When we climb into bed after a long, stressful day, we often find our mind racing and our body still in active mode. This can lead to tossing and turning, insomnia and an overall poor quality of sleep that in turns impacts on our day-to-day healthy functioning.

A good night’s sleep goes hand in hand with a relaxed state of mind. Healthy sleep patterns aid our emotional and physical wellbeing but learning how to truly relax takes time and patience. In honour of National Relaxation Day, let’s take a look at some ideas to get you started…

Massage out the Tension

We hold a lot of tension in our neck, shoulders and back, which is why it’s important to soothe this area and allow our bodies to fully relax. Find a quiet spot in your home free of technological or other interruptions and place a warm heat wrap around your neck and shoulders. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes and then use a foam roller to gently massage out the tension.

Write It Out

While a good massage will relieve a great amount of tension, when our minds are jumbled it can be difficult to switch off and fall asleep. Keep a journal beside your bed and jot down any thoughts that are running round your head before you sleep. That way, your worries will spend the night on paper and you will be able to relax.

Take a Breath

With The Sleep Foundation one of its biggest advocates, mindfulness and meditation help people get more in tune with their bodies. Our sense of smell is wrapped up within this sense of wellbeing, so light a candle, take some deep breaths and relax into your body and the fragrance. This practice promotes a healthier sleep pattern by bringing you attention into the present, relaxing tension and softening the muscles.

Find your Exercise

Many studies show that yoga, tai chi and similar low-key exercises aid a restful sleep. While these type of exercises are wonderful for healing and rejuvenating body, mind and soul, the truth is that any type of physical exercise, whether high- or low-intensity, will help your body grow tired in a healthy way. So, if boxing or HIIT is more your bag then head on down to the gym and get moving.

Respect your Body

There is so much information out there about nutrition and how diet affects our quality of sleep. While what’s on the inside plays a very important role in a good night’s sleep, we should also be kind to our bodies and respect our skin by choosing sleepwear made from kind and comfortable materials.

Our nightwear collections at Bonsoir are lovingly crafted in super-soft cotton, cosy wool, luxurious cashmere and pure silk. We choose our materials for their flexible, breathable, lightweight and luxurious qualities which help the wearer to unwind during the evening and relax through some seriously good quality sleep allowing the body to rest and restore. Sweet dreams at the end of your day.