“Sleep is the best meditation.” — Dalai Lama
We need our rest to be our best!
What are you doing to enhance the quality of your sleep? You may recall my previous blog posts on simple ways to get your Zs; these include unplugging from electronic devices, bathing, adjusting the content of your evening meal, and more. And you may be familiar with my webinar called Rest Well: Your Brain On Sleep.
Today, I’d like to focus on another cozy bedtime matter: Your bedding. Many people don’t think much about how bedding contributes to sleep quality, but it’s crucial. The following four suggestions may help lull you into a deep sleep.
Is there a pea under your mattress?
Evaluate the condition of your mattress. Is it lumpy and uncomfortable? You don’t want to experience a bad night’s sleep like the princess in The Princess and the Pea. If your mattress is more than ten years old, then it’s time to shop for a new one. However, if you’re not quite ready to purchase a new mattress, at least consider a new mattress pad. Changing your mattress pad can make you feel more comfortable.
Clean and luxurious
Express more love for yourself by treating yourself to a new set of sheets. I had been sleeping on the same two sets of sheets forever. But last year, I decided to pamper myself and purchase a lovely soft print set. And let me tell you — that was a wise buy. I recall an elevated sleep experience the first night. Remember: Go with the higher thread count. Also, if you enjoy cool, crisp sheets like I do, laundering your set once a week will delight your skin with an ahh-some feeling.
Queenly quarters
Is it time to refresh the appearance of your private chambers and make it more inviting? Aesthetics are important to the emotional element of sleep. How do your bedroom colors make you feel? There are plenty of sales going on now, and a new comforter or coverlet with accent pillows may inspire you to retire like royalty.
“Where billow meets billow, there soft be thy pillow”
Do you wish to be “asleep in the arms of the slow-swinging seas?” The lines from Rudyard Kipling’s “Sea Lullaby” may help you float into a good night — if you have the right pillow. Is it time to exchange your restless pillow so you can doze off into la-la land? Experts recommend that you swap out old pillows every one to two years. According to sleepfoundation.org, “an old pillow can accumulate allergens like dust mites, fungus, mold, and pet dander.”
And keep in mind that all pillows are not created equal. It used to take me a while to find the right fit, before I discovered Indulgence by Isotonic, my now go-to favorite. I bought one for a relative last year and she loves it. Of course, preferences in pillows are a varied as tastes in color schemes. Find one that pleases you.
“Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.” — Thomas Dekker
Elevate your sleep to a new level by sprucing up your bedding and see if it will help induce sweet slumber. Research shows a compelling link between how well you sleep and exhibiting a positive mood. Quality bedding may have the power to significantly enhance your life.
Consider This
Ahh, that smells wonderful! Studies show that the luscious scent of lavender essential oil may help reduce anxiety, stress and sleeplessness. You can find recipes for linen sprays online. But here’s a simple hack. Place one drop of lavender essential oil on a cotton ball and tuck it inside the fitted sheet on the side of your mattress.
A word of caution: While essential oils are natural, do your research on safety precautions before using them. And remember to always wash your hands after handling essential oils.
Four Steps to Nourish, Transform and Flourish
• Set a loving intention to enhance the quality of your sleep.
• Begin by upgrading your bedding.
• How will your mattress, sheets, pillow, comforter, and color inspire you to retire?
• Close your eyes and visualize how this lifestyle change can prepare you for your amazing second half.
Need help setting the stage for quality sleep?
It can be challenging to maintain momentum on your own. My Sprout Your New Life™ course will give you the tools and the strong spiritual foundation to make lasting change in your life. Click here for more.
In love, peace and health--
Your feminine glow guide,
T. Kari Mitchell, M.Ed.
Motivational Speaker
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Lifestyle120.com
When your spirit is nourished, your inner light produces an outer glow reflecting your beauty and truth.