18 Things To Do Before Bed. And None Of Them Are Netflix!

Winding down and getting ready for a good night’s sleep is harder for some of us than others. And in the age of electronics, we tend to overstimulate our minds far too late in the evenings – compounding the problem even further!

So, instead of turning on the TV after dinner, maybe one of these (18) ideas can help get you ready for bed.

#1) Color: Find a mature (or maybe not) coloring book and just doodle. Permit your mind to wander.

#2) Paint By Numbers: A little more detailed than just coloring but the results are the same. Very relaxing and ends with a sense of pride in accomplishing a work of art.

#3) Read A Book: Well, duh. But, not just any book. Don’t get too heavy or bogged down in details. Find a good read that’s easy to follow and doesn’t require too much mental power to stay on point.

#4) Get Your To-Do List Ready For Tomorrow: I know it sounds like work BUT it really frees your mind to relax rather than thinking about who, what, when and where while you sleep.

#5) Lay-out Your Outfit For The Next Day: It never fails (at least for me) when I wake up the shirt I would like to wear is either in the dirty laundry OR needs ironing. And, don’t forget to check the weather…you just might need to set out your umbrella, too.

#6) Do A Puzzle: My personal favorite! But, I do have to be careful…sometimes this keeps me up more than TV. 🙂

#7) Get Crafty: Make some beautiful seasonal decor for your home. You can do it! Click here to learn how to make this wreath!

#8) Listen To A Podcast Or Sermon You Missed Or An Audiobook: Invariably, I will miss a Sunday at church and all my friends will say, “WOW – you missed a great message!” This would be the perfect time to stretch out and listen.

#9) Take A Bubble Bath: These are proven to offer pure relaxation. OR give your furry friend a bath. (but it might not be as relaxing) 🙂

#10) Write A Friend A Letter:  Return to the art of communicating with friends the old fashioned way. Stamps and all!

#11) Tackle A Crossword Puzzle: Just be sure to use a pencil…cuz it is getting late. Or maybe, my favorite, the Word Jumble!

#12) Organize Something: I find this very relaxing and therapeutic. Click here for some tips and ideas on getting organized!

#13) Learn How To Knit: Everyone I know that knits, is convinced that it helps them relax. Period.

#14) Give Yourself A Facial / Mask: Pure pampering…awww.

#15) Spend Time With Your Furry Friends: Just snuggle up with your cuties and spoil them with belly rubs and back scratches. They’ll love your forever!

#16) Make A Gift For A Friend: For some great ideas on things you can make, click here!

#17) Bake Something Yummy For Your C0-Workers:  Click here for this yummy Pumpkin Cheesecake Snickerdoodle Cookie recipe! I promise, they will thank you!

#18) Take A Walk After Dinner: Walking after dinner offers so many positives. Not just with the obvious (digestion, burns calories, gets our heart rate up) but helps us completely unwind from our day. I highly recommend it!  🙂

For a story to inspire, click here!

HT BuzzFeed