Life can get intense, and sometimes, we lose sight of what’s really important—enjoying it. As a result, many people suffer from the stress of daily life, causing them to lose out on much-needed rest.

If you’re one of the millions who has trouble relaxing, you know how frustrating it can be. Not only do you feel exhausted the next day, but you’re also more likely to make mistakes at work or struggle to focus during meetings. 

Don’t worry—we’re here to give you ten relaxation ideas to help you fall asleep more easily. We’ll also share a lovely drink to cap off the night. Try these out today!

Relaxation Activities to Help You Sleep

With work and home problems, it’s no wonder you become more stressed as the day goes on. This is why it’s important to take some time off to de-stress and unwind. Instead of scrolling through your Facebook newsfeed, doing these calming activities can be a game-changer for stress relief. Check out these ideas to find something that works for you!

#1. Listening to Music

Research shows that listening to music is a form of therapy with plenty of mental benefits, including distracting you from daily stressors. The music’s rhythmic beat can also help slow your breathing and heart rate, further promoting relaxation. As a result, soothing melodies soothe your mind and take you to inner peace. 

#2. Meditation

You might notice people meditating and doing yoga before bed. That’s because meditation can help increase melatonin, a sleep-regulating hormone in your body. Additionally, meditation can help lower your stress hormones, also known as cortisol. You can try many meditation methods, but one popular relaxation method is mindfulness meditation. 

To do this, simply sit or lie on your bed and breathe. You may find it helpful to close your eyes and focus on your deep breathing as you inhale and exhale slowly. If your mind starts to wander to unpaid bills or work, bring your attention back to your breathing. 

For best results, experts recommend practicing mindfulness meditation for at least half an hour before bedtime.

#3. Exercising

Most people know that getting a good night’s sleep is important for their overall health, but some may not realize that exercise can help to improve sleep quality. 

Whether it’s brisk walking or crossfit, people feel good after exercising due to an increase in endorphins, which are happy hormones in the brain. In addition, exercising helps tire out the body and release muscle tension, thus distracting you from your stressors. 

#4. Getting Massages

There’s nothing like a relaxing massage with aromatherapy to put you in that relaxing mood. You can try different massages from Swedish to reflexology. Nevertheless, massages can lead to lower heart rate, relaxed muscles, and lower blood pressure. 

Massages stimulate your parasympathetic system, telling your body to relax. It releases serotonin, which helps produce melatonin. If you put gentle pressure on your vagus nerve, which runs around your jawbone and neck, you can also lower your cortisol levels. This allows your body to de-stress. 

Do you have any sleeping disorders? Massages can treat the following disorders that can interfere with your relaxation management:

• Hyperarousal: This physiological reaction is one of the signs of insomnia, which causes you to be awake and alert all the time. 
• Restless leg syndrome: This is an uncontrollable movement of your lower body caused by damaged nerve cells. 
• Sleep apnea: If you have trouble breathing every night, you might have this sleeping disorder. 
• Narcolepsy: Do you doze out of the blue during the middle of the day? You might have this chronic sleep disorder.

#5. Reading a Book

Playing on your phone all day sounds tempting, but did you know a day of detoxing yourself from electronics calms your mind? This is because the blue light that emits from screens stops your body from creating melatonin, the hormone that regulates our natural sleep-wake cycle. Plus, being on your phone might mean ending up replying to those pesky work emails.

Instead of using your phones, go old school and pick up a book. Not only does reading ease stress, but it also promotes longer sleep duration and improves sleep quality. Moreover, having your nose in a book lets you escape from harsh reality by walking in someone else’s shoes. 

#6. Writing Down Your Anxiety

Do you lose sleep by overthinking the things you have to do the next day? Some people find journaling as an effective way to reduce stress. You can write down your thoughts and any activities you need to remember. In a way, this relaxation activity unloads your mental baggage. Moreover, you don’t need to commit your worries to memory as you sleep. 

#7. Watching Something Funny

It’s no secret that laughter is good for you. It can boost mood, lower stress levels, and improve your body’s defense. But did you know that watching a sitcom, a movie, or even a funny video clip can help you sleep better? That’s right—a good laugh can be the perfect way to de-stress. 

This may be counterintuitive to reducing screen time. Thus, it’s best to watch for less than an hour. Don’t pick a program that will make you stay up all night. Instead, select a favorite movie or sitcom that you’ll be less enthralled with due to its familiarity. 

#8. Stargazing

Something about looking up at the stars just makes you feel small. All of your problems seem so small when confronted with the vastness of space. It can be a calming activity that helps you put things into perspective. And it’s not just a feeling, either. There’s actual science behind this phenomenon. 

Studies have shown that spending time in nature, and yes, even looking at the stars, can help to reduce stress levels and promote feelings of relaxation. So next time you feel your stress level rising, try taking a few minutes to gaze up at the night sky. You might just find that your worries start to dissipate.

#9. Spending Time With Loved Ones 

Do you feel at peace whenever you chat with your family or cuddle with your pets? Whether it’s catching up on the day’s events, sharing a laugh, or simply enjoying each other’s company, quality time with those we care about can help ease tension and promote relaxation. 

Additionally, the release of oxytocin, also known as the “cuddle hormone,” during social interactions can help reduce stress levels and promote feelings of calmness and well-being.

#10. Taking a Warm Bath or Shower

Bathing is not only a great way to relax, but it can also be beneficial for your health. Warm water can improve circulation and increase blood flow to the heart. Taking a bath may also clear the lungs and ease breathing for people with respiratory problems. In addition, the heat from a warm bath can help to soothe muscle tension and relieve pain. 

As a result, bathing is an excellent way to unwind after a long day and promote good physical and mental health.

Enjoy a Relaxing Night with Karviva Unwined

If you can, take a day off and check every relaxation activity off this list; you deserve to feel brand new and rejuvenated. But if you’re a busy bee, try even just one. While doing yoga or preparing a hot bath, taking a sip of something so delicious is also relaxing—introducing Karviva Unwined.

One of the best things about this Malbec-inspired drink is that you can enjoy it in so many ways. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or during meditation on National Relaxation Day, Karviva Unwined is perfect for every occasion.

Health Benefits of Unwined from Karviva

Kick back, relax, and pour yourself a glass of nonalcoholic wine. Not only is it a great drink to unwind with, but you also get numerous health benefits of sipping on a glass with these ingredients:

• Schisandra: Schisandra is used medicinally for various purposes, including treating anxiety and improving liver function.
• Mulberry: The mulberry in Unwined helps improve brain function and prevents memory decline. 
• Aronia berry: The mega antioxidants present in these berries can help reduce cell damage. 
• Prickly pear: Drinking Unwined can lower the risk of heart disease and strokes. 
• Dark cherry: This berry has varied benefits, but one of the most impressive is its ability to reduce inflammation, especially in people with gout and arthritis. 

Cheers to Relaxation 

There’s no doubt that a good night’s sleep maintains our overall well-being and sanity, but sometimes it can be hard to achieve. One way to help ensure we get the most out of our slumber is to have a relaxation day full of calming activities that help us de-stress.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of relaxation ideas and that you find at least a few activities to add to your weekend to-do list. If you do, we highly recommend enjoying every moment with a glass of Karviva Unwined. Not only does it taste delicious, but the natural ingredients in each bottle help promote better sleep.

Pour yourself a glass and see how delicious this nonalcoholic nightcap can be. Get your Karviva Unwined today!