Plan Ahead

Establish a Nightly Routine

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5. Establish a Nightly Routine

While it is necessary that your mind associates your bedroom with sleep, it is even more important you establish a nightly routine that makes sleep possible. Avoid drinking fluids for at least two hours before bedtime. Wear loose-fitting night clothes that do not restrict movement or put pressure on your waist.

Plan and stick with a soothing routine. Do you like to read or listen to soothing music? Do hot baths relax you? Learn how to pray or meditate. Does keeping a nightly journal help relieve stress?

Mentally teach yourself to let go of all of the day’s concerns the moment you get into bed. You can do this by reviewing the entire day in your mind for five minutes — do not use the time to judge or plan for the next day. Simply review the day in your mind as if you were watching a movie. This simple technique can help you to let go of the day’s cares as it prepares your body and mind for rest.

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