The hot water will help increase blood circulation and soothe any sore muscles, plus a warm bath can improve your sleep too. The drop in temperature after getting out of the tub kick-starts the production of melatonin, the hormone that helps you sleep.
Not only is the blue LED light emitted from digital devices thought to mess with your sleep cycle by preventing the natural release of melatonin that occurs as the day gets darker, but continuous social media scrolling has been blamed for a rise in Instagram-induced FOMO (fear of missing out) and self-esteem issues brought on by comparing ourselves to the perfect posed grids of the ‘gram. A night away from screens can be a welcome relief for your mental health as well as your sleep cycle.
Hang on, didn’t we just tell you to avoid light in the evening? Candlelight is different from artificial light however, it gives a warm glow rather than a blue glare and the flickering light can help soothe the mind. For an even more relaxing time pick a scented candle with a soothing fragrance like sleep-inducing lavender or gentle soft cotton.
Our number one top tip to de-stress and chill out is to set aside time to do something you genuinely enjoy, whether that’s curling up with a good book, re-watching your favourite film for the hundredth time or coffee with a friend – if it makes you happy, it’s time well spent.
