Ten tips to help you relax before bed.

Relaxing before bedtime is an important part of maintaining a healthy sleep routine and ensuring you get a good night's rest. Here are the top 10 ways to relax before bedtime:

1. Take a warm bath or shower
   The warm water can help relax your muscles and calm your mind. And of course the steam can do wonders as well.

2. Practice deep breathing
   Take slow, deep breaths to help relax your body and mind. It may feel silly at first, but be patient, you will soon feel yourself relaxing in only a few minutes.

3. Try progressive muscle relaxation
   This technique involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in your body, starting from your toes and working up to your head. Be mindful, feel each muscle tense and pay close attention to the positive feeling upon release.

4. Listen to soothing music
   Choose calming music or sounds to help you unwind before bed. Jazz and classical work best, but try a little bit of everything until you hit on what works best for you.

5. Read a book
   Engaging in a quiet, enjoyable activity like reading can help you relax and wind down before sleep. A good story can even help transport you away from the worries of the day.

6. Write in a journal
   Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a therapeutic way to release stress and relax before bed. Simply write down the things that are currently on your mind, that you have to account for over the next few days. This will train your brain to transfer your worries from your head to the journal.

7. Practice yoga or meditation
   These practices can help calm the mind and relax the body. Yoga can even cause you to have lower blood pressure and lower amounts of the stress hormone cortisol.

8. Use essential oils
   Certain essential oils, such as lavender, can help promote relaxation and sleep. You can use an essential oil diffuser or apply a few drops to your pillow or skin.

9. Avoid screens
   The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with your body's production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. Try to avoid screens for at least an hour before bed.

10. Establish a bedtime routine
    Doing the same things in the same order each night can signal to your body that it's time to relax and prepare for sleep. This might include activities like changing into pajamas, brushing your teeth, and turning off the lights.

By incorporating some of these relaxation techniques into your bedtime routine, you can help create a peaceful and relaxing environment that will help you fall asleep more easily and wake up feeling rested and refreshed.

You can also check out these happySlumber products, specially designed to help you unwind before bedtime: Silk Robes, Sleep Journals, and relaxing puzzles.