Some days I just run myself ragged. I
know I'm not the only one who has fallen into bed at the end of a
long day, not even bothering to wash my face after giving my teeth a
half-hearted brushing. Lazy shortcuts are fine every once in a
while, but bad habits do catch up and the whole world will know about
it, because the results of a lackluster bedtime routine will be
written all over your face. The poet Ovid once said, “beauty is a
fragile gift” and I'm pretty convinced this comment was made after
one of my great (great x10) ancestors forgot to wash off their khol
before hitting the hay.
Good Days Come From a Great Night's Sleep
It doesn't have to be so difficult,
trust me, I am a woman of convenience. I enjoy feeling pretty,
pampered and princess-like, but I don't like investing a whole lot of
time in achieving these goals. Being low-maintenance doesn't make me
no-maintenance though, I just like to follow an equation of minimum
input/maximum output. Drugstore make-up, homemade face masks and
body scrubs, you name it. In my mind, true beauty blossoms from
within, and starts at home, with sleep and water being the most vital
ingredients to my daily routine.
Three Bedtime Tips to Make You Feel
Just Dreamy
A good night's sleep will help
alleviate dark circles under the eyes and sallow skin, but also make
you feel more alert and centered, which is great for lifting your
mood and putting a genuine smile on your face. Before you dive under
the duvet in defeat, hear me out, try out the three tips I have to
share and see if you don't notice a difference.
- Cap That Minty Toothpaste –
Mint-heavy toothpaste is fantastic for morning perk-ups, mint being a
natural mood elevator, but not so great for setting the mood for a
trip to dreamland. Instead, try a toothpaste with a calmer, gentler
flavor formula. Good choices include lavender, vanilla, and
chamomile. Read the label, some blends may also include valerian root
which has been reported to improve sleep.
- Check the Potion In Your Lotion – Did
you know that your skin loses quite a bit of moisture during the
night? Anyone that's woken up at night drenched in sweat is probably
wondering what took me so long to learn this interesting tidbit, but
it's still true – your skin loses quite a bit of moisture during
the night. Slathering on any ole lotion is fine, but why not reach
for something containing cardamom. This fragrant cousin of the
ginger root is also a natural relaxer, its aroma will help put you in
a more restful mood while the rest of the lotion goes to work at
keeping you moisturized.
- Speaking of Aromatherapy – If the
chamomile in your toothpaste and the cardamom in your lotion have
gotten you to the edge of Slumberville, then dabbing a scented oil on
your wrists should put you on the VIP list in the Dream District.
Not sure which scents are the most sleep-friendly? Lean towards
sandalwood, rose, and iris, each of these are fantastic for relieving
stress and clearing a cluttered mind.
Of course, there may be other factors
which contribute to your tossing and turning at night. If you're not
able to get a restful night's sleep, consider a new bed, I happen to
love my Select Comfort sleep number bed, or maybe a new pillow if a
brand new bed isn't in your budget. Sweet dreams!
