i’ve finally accepted that i pretty much always need an hour or two (or three) to myself so i can wind down properly before bed. when possible i just try to start that process earlier. so if my goal is to go to bed by midnight, i retreat to my room by 9 or 10. i’ve decorated my room very cozily and in the evenings i only have string lights on so it’s dim and soothing. i shower at night most days which helps me sleep better and is a good reset for my nervous system (and also simplifies morning routine). then i curl up into the cozy corner of my room to watch my shows, play cozy games on my nintendo switch, or read if i have the mental energy. i also like to have a snack or sweet before bed (probs not the best habit but it gives me something to look forward to at the end of the day). if i’m feeling sore from work, i’ll do some stretching and foam rolling which calms me alllll the way down to the point of nodding off sometimes. none of this is consistent but the whole practice of giving myself several hours to wind down slowly in a designated cozy space has really helped me have a more realistic bedtime routine.
