In the chaos of day-to-day life, I often find that my mind doesn’t shut off, even when my head hits the pillow. From realizing I forgot to add something to the to-do list to trying to solve a difficult problem, my wheels continue to spin. In the past few months I’ve incorporated some habits into my nighttime routine that have brought positive and calming energy, improving my sleep patterns.
Moon Juice’s signature Berry Calm for Relaxation & Sleep Drink is the perfect way to wind down after a particularly busy or stressful day. When I have a hunch that I may not be able to fall asleep peacefully before bed, I’ll make myself a cup by simply mixing a teaspoon of the powder with cold water. Note that it can also be consumed with hot water if that’s your preference. I personally find the berry flavor quite pleasant (as do most based on the 5-star reviews); it’s not too sweet or overpowering. Sometimes if I am craving something on the sweeter side after a salty dinner, this also prevents me from grabbing late night treats.
Moon Juice recently rolled out a Blue Lemon flavor, which is also delicious.
This product is effective with calming because, according to Moon Juice, it contains 3 bioavailable forms of Magnesium plus L-Theanine to help restore cellular balance for relaxation, sleep, brain health, and regularity.” Forbes Health wrote a review of the product back in June and also outlined the benefits and risks of taking magnesium.
Moon Juice was started in Venice, CA by Amanda Chantal Bacon over a decade ago. The company was born out of her quest to feel better and manage stress. After graduating from the New England Culinary Institute, she was working long hours in the restaurant industry and was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease. The diagnosis came after years of experiencing a number of health challenges throughout her childhood. As she met with doctors, herbalists, and scientists, she sought to create products that weren’t available on the market in an easily accessible and digestible way. Designer Rebecca Minkoff interviewed Amanda on her podcast Super Women, and she talked thoughtfully about how she strategically aims to fill gaps in the market and her learnings as she has slowly scaled the company through direct-to-consumer, brick & mortar, and 3rd party sales outlets - including Sephora.
Saje Sleep Well Oil Blend Roll On
This Sleep Well roller ball sits on my nightstand and I use it on evenings when I find myself still awake after multiple attempts to doze off. I roll it on my wrists and breathe deeply to calm myself. The combination of lavender, valerian root, and roman chamomile is quite soothing.
This helps you easily jumpstart a daily journal practice. I started using this when I was going through a challenging time and fully believe that the 5-minute reflections provided meaningful clarity and helped me start and end my day on very uplifting notes. It was a consistent reminder to be grateful for simple things and to take extra moments to show gratitude toward those who matter most.
I know someone who is an expert in anxiety and she personally recommended the Ultimate App for Hypnosis & Meditation. The app has an entire sleep & relaxation section with 48 different recordings. You’ll fall asleep to the calming voice of Glenn Harrold, a British clinical hypnotherapist who has since been made a fellow of The British Society of Clinical Hypnosis. This app has done wonders for my sleep - and I’m 99% sure it has done the same for my dog’s sleep as well…that’s not a joke.
I know others who really love the Headspace app and the Calm app. I personally haven’t used them, but imagine they may be just as effective depending on the type of meditation you’re seeking.
Sleep well.
x jz
Images | 1 | @b.g.mckay, styled by me | 2 - 3 | Moon Juice | 4 | Saje | 5 | Amazon | 6 | Google Play Store
Note: The Five Minute Journal has an Amazon affiliate link. Note that outside of this link, I do not get paid for nor make money off of this post. All opinions are my own.