So…back in March I got a Fitbit. For years I said I would never get a fitness tracker (the idea seemed absurd—like it could become too addictive), but since I know for a fact that I’m more sedentary at work than I used to be, I (fit)bit the bullet.

So far, I’m loving my brand spanking new Alta HR* and to my surprise, it’s not as addicting as I thought.

I don’t even use it for meals or water tracking (although I should for the water—I’ve been slacking), and while I do pay close attention to my steps (or lack thereof, lately), the most eye-opening information has actually been my sleep cycles.

I sleep like crap!

I’ve always been a “light” sleeper, but I’ve found lately that I am barely cycling into “deep” sleep. No wonder I’m so damn tired all the time.

Now that Bazooka is sleeping like a dream in his big boy bed, I have no reason to wake up throughout the night.

Since I know that my sleep struggles affect my anxiety and general wellbeing, I’m making an effort to improve my slumber.

5 Ways I Plan to Ease My Sleep Struggles

No electronics for at least an hour (preferably 2 hours) before bedtime

This is difficult for me because, as full-time working mom, I do any blog-related “work” on weekends or in the evenings. But even when I’m not blogging, I spend too much time on my phone scrolling mindlessly—and I know that it negatively influences my rest (not to mention my relationships and mindfulness). To rectify this, I’m going to start keeping my phone in the bedroom while we unwind in our den in the evenings.

Nightly stretching

Sitting at a desk all day takes a big toll on my body! I have never been flexible, but in the last several years, my flexibility has decreased even more. Stretching is good for my body, but it releases emotional tension, as well. Whether it’s 30 minutes of true yoga or just 10 minutes of basic stretches with Bazooka (he loves to imitate—and climb all over—mommy!), I want to make this a habit.

Little (to no) alcohol

I was doing so well during Lent when I gave up alcohol during the week—but then a week or two before Easter, I reintroduced it and have made it nightly or semi-nightly habit. Well, I used to think that a glass or two of wine relaxed me, but lately I’ve found I sleep worse when I drink it, so what’s the point? I’m planning to turn to my growing hot tea collection when I’m craving a beverage other than water.

Essential oils

Even though I had a foray into essential oils for health, I’m not a big believer in their medicinal abilities. But…they smell damn good, and I do think that essential oils as aromatherapy can help you decompress and relax. I enjoy this Good Night* blend from Eden’s Garden, and lavender scents always help calm any anxiety or tension. I plan to diffuse* either of these before bed and spray down my pillow, too.

Reading

Lately I’ve been reading a lot, and I’ve found it helps me escape my every-day world. Since I get antsy and bored watching TV (for Mark, it’s his way to relax after listening to and talking to clients all day—no judgment!), I need something besides my phone to occupy my wandering brain. So, why not get lost in a good book? This way I can help myself sleep better and knock off some of the titles on my “to read” list.

Relax! Catherine’s sharing 5 ways to ease sleep struggles Share on X

[linking up for thinking out loud]

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So tell me…

• How do you unwind before bed?
• Have you found that certain foods/activities (caffeine, alcohol, etc.) cause sleep struggles?
• Are you typically a light or heavy sleeper?