15 Relaxing Things You Should Do Before Bed

Here are some ritual ideas you can get into the habit of including in your bedtime routine to help you relax and get ready for sleep. These activities can act as triggers to get your body and mind into a restful state. Use them alone or in combinations that work for you.

1. Take a bath.
Take a hot bath with epsom salts and calming essential oils like lavender.
2. Show your gratitudes.
Take a few minutes to write in a gratitude journal. (Here are 3 ways to enhance your daily gratitudes.)
3. Show your "ohm's."
Engage in a spiritual practice like prayer or meditation.
4. Address your worries.
Create a "worry list" to help get these items out of your head as you ready for sleep.
Related: 8 Ways To Build Hope Every Day
5. Just breathe.
Do some gentle stretching and/or breathwork. Perform just a 15-second breath exercise to center your body and yourself.
6. Turn down the lights.
Dim the lights—you might enjoy candlelight or salt lamps. Science has proven than light pollution wrecks your sleep, so close the shades and dim the lights before bedtime.
Related: 11 Ways to Improve Your Sleep Hygiene
7. Use oils.
Use aromatherapy or essential oils that are calming or relaxing.
8. Reach for a good book.
Read a relaxing fictional book (taking care that it isn't too gripping or stimulating).
Related: 7 Better-Sleep Strategies You Need to Adopt Today
9. Treat yourself.
Take time to practice your bedtime self-care routine (washing your face, brushing your teeth, moisturizing your skin).

10. Bust out the tunes.
Listen to calming music. Like with your reading, make sure the tracks you choose are relaxing and put you in a calm headspace for sleep.
Related: How The Most Common Sleep Positions Affect Your Health
11. Scan your body.
Engage in a "body scan"—lying in bed, start at your toes and end at your scalp, tensing each part of your body and releasing it.
12. Engage in cuddle time.
Quietly cuddle or engage in personal contact with your partner or family members.
Related: How the Big "O" Impacts Your Sleep
13. Go screen-free.
Take some time to unplug your devices and place them in another room.
14. Pick out your look.
Prepare your clothes and belongings for the next day.
15. Be mindful.
Practice a mindfulness routine—focus on your breath, the environment, and body sensations in the moments before sleep.