Everyone has a night where sleep appears to be impossible. You know, one of those night’s where your mind start to race the minute your head hits the pillow. This is actually quite a simple math equation: the thought of all that is to be done tomorrow (+) the list of everything that was not completed today (=) an over productive brain that just will not let us rest. I know this has happened to me. What about you?

There are many bedtime routines that will help both our mind and body relax, which is a fundamental key to getting a good night’s sleep. As you know, a good night’s sleep is imperative to your physical health. Proper sleep strengthens your physical condition, emotional strength and mental awareness. Perhaps this is one reason that everything seems so much easier when we are well rested.

Bedtime routines will help your mind and body get ready to relax and unwind. I am giving you three simple routines to follow that will help to get you going on your new life with a healthy, robust sleep pattern. Don’t delay; make the choice to give one a try this evening.

• Routine #1: Turn off the screens (phones, televisions, laptops, games, etc…) one hour before you go to bed. Yes, I know…but try it anyway.
• Routine #2: Take the time to meditate or do a devotional for 15 to 30 minutes.
• Routine #3: Journal. Yes, I said journal! Take the time to write down everything on your mind. Then, identify one or two things on your list that you can take care of tomorrow.
• **These three routines work particularly well when used together**

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!

Everyone has had nights where sleep seems impossible. Our minds starts to race, and the problems of what tomorrow holds are compounded by the things that were left undone today.

When we make the choice to create a new habit we commit ourselves to work on an idea or situation that will assist us in getting what we desire. One of those habits can and probably should be creating bedtime rituals. Bedtime rituals that help the mind and body to relax are key to getting a good night's sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep is the foundation to our physical and mental well-being. A good night’s sleep strengthens our health, emotional stability, mental clarity and resilience. It is no wonder that everything seems easier when we are fully rested.

Take time this evening to develop a nightly ritual to prepare yourself for a successful night’s sleep. Here are a few ideas that have been proven to work. Pick one to put into action tonight.

• Eliminate screens 45 minutes before sleep. This means no television, computer or tablets.
• Meditate for 10-15 minutes to calm your inner-being. Prayer works too.
• Try reading something that inspires you.
• Start keeping a daily log – gratitude, accomplishments, highlights. Keep it positive and fresh.
• Be clear. Write down everything that is on your mind and identify action steps for what worries you. Sometime it is easier to fight something when you can see it.
• Last, remember this: You are great, important and needed!

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!