8 Steps for a Better Night's Sleep

IT'S OFFICIALLY EXAM SEASON!!!! Which means "yaay!" bc SCHOOL IS ALMOST OUT but also tears bc NOBODY LIKES EXAMS.

{Source.}

⮙⮙ Current mood, right there. ⮙⮙

Besides preparing well and eating a hearty breakfast on Exam Day™, one of the best exam-related pieces of advice I've ever received is to get plenty of sleep the night before the test. And because REST IS AWESOME and May = the month of AP exams, SATs, and state testing (😱😱😱), I guess you know what I'll be talking about... I'm proud to present: my favorite evening routine for a better night's sleep. 💤

Also, shoutout to Ella Marie @ February Fairy for her evening routine post, which inspired this one! Go check out her blog, Dragons -- IT'S AMAZING! 💟

Now, on to the post... 😉

SWITCH YOUR DEVICES TO

AIRPLANE MODE + STORE THEM AWAY

SOCIAL MEDIA IS SO TEMPTING. Right before bed, at the end of the day, that nagging temptation to just hop on Facebook for a quick moment, or Instagram to see what your best friend is doing, or Twitter to see if there are any new notifications... THE LIST GOES ON. Switching your devices to airplane mode and storing them away in a purse/backpack or desk drawer will lessen the temptation to check "just one more time," and ultimately provide your eyes with a well-needed rest.

EXCHANGE YOUR MUSIC FOR WHITE NOISE

I think most of us can agree that MUSIC IS JUST AMAZING. From those enchanting notes flow sweet songs that can alter our mood and provide (or take away) inspiration. MUSIC = MAGIC. But right before bed, it's easy to get caught up in song selection or humming along to the lyrics. So exchange your music for white noise! This can be a fan, a heater, a machine -- anything that has a steady rhythm to give your mind something consistent and lulling to focus on.

BRUSH/COMB YOUR HAIR & REMOVE ALL MAKEUP

Makeup makes all the difference in a good night's sleep. Half-asleep, rubbing at smeared mascara and enraged glitter is no way to spend a night. Remove all makeup, wash your face, and give your hair a thorough brushing for a neat, natural sleep.

GET READY FOR BED

Do whatever you need to do. Brush your teeth, slide your retainer into place, dose yourself in lotion, load the dishwasher -- whatever "get ready for bed" means to you. 😉

PLAN THE DAY-TO-COME / WRITE IN YOUR DIARY

If you have anything to jot down, do it now. This can be planning tomorrow, adding that meeting to your schedule, or doing a quick summary of your day. This will drag any nagging thoughts out and onto paper.

SPEND ALONE-TIME WITH GOD

Now comes Bible time. 💕 Spend alone-time with God; tell Him your worries, your concerns. Pray for tomorrow, thank Him for today. Review a verse or sing a song. Spending time with the Savior restores peace, renews our relationship with Him, and further strengthens our bond. Plus, there are so many people to pray for! I'm certain God loves our quality time more than we could ever comprehend. 💗

STRETCH

A few minutes of sit-ups or yoga relieves tension and strengthens your body. Happy muscles lead to an even happier sleep. 😉

TURN OUT THE LIGHTS, GET COZY, & READ

Now is the time to get cozy. ♡ Flick off the lights, slide into bed, and read for a while. Soon, you'll be fast asleep and dreaming sweet dreams...

REMEMBER TO...

• Have your lights out at a decent hour. None of this "after midnight" business!
• Pray. Turn to God for peace-of-mind.
• Get your bags ready. Your morning will flow much more smoothly when all your pencils are sharpened, water bottles are in place, and electronics are on vibrate.
• Prepare a cold breakfast. A pre-made breakfast will make your morning faster and easier. You'll need that fuel for the exam!
• Relax. Tests are just a thing, and God's got your back. 💓

Have I missed anything? What tips do you have for a better night's sleep?

❤,