Okay, I have to tell y’all this is a really weird post for me. I’m not one to shy away from being vulnerable (there have been plenty of times I let my weaknesses all hang out), but this one is something I’ve felt like I should share for a very long time.
All my life I always knew I was a “worry wart”, a perfectionist, a little bit neurotic, and while I certainly don’t live a perfect life and am actually a pretty messy, disorganized person when it comes to channeling my creative side with projects and random furniture makeovers, anxiety is something I struggle with on a daily basis.
I constantly worry and let the smallest things stress me out. But I don’t at all mention that to have a pity party, just to say if you struggle with the same thing, you are definitely not alone.
So the other week, my friend Jennifer from Town and Country Living (whose blog is incredible by the way) asked if I would like to join in with a group of bloggers once a month for her Cozy Living series. One Saturday every month, we will share some aspects of our lives, our seasonal traditions, and/or our homes that create moments to evoke feelings and memories that say “home” to us.
And while this subject is starting off not quite as upbeat as probably some of the others I’ll share later in this series, I promise there’s a happy ending. Because you know what I’ve learned about calming the anxiety monster? To make time to care for myself so I can be the best mother and wife I can be. (You deserve a time-out, girlfriend. You really do.)
Somehow when the daylight gets shorter, the weather turns chilly, and our family’s schedule kicks into high gear, I end up with this crushingly overwhelming anxiety, if I’m not careful. So it’s the perfect excuse to add a little extra coziness around bedtime to make sure I’m always at my best. I thought I’d share a few ways in case you struggle with the same thing.
7 Ways I Relieve Anxiety at Bedtime:
(Some affiliate links are provided for convenience.)
1. Invest in good bedding.
On Day 1 of moving into this house, I ordered 3 fresh sets of my favorite sheets from Amazon that cost all of $25 each. They feel like buttah! I always get white so I can bleach them, if needed. And this squishy, thick duvet is cooling in the hot months but toasty warm during the chilly times of year. I loved it so much that I bought one for our guest bedroom too (which I haven’t shared with y’all yet since it is literally just a bed in an otherwise empty room and that’s it).
Right now, we also have this Boll & Branch grey flannel duvet cover and waffle blanket that are splurges for us, but they are SO soft and it feels like heaven crawling into this bed every night.
2. Read a little from a devotional every night.
Ever since the school year started in September, I’ve been taking time to read a section out of a devotional each day. There’s something about giving all of my stress over to God to lift a weight off of my shoulders. I’ve really enjoyed the Girlfriends in God app, but I just started this one that I’m really excited about called Pressing Pause: 100 Quiet Moments for Moms to Meet With Jesus.
Ever since Robert and I got married, we’ve made it a bedtime ritual to hold hands and take turns saying a prayer together too. It helps us talk about what’s stressing us together while strengthening our faith and making God a very central part of our marriage. That one act each night solidifies that we’re not alone in anything we might be facing.
3. Light a great smelling candle.
Even if it’s only for a few minutes, there’s just something calming about the glow of candlelight. I try to light one after dinner to get any cooking smells out of our house. I’ve really been meaning to try this stress-relief one because apparently it’s a must-have.
4. Drink a cup of hot nighttime tea.
I’ve been on a tea kick lately, and it’s done wonders for calming my stress. I really like a lot of the Harney and Sons brand in decaf.
5. Keep the TV and electronics out of the bedroom.
Robert and I started out in our marriage with no TV because we could only afford one, and that was in our little apartment living room. So we never really had the chance to miss a TV. But I know we’ll never introduce one because it makes our bedroom feel like an escape from the world. We keep our computers out of our bedroom too.
6. Wash bedding with lavender or spray some lavender essential oils diluted with water on your pillow.
I always wash our bedding with Mrs. Meyers Lavender Laundry Detergent and Mrs. Meyers Lavender Dryer Sheets, and I sometimes mix a few drops of lavender oil in a spray bottle (ya know… if I’m feeling uber fancy) to lightly spritz on our pillows. Total escape.
7. Decorate with neutrals.
Maybe gray and cream and beige are boring to some people, but I love how I can walk into our bedroom and instantly feel soothed. If you constantly feel stressed out, bust out a paint can of neutral (here are some of my favorite neutral colors).
Oh, and you can add about 50-70 drops of lavender or chamomile essential oils to a gallon of paint to keep your bedroom smelling spa-like too.
I don’t get to do all 7 of those things every single night, but I find when I’m crazy stressed at the end of a long day, if I take some “me time” to do those things, I sleep so much better and wake up feeling like Supergirl.
Just proof that being a homebody is the best cure for almost anything, right? I welcome those dark, chilly nights just so I have the excuse to snuggle up at home with Robert and Olivia whenever we need a break from the day-to-day.
“Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will sustain you.” – Psalm 55:22
You can hop over to see all of the other bloggers’ traditions, recipes, and fall cozy living tips on the tour too:
AKA Design | Bless’er House | Duke Manor Farmhouse | Finding Silver Pennies
Flat Creek Farmhouse | Little Glass Jar | Making It in the Mountains | Sincerely, Marie Designs
Thoughts from Alice | Town and Country Living | VinYet Etc.
Do you have any stress relievers you like to do? Does anxiety seem to hit you this time of year too? Are there ways you make your home extra cozy this time of year? Because really… are there ever too many?
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Danielle says
November 4, 2017 at 10:04 amLove all your tips for relieving anxiety.
Sarah Blankenship says
November 4, 2017 at 10:15 amThese are some great tips for dealing with anxiety! Beautiful photos!
Kristi says
November 4, 2017 at 11:30 amLauren, I’m stressing and worrying right there with you friend – thank you so much for sharing some of the ways you calm and decompress each night, I’m definitely going to give that tea a try!
Laurie @ VinYet Etc. says
November 4, 2017 at 12:14 pmIt’s actually funny how that stress creeps up on you, before I know it it’s messing with my sleep and waking me up out of a sound sleep… I will definitely use this awesome tips, thank you so much for sharing! ox
Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says
November 4, 2017 at 1:15 pmBeautiful bed and beautiful post, Lauren. You have I have a lot in common. My hubby’s name is Robert. I do a devotional every night. I spray lavender on my bed linens. And I have anxiety, too. I bought a weighted blanket to help calm me at night. I love it. I’ve been toying with blogging about my recent journey with anxiety. It came to a peak this past March (I’m much better now though). Thanks for sharing a piece of yourself today!
Amanda says
November 5, 2017 at 8:32 amJennifer, I’m right there with you! The anxiety is real. I typically do my devotions in the morning before my little one gets up. I’m thinking about switching to the evenings. I think it would be a great way to calm down and really let go before bed. I would love to read your post if you decide to share!
Kendra @ www.joyinourhome.com says
November 5, 2017 at 12:00 amThank you for sharing from your heart, sweet lady! Praying with my husband is something I know without a shadow of doubt keeps our marriage strong and keeps us close to each other… I’m definately going to look at that devotional book for moms! xo
Judy Clark says
November 5, 2017 at 5:49 amLauren,
Thanks for sharing.
When we lived in GA I would dread when the time changed and the temps started to drop. The sadness would creep in every year. I am thankful to the Lord for His comfort. We have moved close to Austin and there is plenty of sunshine here. Sunshine is amazing!
Thank you for sharing your faith. What would we do without God’s word.
Blessings
Judy
Amanda says
November 5, 2017 at 8:29 amAs a fellow worry wart I loved these great tips! Your writing always have be sucked in from the first two sentences. The no screens in the bedroom is such a peace killer. If I hope on my phone before bed I can forget shutting my brain down enough to fall asleep for at least an hour afterwards. I’m also really excited to try out those sheets. I’ve hard the hardest time finding affordable sheets that actually have good reviews. Thanks for sharing your source! I’m so thrilled to be doing this series with you. Have a lovely Sunday!
Joanna in Ca. says
November 5, 2017 at 5:24 pmI loved these. Several years ago I dipped down into adrenal fatigue and thus into a dark pit of depression and anxiety. Even as a believer, prayer didn’t help. I just had to get stronger and it took a long time. I found you on the cozy home hop and now am a new friend. 🙂 I have the same book and stress free candle from Bath and Body Works and yes, it does smell really good!
Laura says
November 6, 2017 at 5:45 amLauren, I had no idea about the lavender and paint tip! I too try to do most of things on your list. All good for the soul…and to help have sweet dreams!
Sophia Stevens says
November 16, 2017 at 9:12 amGreat and useful tips! The night cup of tea is a must for me but I still cannot get use to not bring my phone or laptop in the bedroom. Do you have any tips on this?
Brittany Shook says
November 29, 2017 at 12:58 pmI love your bed! Where did you get it?
Lauren says
November 30, 2017 at 12:06 amI found it on clearance in a local shop (Shoppes at River’s Edge in Rock Hill, SC if you live in the Charlotte area). I haven’t been able to find it online, but here is one very similar: http://rstyle.me/n/cpmwfzb5ky7 The one online, unfortunately, isn’t as cheap as what I paid for mine. 🙁
Jennifer says
January 14, 2018 at 11:13 pmThank you for the sheet recommendation….these are the softest, most amazing sheets! And they are a bargain!
Kay says
December 31, 2018 at 7:16 pmThank you for being so real. I struggle with anxiety too. I use a lot of lavender. Read from the Jesus Calling devotion books, and try to remember to worry about nothing but pray about everything. Always look forward to your blog. Have a prosperous and happy new year.
Laura says
January 2, 2019 at 6:55 amLauren,
I am reading this post in January 2019. I just want to express my gratitude for your openness about your struggles with anxiety, your worries, perfectionism, lack of organization. This has been “me” all of my life! I have felt so alone in this. Particularly because I struggle with chronic digestive illness and fatigue! Thank you for helping me to realize that I am not alone. I admire that you have been able to bring your creative aspirations to fruition. This is something that I struggle to do as my husband is retired and is always wanting to be on the go. (Or assigning more errands/more tasks for me.) You are such a bright light and such a comfort! I look forward to your emails for inspiration. Thank you for all your efforts! Laura Coyne
lou says
February 15, 2019 at 5:29 pmhi lauren, great post to aide sleeping. could you post the name of your favorite sheet set again because the link is gone.
Lauren says
February 15, 2019 at 8:15 pmHi Lou! The set that I have mentioned is no longer available. However, here is a set that I am hoping is just as nice as I need to refresh my sheet inventory. https://rstyle.me/n/dfze2wb5ky7 . Thread count is the same with a very similar description