s Social Media Journal, Rupi Kaur’s Homebody and Elsa’s Wholesome life. When I’m not reading, I like to journal. I have the Frankie diary and the pretty designs definitely play a part in motivating me to put pen to paper. Some days are busier than others and I miss writing but when I get down to it, I usually fill up the notes section too. I write down musings, recap my week and fill in any dates on my calendar. Occasionally I’ll also write a small to-do list for the next little while.
Other than that, I have my fiddle leaf fig and terrarium planter to freshen the air, put a smile on my face and provide that much needed leafy goodness. To keep my room smelling divine, I light a candle, either classic French Vanilla or Amber and Musk and let my reed diffuser work its magic. To add to the atmosphere, I’ll pull the curtains and turn on my lamp, basking in the soft glow. When necessary, I’ll do spur of the moment clean up, dusting and wiping down surfaces, putting away a stack of clothes and the like. If I feel more thorough, I’ll vacuum the carpet and revel in how beautiful and plush it feels underfoot. Basically, I like to create a space that reflects my personality and feels warm and inviting, banishing any stress that I try oh so hard to free myself from during the day. If you’d like, you can find my previous room tour here- Minimalist Scandinavian Room Tour, July Twenty Twenty
My next point I cannot speak of enough. Before I got around to buying new bedding, I was sleeping on a sloppy off white set. They were slowly yellowing and I never felt comfortable climbing into bed. I’d attempt to bleach them and be met with crisp, starchy and stiff fabric that wasn’t at all conducive with a good night’s sleep. At the time, I wasn’t very adventurous and went with what worked and was budget friendly. I came very close to repurchasing the same set a second time around, wrestling with the logic that I just had to put them through the wash more and roll around less. They were a bamboo and cotton mix which seemed to agree with me, making them a solid contender.
Then I came across I Love Linen and my entire outlook on bed dressing was transformed. I now have two full sets of Stonewashed French Linen bedding in the shades blush, sandalwood, clay, desert rose and neutral gingham. Linen is my favourite material for clothing and bedding as it’s so effortless. It has moisture wicking properties and is breathable enough to keep you cool in the summer whilst also locking warmth in come winter time. Basically, it’s naturally temperature regulating and the ideal weight for ultimate comfort. Linen’s natural fibres are perfect for those with sensitive skin as they are hypoallergenic and antibacterial. The attention to detail is just above and beyond- my quilt sets comes with tie closures which look precious in bows.
There are countless benefits to investing in your bedding. A more recent find of mine was I Love Linen’s hotel bedding section. I chose the Queen Hotel Cloud Collection Premium Package while it was still on pre order and should receive my items mid April. This includes a plush mattress topper, superior quilt and five star pillows that mould to your head and neck for posture support. A luxurious sleeping experience is all about sufficient airflow and the perfect combination of textiles and fillings. Then there’s your mattress- I got mine new at my local homemaker centre after having slept on an older mattress for quite a number of years. Even if you’re not looking to replace yours, make sure to strip your bedding and put down a mattress protector if you haven’t already. Did you know that by eighty years old you’ll have spent thirty three years asleep in bed and an extra seven trying to get to sleep?
In the hours leading up to bedtime, I’m across a few different activities. I tend to get the midnight munchies and will head into the kitchen for a light snack. I’ve been enjoying Carman’s chocolate brownie oat bars and berry yoghurt rice cakes by the Table of Plenty. If we’ve baked, I might enjoy a white chocolate and blueberry muffin or some banana bread. On the days that our fridge is stocked with savoury food, I’ll have avocado and fetta on toast or finish off a Greek salad from dinner. Most people are averse to eating around bedtime as it sits on your stomach but I’ve always liked to end an evening this way. I’ll take an hour to let my food digest and then make a soothing cup of tea. Herbal is best but English Breakfast works as well. Late night bathroom trips aren’t fun though so I limit myself to a small cup. My favourites have got to be peppermint, chamomile or a special blend from tea two.
One day soon I’d love to try an organic blend. I’ve heard that the benefits of this are similar to drinking supplement rich soup broth. Before bed, upon waking up and after a heavy meal all seem like good times to have a cup. My health lately has been quite up and down with me experiencing digestive issues, odd lumps and bumps and resulting fatigue. I’ve had some acid reflux and recently found out through an ultrasound that I have a series of cysts in my neck. I want to know that I’m consuming things that aid my recovery, not hinder it!
Next, I’ll head upstairs to our main bathroom and start my pamper routine. I cannot sleep unless I’m freshly showered, even if I’ve already washed off throughout the day. I go through the usual motions and apply body wash, shave my legs and let my hair loose for a shampoo and condition every third day. My go to products at the moment are from the Monday Haircare range who happen to be taking the beauty world by storm. Once a week I’ll also pop in a strengthening, damage repairing and shine boosting hair mask. A couple of years ago I’d use coconut oil which saw my hair grow to a beautiful length and made it effortlessly soft. I had to be careful to wash it all out in good time though or suffer broken strands because of the high protein and fat content. Whilst in the shower I’ll apply any wash off products in my skincare routine. This includes an exfoliating face scrub to strip off dead cells and then foaming and gel cleansers to remove excess oil.
While I’ve always been blessed with decent skin, as you get older, things can get out of hand. A couple of years ago I struggled with a nasty dermatitis that got misdiagnosed as acne and therefore wasn’t treated right. No matter what scrub I used or cream I applied, my skin stayed the same- inflamed and incredibly unhappy. During this time, I was vegetarian and had been so for at least a year and a half. We eventually realised my irons levels had gotten dangerously low and were affecting not just my skin but my functioning. Ever since then, I’ve known the importance of keeping a consistent skincare routine but also including enough products that you can change it up. As with hair products, if you use the same thing too often, your skin will get used to it and stop reaping the benefits. My original cult skincare favourites are from the Frank body and Lush cosmetics range.
I use the creamy coffee grounds face scrub, charcoal face cleanser and the newest addition to the Frank Body line, the Glow Mask. It’s buttery, smells divine and leaves my skin soft and supple. These three products are really all you need. I have since expanded my skincare drawer to include brands such as Alya Skin, Real U and Iryna Skin. Twice a week I’ll use Ultrabland, a heavy duty moisturising cleanser. If I have any breakouts that need attending to, grease lightning, formulated with tea tree oil, is my go to. No matter how tired you are, you never want to sleep with an unwashed face. Laying still for eight or so hours with surface dirt and so much more can never be good. Feel free to have a read of my latest skincare routines for more comprehensive tips and everything else you need to know- My Natural Skincare Routine for a Bright, Restored Complexion- Featuring Alya Skin and Real-U + My everyday routine for clear, glowing skin- Featuring Frank Body + Lush Cosmetics
Afterwards, I’ll pop on a set of my best pyjamas. What you sleep in matters just as much as what you sleep on. Breathable, natural fabrics are always best and where I can, I enjoy shopping sustainably. There is a beautiful boutique near my home in the Blue Mountains, Papinelle. My sleepwear drawer is filled with pieces from their dreamy collections. A selection of robes for the summer, autumn and winter, flanelette pyjamas, two piece sets, nightgowns and the like. I’m hoping to invest in a silk slip somewhere down the line. I always feel like an absolute queen as I snuggle underneath the covers.
Next I’ll use an essential oil blend that is specially formulated to provide you with a better sleep experience. Oil garden sleep assist is the goods. I tend to dab a little bit onto my wrists and neck before bed. It’s quite soothing to your pulse points. Something important to consider is that the purity of your oils do matter and make the biggest difference. Essential oils are widely available- I used to get a cheap lavender oil from Kmart but not anymore! This particular blend has sweet orange, marjoram, German chamomile and Lavender, all of which are used frequently in aromatherapy.
Another habit I’m easing into is foam rolling and flexing to stretch out tight muscles, joints and ligaments. This is a type of self massage that can wash away tension and leave you feeling brand new. You knead out any knots, packing on pressure until they unwind. It’s a way to feel weightless. The benefits to foam rolling include reduction of inflammation that occurs during the muscle repair process, injury prevention through the maintenance of muscle length and remedying of tension, increase in blood flow and elasticity of the body’s connective tissue, helping with mobility and a smoother appearance of fat underneath your skin.
This is so true! Having a good routine, sleep schedule and mindset are so crucial in life!!
I couldn’t agree more! It truly does make all the difference.
it says for me you currently have 1,111 followers – angel numbers!!!!! ( if you believe in those)
Eek, yes! I’m quite spiritual myself and like to stay on the lookout for synchronicities and the appearance of angel numbers! Thank you for spotting this xx
*gasp* do you find that it was truly the coconut oil which grew your hair so long? I’ve been dying to grow my hair longer but haven’t known what to try …
I love your routine! My favorite essential oil before bed is Young Living’s “Joy” … it actually does make me so happy! I’ll occasionally use peppermint if I want to clear my head.
You mentioned college. Girl, I’m so proud of you for going!! Do you miss your family? It must be a little tough to adjust to all the newness! (And I’m SUPER proud of you for your amazing routine! Honestly, I really need to get back into a proper routine!!)
Haha, I don’t blame you for wanting to know! I haven’t cut my hair very much in a while except for a trim but the coconut oil definitely has its benefits and has helped with the length. A lot of the Indian girls at my primary school used this trick and recommended it for longer eyelashes too. I figured I may as well give it a go! Growing your hair longer definitely takes time and practice though, unfortunately. How long is yours?
Ah yes, I’ve heard so many good things about young living from members! I’m keen to join the essential oil family myself at some point. Peppermint is so refreshing and such a clean scent! The best.
Ah yes, college! Over here in Australia we’d usually say University instead of College but the place I’m attending is literally a college. It’s in the name, haha. I go in for three hours, three days a week. Pretty manageable except for the travel time back and forth, haha! I just come home each day. No real dorm or live in set up so I haven’t needed to worry about that!
What does your night routine look like Makayla? Any favourite rituals? What are you up to this week? xx
Well, I just recently cut my hair (so it would look healthy) and it now comes to about five inches past my shoulders. Thanks so much for the tip! I’m so excited to try it!
Wow, your college routine sounds way less complicated than I’d always imagined college to be! (Super crazy busy, rushing around, etc, haha!)
Well, my night routine needs a lot of work! But occasionally, I’ll try to put some enjoyment and relaxation into it – getting into bed with comfy leggings and a sweater, occasionally turning on my fairy lights, journaling and reading the Bible. I realize that I don’t do a ton of pampering myself … maybe I should increase those times!
Thank you for asking about my week! I have plans to swim twice, do a lot of writing (essays, and draft a couple emails), and hopefully get a little further ahead in school! What about you, and your plans?
I read this post just after waking up and it felt so relaxing to just hear about your routine that I almost fell back asleep.
It’s so wonderful that you take the time to truly wind down after a day. I never saw sleeping as a process, but the more I think about it, it truly is. There’s something about the routine we follow before bed that feels extremely ritualistic, and I think that’s the best way to describe it; an unloading of thoughts, a slowing down of brain cycles, a freshening up for utmost comfort, and a turning inward for some much needed reflection after a full day.
Thanks for sharing, Maryam! Your post has definitely given me some much needed food for thought!
Oh, aren’t you a sweetheart. Very happy I could do that for you! Some days I get to carry out this routine without a hitch and other times it’s a muddle. I sit down, binge watch Netflix and that’s it, the night is over. I always fit in time for a shower and skincare though or can’t get into the sleepy mood! x
I love what you’ve said there. I’d say prepping for sleep is definitely a process like any other. Achievable without a list of lengthy steps, no doubt, but perhaps not as sound, restful and rejuvenating. Beyond that, a sleep ritual is a great way to prioritise yourself and let those evening moments be marked with intentionally, purpose and promise. A good night’s sleep sets the tone for an energy filled day.
Thank you as always for reading Arshia! I hope you’re well x
This is sooo true Maryam!! Having a good routine, sleep schedule and a mindset are 3 very crucial aspects in life. 😊 great post, are guest posts open on your blog??
How did design your amazing blog theme? It looks amazing 🤩
Thank you so much my friend! To answer your previous question about guest posts, my blog is not currently open. I’m in the middle of a rebrand and am reworking my content but this is something I’d definitely like to explore in the future! ☺️
As for my blog theme, I’m on the WordPress business plan. It’s costly but the WordPress platform and all the customisable features make it next to none. Lots of storage space, live support, happiness engineers and the like. With professional plans you’re allowed to purchase and download your own themes. Mine is the Isabelle theme from BellaCreativeShop and while it’s a decent theme, I have encountered a few issues. When it comes to set up, there is a fairly in depth manual to follow. If you’re not technical like me, set up could take a few days. In my case, close to a week. It’s a learning curve though because I ended up losing my theme progress late last year as I hadn’t renewed my business plan on time. Putting my site back together only took a couple of hours. So very achievable!
Everything is mostly good apart from that. I did notice that a few widgets weren’t configured or coded right and I wasn’t able to fix that. I experienced that with the newsletter widget. I also wasn’t able to contact the business owner through email or Etsy! Incredibly unresponsive. If you like the clean, minimalistic look though, there’s plenty of beautiful theme designs on Etsy or creative marketplace! Best of luck with your search xx
Your ever so welcome!! That sounds quite a long journey. I’m on the WordPress free plan and I was thinking to update to the business plan later on. There are so many lovely themes that us bloggers can buy and personally it’s really hard to decide!!
Oh okay! I reckon you’d enjoy that. As you said, endless options out there! Plenty to choose from and at all different price points x
Thank you so much Maya! You’re a sweetheart. I’m definitely still working on forming a sleep routine but I have my go to activities that allow me to prepare better for sleep! Thinking of achieving a good night’s sleep as an eventual goal ensures you prepare better and have a process in place. What are your bedtime rituals, if you have any? Morning person or night owl? 🙂
Aww thanks!! I’m a bit of both!!
Ah, fair enough! x