Need some simple, budget-friendly ways to help you sleep and relax? Here are a few of my favorite ideas.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Hey. So a lot of us are struggling in the peace and calm department right now.
I’m right there with you. A few years ago, our family went through a really awful, stressful time. I had to learn how to get some sleep when our whole life was exploding around us. It wasn’t easy, but it was important to our family’s survival. A few things helped, so I thought I would share them here.
Ideas to Help You Sleep
1. Faith
Whether or not you subscribe to a certain faith or belief system, difficult times tend to sluff off of our daily distractions and reveal what we believe on a deeper level. You don’t need all of the answers right now, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself searching. Lean in.
2. Prayer and Meditation
Prayer typically involves telling, sharing, speaking – unloading your concerns and desires. Meditation is usually quieter, restful, deep breaths, and listening with no agenda other than to be present. I think both are important.
There are many apps and free online tools to help you learn more about both practices. Find one that resonates with you.
3. Yoga for Relaxation
I first started yoga after I had 2 kids in 2 years. Life was insane, and I’m so glad I tried it.
I don’t think I could have slept for the first few months after Chris’ accident if I didn’t know how to take deep, cleansing breaths and intentionally relax my entire body.
I like Yoga with Adrienne, and I use this video from Yoga with Kassandra for my mornings stretches. A good morning stretch makes a huge difference in my day. And I always stretch right before bed.
I highly recommend starting yoga yesterday!
4. Exercise for Stress-Relief
Running, walking, sunshine, yoga, YouTube workout videos, that punching bag hanging neglected in your garage. Whatever you can do to move and play and sweat and punch something that’s not living, let’s do it! It’s a perfect stress reliever now that our Netflix queue is exhausted.
5. Read a Book Before Bed
Preferably one that is not very interesting. Like, bedtime is not the time to start a new novel. Bedtime is when you crack open that parenting book you’ve been slogging through the last few months.
Bedtime is the perfect time to read that book that promises to show you how to be a better person by the end. Nothing puts me to sleep faster than reading a few pages of a glorified to-do list written by someone smarter than me.
6. Magnesium Supplement
Okay, I really like this one. I started magnesium supplements a few years ago, and I’m a convert.
You can take magnesium as a rich, creamy, lotion, like this.
You can take magnesium as a powdered drink mix, like this (I like the orange flavor best).
Or you can take magnesium as a gummy! (yes, please!)
7. Diffuse Essential Oils
Lavender is a good classic essential oil for relaxing and sleeping. We ran this and peppermint almost constantly in my husband’s hospital rooms to cover the hospital smell and help keep our mood more positive.
(Read more about how we use essential oils in the kitchen here.)
8. Gratitude
Nothing helps like a little old-fashioned gratitude. My favorite meme I’ve seen this week is,
“First time in history: We can save the human race by laying in front of the TV and doing nothing. Let’s not screw this up.”
(I couldn’t find who wrote this originally. If you know, please tell so I can credit them!)
A lot of really difficult things are happening right now. It’s important to acknowledge them to ourselves and out loud to people we trust.
It’s also important to remember the good things. On Instagram right now, I’m sharing a daily Story with 3 things I am grateful for today. Others have joined the fun and are sharing their own daily lists! Go here to screenshot the template, fill it in, and don’t forget to tag me (@cheapskatecook)!
Here’s what it looks like (kind of a when-life-hands-you-lemons theme):
What You Can Do Now:
How are you doing? Got any budget-friendly ideas to help improve our sleep?
If you found this post helpful, let us know! Leave a comment, share it on Facebook or Pinterest, and follow us on Instagram or YouTube for more!
Slash your grocery budget and feed your family real food! Get simple, frugal, real food menu plans every month for FREE in the Cheapskate Cooks’ 1-Min Email. Get the next one here.