You seemingly know these feelings very well - weariness, the urge to not get out of your PJs, the feeling of “no amount of makeup can conceal my tired face” and so on. We‘ve all been there - sleeping early only to wake up twice as tired as we were before we tuck ourselves to sleep. Have you asked yourselves why? Some of you may have stopped drinking caffeine drinks. A few may have been acting so busy to disregard these feelings or some of you may have not even noticed these patterns at all, and many may have sought medical advice.

Without further ado, the purpose of this article is to help you have a better sleep at night through a ritual.

Why a bedtime ritual? Most of us are okay with the typical routine in which we commonly tuck ourselves to bed, close our eyes, and allow our bodies to doze off. Like how we act today illustrates the possibilities of what’s forthcoming, what we do before bedtime determines a consequential influence on how effectively we will do when we get out of bed the next day.

Preparing your Room

In this ritual, your bedroom is your sanctuary. It is where each consciousness and half-consciousness meet and one must remember that cleanliness and comfortability connect us better to our inner divinity- our ever passionate, loving, peaceful, and higher true self. Here are key things you must consider:

• You may settle your things just as you would like them to but ensure that there’s nothing on your bed aside from your pillows, comforters, and other beddings necessary for your good night's sleep. 
• Spray calming mists that cleanse and purifies your bedroom and pillow area. Set it as your intention that this place is your ritual area where you shall find nothing but peace and relief.

Warm Bath 

As we’ve previously discussed, cleanliness and comfortability declutter our mind and better connect us to our inner divinity and this is true not only to our surroundings but to our very selves as well. Bathing is allotting time for yourself- a time you should generously give yourself after a tiring yet meaningful day-for many people it's also the only time during the day that they are not near a screen, which allow more calmness to the mind. In bathing, think of it as not only cleaning and washing the physical dirt off your body but as well as eliminating all the negative (disgust, sadness, fear, etc…) and preparing yourself for once again, a whole enthusiastic you the next day.

Your body is your temple and it is where every magic begins. And one must be mindful of the things we allow inside our body thus choosing your bath recipes in cleansing yourself matters. The use of bath oils vivify your skin more intensely but more importantly, it calms your soul virtuously due to their therapeutic nature. The use of Lavender Oil, Bergamot Oil, and Frankincense Oil is highly recommended as it helps in relieving stress and allowing a better relaxation experience. 

Massage 

Massage therapy provides a deeper connection and balance between our body, mind, and spirit. Some of you may be in two minds adding this in your daily ritual thinking you needed a massage practitioner to rightly perform it on you. Worry not, self-massage is as significant and effective as any other massage. The use of body oil or body lotion would beautifully work especially those with ingredients of Lavender, Ylang Ylang, and Bergamot as this allows your joints and muscle pains in relief and calmness. 

Stretching

Stretching in physical health and fitness, allows us to improve the flexibility of our tissues and muscles. But this is not only true physically. Just as how it permits us for a stronger, healthier body, it also helps us build on our flexibility mentally and spiritually.
Take a moment and think of a stretching routine at your preference. When you are ready, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Let fly of your mind and enjoy the freedom inside you. And, in every inhale and exhale you partake, try to stretch and reach as far as you can just us how you’d like to reach for your goals mentally and spiritually. Being flexible in mind and spirit allows us to greater heights and a better sleep at night.

Reflection or Meditation

Personally, this is my most-awaited ritual at bedtime. Reflecting or meditating allows us to speak with our higher self which should be our ultimate goal every day before we sleep as it is a class of its own in providing us peace and happiness. If you are not tired yet, it might help you reduce your brain activity to the desirable calm, Alfa waves, which will increase your relaxation, calmness, and deepen your sleep for lucid dreaming.
For some who may find it difficult to reflect, the use of oil and incense has been long-observed in almost all traditions known in the world. Lighting an incense will purify your environment and turn your bedroom into your meditation area. Choose incense that will help you clear out negative energy and fill yourself with positive vibrations. 

Reading or Listening to Music

Research shows that listening to music or reading amend your mood. So if you are being reflective, you have the power to go to extremes with your feelings by listening to your desired type of music which parallels to reading as well. Choose your book or music and play it before your good night's sleep.

Planning for Tomorrow

Unwind and ponder about the things you need to do the next day. You may take notes or simply visualize. Planning for tomorrow keeps you ahead of time! Visualization helps you keep motivated and more focused on your goals. This will help you establish your daily plan which allows you to control your schedule and not let it control you instead, and as a result, this gives you a sense of recreation on a daily basis knowing that you are always prepared for what’s forthcoming. This allows your brain to relax in the middle of the night and pass by negative emotions such as dissatisfaction.

Applying Oils in Acupressure Points

Last but never the least in our ritual is applying oils in your pulse or acupressure points! This requires a physical touch to these acupressure points which are connected to different aspects of our physical and mental health and allows us tranquility. The most recommended oils are Lavender Oil, Chamomile Oil, Sweet Marjoram Oil, Bergamot Oil, Clary Sage Oil, Valerian Oil, Sandalwood Oil, and Ylang Ylang Oil. 

Check out this video by @TheSpiritChick showcasing her  Evening Witchy/Spiritual self-care/self-love routine.