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This chore might seem like the last thing you want to do when you’re trying to relax. What are we going to tell you to do next, do your taxes? But hear us out. Decluttering your space actually has the potential to declutter your mind — lessening your chances for your brain to start swirling with hyperactive thoughts and worries when you’re trying to go to sleep. Take a few minutes to just tidy things up a bit : straighten your bookshelf, put away your clothes, or clean up your desk.
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Your brain is wired to keep you awake when it’s light out and asleep when it’s dark. When it’s bright in a room, your body inhibits the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. The darker it is, the more melatonin the body tends to produce. Artificial light can mess with these natural hormone responses — but you can fight back against this imbalance. Dim the lights well before your bedtime to increase your chances of better sleep .
Some bedtime rituals can be as simple as brushing your teeth and setting your alarm — but you should be doing those things already. Here are a few other calming tasks that can help put you to sleep as soon as they become a part of your normal routine. (This story originally appeared on The Daily Meal .)
Holly Van Hare, The Daily Meal