Cut the Clutter, Sleep Better Tonight
Even if you’re not a bona-fide hoarder, clutter could be cutting into your good night’s sleep. We’re all busy, and when we’re on the go things can sometimes accumulate around the house and in the bedroom. Laundry, magazines, bills, empty coffee mugs, and scattered items can make your room disorganized and uncomfortable. In order to fully relax and enjoy a night of nourishing sleep, some tidying might be in order.
Surveying the Bedroom Zone
Take a look around your bedroom, and note what items you currently have scattered around the room. Extra piles of blankets, digital devices, kid’s toys, books you’ve been meaning to read, and random clutter – all of these things need a new place to hang out, far away from your bedroom. Gather up everything that shouldn’t be in your room and put it somewhere else, even if it’s a temporary pile in the living room or kitchen table that can be dealt with later.
Evaluating Digital Clutter
We all love our electronic devices, but inventory your bedroom. Chances are, you don’t actually need a TV, tablet, laptop, and your smartphone vying for your attention as you prepare for bedtime. Remember, the bedroom is for sleeping, not watching TV, surfing the internet, or checking email. As much as possible, make your bedroom a device-free zone. Ideally, your goal should be to finish dealing with all electronic devices one hour before bedtime. The light they emit is particularly alerting to your brain and can make falling asleep much more difficult. If you must use an electronic device within one hour of bedtime, try to use blue blocker glasses to minimize the alerting effect. All of the digital temptation can prevent you from truly decompressing and getting a great night’s sleep.
Maintaining a Tidy Bedroom
Clean rooms don’t magically stay clean. It takes effort to keep clutter at bay. Try to develop a routine for keeping your bedroom clean. Even spending five minutes in the morning to make your bed, stow laundry, and return items to their rightful place can help. Train your kids to leave their toys, backpacks, and school work elsewhere in the house. If tidiness gets away from you toward the end of a hectic week, invest a little chunk of time during the weekend to get things back in proper order. You’ll enjoy the benefits when the busy week begins.
The Minimalist Approach
If you really want to go all the way, develop a minimalist approach to your bedroom décor. Aim for smooth surfaces rather than shelves or dresser tops crowded with distracting decorative items. Keep artwork soothing and neutral-toned, rather than garish or brightly painted pieces that prevent you from relaxing. Ten million pillows on the bed might look pretty in a magazine, but make it difficult for you to truly relax and stretch out before bedtime. Creating a peaceful, Zen-like environment in your bedroom will put you in a calm, cozy state of mind as you crawl into the sheets. Sweet dreams!
