7 Simple and Easy Ways to Get a Better (and More Restful) Night’s Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for our physical and mental well-being. However, achieving quality and the correct quantity of sleep can be challenging for many individuals. If you’re looking for simple and easy ways to get a better and more restful night’s sleep, read on for more elaboration on each of the following tips.

cat sleeping restfully

1. Stick to a sleep schedule:

Setting a regular sleep schedule and sticking to it can significantly help regulate your body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm. This means going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Keeping your body on a routine makes it easier for you to fall asleep and wake up naturally.

2. Create a sleep-conducive environment:

Your bedroom should be a sleep sanctuary. A comfortable, dark, cool, and quiet room is optimal. Make sure your mattress and pillows are supportive and comfortable. Investing in blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine to block out distractions can help create a more peaceful sleep environment.

3. Avoid screens before bed:

The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with your body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. To avoid this, avoid screens for at least an hour before bed. Instead, consider reading a book, taking a warm bath, or engaging in relaxing activities.

4. Limit caffeine and alcohol:

Both caffeine and alcohol can affect your sleep quality. Caffeine is a stimulant and can disrupt sleep patterns, and alcohol, while it may initially help you feel drowsy, can lead to more frequent waking during the night. Consider limiting your consumption of both, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime.

Easier said than done!

5. Exercise regularly:

Regular exercise is an excellent way to improve sleep quality. Exercise helps reduce stress and anxiety and promotes relaxation, leading to better sleep. Try to finish your workout at least a few hours before bedtime, as exercise can initially stimulate your body, making it difficult to fall asleep.

6. Practice relaxation techniques:

Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation, can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep. These techniques can also help you manage stress and anxiety, which can often lead to sleep difficulties.

7. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows:

Sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress or pillows can cause discomfort and pain, leading to sleep disruptions. Investing in a comfortable and supportive mattress and pillows can help you get a more restful night’s sleep. Make sure to choose a mattress and pillows that fit your needs and preferences.

By following these simple tips, you can significantly improve your sleep quality and quantity, leading to a more refreshed and energized feeling upon waking. Sweet dreams!


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Easy Tips for a Zero Waste Kitchen

How to have a zero waste kitchen

The kitchen is easily one of the biggest waste producing areas in our house.
Here are some quick tips and tricks to help transition to a zero waste kitchen and reduce your waste, without having to invest a lot.
Baby steps are okay.
And I am all about being frugal.

Stop Using Paper Products

One of the easiest steps to take on a journey to a zero waste kitchen is to stop using paper towels and napkins.
Replace them with cloth.
You can buy specially made “un-paper” towels or even just regular tea or bar towels or any type of cloths. I have a designated pattern of weirdly small hand towels that we use in place of paper towels in the kitchen.
For lunch napkins, I have some cute bandannas and handkerchiefs that were either gifted or bough at thrift stores.
I have been known to cut up flannel blankets and pyjama pants that are not repairable to make unpaper towels and reusable napkins.
If you aren’t ready to go paperless, then switch to bamboo as it is more sustainable.

Bonus for me: Not having to do the complicated “paper towel math” to see if I am getting the best deal. It’s similar to toilet paper math.

Zero Waste Kitchen

Save Your Jars – Zero Waste Storage!

Save your jars to avoid needing to buy new ones.
You can use them for left overs, or to store dried goods in.
If you are going to freeze things in jars, make sure the contents have cooled down first.
I use them sometimes to make protein shakes in.

Zero waste reuse jars

Ditch the Plastic

Stop using cling wrap and plastic baggies.
Opt for jars, beeswax wraps, metal, and glass containers.
I use cloth baggies for my children’s school lunches as well in an effort to reduce waste.

zero waste reusable lunch bags

Keep Veggies Fresher Longer

Store onions and potatoes in a basket in dark cupboard to keep them last longer.
Salad greens, beans, and peas can be stored in the fridge between damp tea towels. You can stand celery in water, and float carrots in water.

. . . and Regrow Them!!

I have regrown lettuce, green onions, and celery.
After cutting off that I need, I just planted them into a pot to let them grow again.

zero waste regrow produce

Compost

If you can, composting in an important step in reducing what goes to landfill. You are giving your scraps a second life. When I lived in a rural area, I composted everything that I could and used it in my garden. I once had compost potatoes and found pumpkins growing in my compost that I ended up giving away to neighbours.
My landlord does not have our units supplied with composting bins. We are lucky to have a friend who accepts our compost.

Don’t. Use. Disposables.

This is pretty much a no brainer.
It may make clean up a bit easier, but think of all the trash that it creates — and the plastic that is never going to go away.
I developed the habit from my Grama to clean and reuse disposable cutlery.
I am also that weird family member who will clean and take your plastic cutlery home with me if you’re only going to throw it away. My family is starting to come around…
I send the rescued plastic forks and spoons in my kids lunches and they know to bring them home so they get washed and reused.


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