4 Ways to Set the Stage for Optimal Rest & Relaxation
4 Ways to Set the Stage for Optimal Rest & Relaxation
Having to manage a career, a family and home life takes strategy and sometimes cleverness; it should then be of little surprise to know that the key to rest and relaxation also involves having a good plan. Without one, you may find yourself waking up exhausted, having difficulties concentrating, and lacking the energy you need to get you through the day. Beyond the usual tropes of spa days and the occasional glass(es) of wine, there are a few easy, self care steps you can take to improve your well being. When mindfully applied to the interior décor and its functionality in your home and how you live in them, these steps can set you on the road to better health, a positive mindset, and ultimate relaxation.
Free Your mind. The Rest Will Follow.
One of the most beneficial things you can do to relax is to practice daily meditation. Meditation has proven to strengthen the pre-frontal cortex; it’s this part of the brain that manages higher functionality like decision making and concentrating. Start by carving out some space in your home by investing in some comfy floor pillows or a plush chaise lounge, and your favorite candle scent. Once you have a nook where you can meditate uninterrupted, focus on clearing your mind using breathing techniques. Physically, deep breathing helps pump oxygen through your system, and it lowers your heart rate and blood pressure. Mentally, it distresses the mind, and can also improve symptoms of depression and burnout.
Your Bedroom. The Inner Sanctuary.
Your bedroom is your home’s inner sanctuary where you should find peace and relaxation. Try to minimize distractions in your room like the constant glow of a TV or laptop. While we’re all guilty of late night scrolling, make a conscious effort to put away your phone in order to dissuade yourself from marathon Bridgerton binging. When creating your private oasis, draw inspiration from those moments where you felt joy and recreate that in your space. Perhaps you invest in those luxurious cotton sheets that remind you of that chic boutique hotel that you stayed in that one time. A high-performance mattress and a well-set bed with the right pillows can make all the difference between being Sleepless in Seattle and Sleeping Beauty. Enhance the vibe with a curated playlist of mellow music and spritz the air with aromatherapeutic scents like lavender or bergamot.
Darkness. Customize Your Lighting.
Our bodies work in tandem with the master controller that is our brain to keep us functioning day and night. We respond to visual cues to determine when we sleep and when we wake up and much of that is dependent on light. The type of light we may have in our kitchen (bright cool light) may not be conducive to winding down after a stressful day. In your bedroom or living room, try switching out your lightbulbs for a lower wattage, warm light and opt to use lamplight instead of your ceiling lights. Doing so will have a calming effect on the brain and cue it to get you ready
Deep Rest. Go to Sleep.
Our bodies respond well to routine and it’s no secret that sleep is crucial to how we behave and function in our lives. Set a consistent schedule of when you sleep and plan your pre-bed activities leading up to it. Low impact stretching, drawing a bath in a spa like ensuite, and having a warm (decaffeinated) beverage can help tone down the busyness of the day and put your mind and body in the right mood for a blissful night of sleep. Having a good 7-8 hours of consistent sleep dramatically increases the efficiency of your body and how your mind performs.
