How To Actually Wind Down When Your Brain Won’t Let You

You know that feeling when you’re so tired but somehow, sleep is like, no thanks, I’m good? Yeah. It’s rude.

One minute, you're lying in bed, ready to drift off. The next? Your brain is replaying that awkward thing you said in 2014, reminding you of the 72 tasks you ignored today, and maybe convincing you to start a new show even though it’s already 1 AM. (You won’t watch just one episode. Don’t lie to yourself.)

So, let’s fix this. Here’s how to actually wind down, without tricking yourself into another three hours of overthinking. 

1.  Make Your Space Feel Like a Hug

Look, your brain is nosy. It takes cues from your surroundings. If your room looks like a war zone of half-drunk water bottles and laundry piles, your mind is gonna feel the same way.

So, let’s set the sleepy vibe:

🕯 Dim the lights (harsh white light? Immediate no.)

🎶 Put on something cozy (rain sounds, jazz, that one Taylor Swift playlist)

🌿 Maybe light a candle (because scent = instant mood switch)

2.  If You’re Gonna Scroll, Scroll Smart

Yes, we all know “no screens before bed” is a thing. No, we’re not gonna pretend we follow that rule.

Instead of doomscrolling until your soul leaves your body, try soft scrolling.

📺 Nature docs (David Attenborough whispering? Instant melatonin.) 

📚 Pinterest boards (aesthetic houses = sleepy inspiration)

🎥 Chill food videos (there is something deeply healing about watching a loaf of bread rise, don’t ask why)

Or—hear me out—put your phone across the room and see what happens. (Hint: nothing bad. Just sleep.) 

3.  Brain Dump That Chaos

Your brain loves being a little dramatic before bed. “Oh, you wanna sleep? Let’s remember every awkward thing you’ve ever done.”

Here’s the hack: write it all down.

•    The things you need to do tomorrow

•    The random thought spiral you just started

•    That genius idea you swear you’ll remember in the morning (you won’t)

Once it’s on paper (or the Notes app, we’re not fancy), your brain is like, cool, I can chill now. No more 3 AM existential crises. 

4.  Eat Like You Actually Wanna Sleep

The right snack before bed = chef’s kiss for your sleep quality. The wrong snack = waking up at 3 AM regretting every life choice.

Sleepy girl approved snacks:

🍌 Bananas (full of magnesium = relaxation mode unlocked)

🍒 Tart cherries (they’re literally made of melatonin)

🍯 A spoonful of honey (we don’t question it, it just works) 🥛 Warm almond milk (grandma was right)

Sleep’s worst enemies:

☕ Caffeine (yes, even “just a little” coffee)

🌶 Spicy food (unless you like battling heartburn at 2 AM)

🍔 Heavy meals (because no one wants to digest a burger in their dreams

5. Romanticize Your Wind-Down Ritual 

Listen, bedtime doesn’t have to be boring. It can be the most elite part of your day.

✨ Skincare that makes you feel like that girl

🧘♀️ Stretching (literally just one yoga pose counts)

📖 Reading (but not too interesting, or you’ll stay up)

🌙 Wrapping yourself in a Doozie blanket and contemplating life (very important step)

TLDR: 

Make your space cozy. Scroll smarter. Write down the chaos. Snack wisely. Romanticize your wind-down time. And for the love of all things cozy, get yourself a Doozie weighted blanket. Your nervous system will thank you.

Now go. Get some rest. You deserve it.