Tip #6: Wind Down with a Little Meditation or Me Time
Let’s face it—the holidays are wonderful, but also... a bit much. Between the shopping lists, endless to-dos, and social plans, it’s no wonder our minds are spinning when it’s time to sleep.
That’s why building in a little quiet time—just 10–15 minutes—can be a game-changer. Try some slow breathing, gentle stretching, or even a guided meditation. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and give your brain permission to power down for the night.
Think of it as a mini reset. And hey, a little “me time” is the perfect holiday gift to yourself.
Tip #5: Don’t Skip the Workout (Even if You’re Busy)
We get it—this time of year gets hectic. But squeezing in even a short burst of exercise can really help your sleep game.
When you move your body, you help it produce melatonin (a natural hormone that signals to your brain that it’s bedtime). And the more consistent your movement, the more in-sync your circadian rhythm becomes.
So, go for that brisk walk, dance around the kitchen to Christmas songs, or roll out the yoga mat—even 15–30 minutes of movement a day can make a difference. It’s not just good for your sleep, it’s good for your mood, too. Think of it as stress relief in motion.
Tip #4: Thinking About Melatonin? Talk to Your Doctor First
If you feel like your sleep rhythm is totally off, melatonin supplements might be a helpful nudge to get things back on track. Melatonin is something your body makes naturally, but sometimes—especially during the darker winter months or high-stress periods—our production can dip.
You’ll find melatonin supplements at most pharmacies or supermarkets, usually in the vitamins aisle. But here’s the deal: they’re not one-size-fits-all. So before you grab a bottle, have a quick chat with your GP or a healthcare professional. They’ll help you figure out if it’s right for you.
Pro tip: If you do try melatonin, aim to take it about 30 minutes before bed. And don’t forget to dim the lights—let your brain know it’s wind-down time.
Tip #3: Cut the Screens, Cue the Calm
Blue light from phones, tablets, TVs (and yes, that shiny new gadget you just unwrapped) can totally confuse your brain into thinking it’s still daytime. It affects your body’s natural wind-down process and can make it much harder to drift off.
So, let’s make a deal: shut off those screens about 90 minutes before bed. Need something to do? Grab a book (paper is best, but an e-reader with warm light mode is okay too) and curl up with a blanket. Bonus points if you’re doing it next to a twinkly Christmas tree and a cup of herbal tea. Pure. Cozy. Bliss.
Tip #2: Make Sleep a Non-Negotiable
Sleep isn’t just about putting your head on the pillow—it’s about giving yourself permission to unplug. This time of year is full-on, but try your best to prioritise a solid eight hours of actual sleep (not just lying in bed scrolling through your phone).
That means saying no to “just one more episode,” closing the laptop, and being okay with leaving a few things undone. The reward? You’ll feel more grounded, more energised, and—most importantly—more present for the moments that really matter.
Tip #1: Can’t Sleep? Don’t Stress—Reset
Some nights, sleep just won’t come—and that’s okay. Instead of staring at the ceiling and stressing about it, get up and do something low-key. Read a chapter of a book, do a little journaling, stretch gently, or sip some chamomile tea by the glow of the tree lights.
What you don’t want to do is lie in bed worrying. Sometimes just stepping away from the pressure of “trying” to sleep can help you actually fall asleep faster when you return. It’s like giving your brain a soft reset.
And hey, being awake while the house is quiet and the lights twinkle? That’s a kind of magic in itself.