Steve Jhee, GRI Licensed R E Salesperson Keller Williams Rlty Landmark Steve Jhee K W Rlty Site 3255 Francis Lewis Blvd Bayside, NY 11358 O: 718-475-2700 Ext: 2812 M: 917-957-7021 Contact Me

In this be-more-do-more world of ours, we’ve unfortunately sacrificed one of the day’s most sacred rituals: going to bed. However, winding down properly and getting enough sleep is essential to a healthy mind and body. Here’s how to make it happen.

Pick a bedtime and stick to it. Of course, first you need to have a clear idea of how much sleep you truly need, which varies from person to person. Listen to your body. If you're feeling sluggish throughout the day, make your bedtime earlier and earlier until you start feeling energized enough to have a productive day.

Dress the part. Instead of falling into bed in your sweats, be sure to have comfy sleepwear reserved for bedtime. Think about how cozy babies are in their soft, footy pajamas - find night-time garb that makes you feel the same.

Wash up. Whether it's a warm bath or simply washing your face with some nicely scented cleanser, a consistent cleansing ritual will help relax you before bed. Try lavender-scented lotions for an extra calming effect.

Get the kinks out. In today's demanding world, it's often tough to let go of the physical and mental stress that gets piled on throughout the course of the day. Try some deep stretching or calming yoga poses before bed. If you're prone to chronic aches and pains, a few minutes with a heating pad will help relax sore muscles.

Invite sleep, not stimulation. Lots of people claim to go to sleep early, but are actually spending hours watching TV, shopping online or playing Candy Crush in bed. Anything involving a screen will stimulate your brain and keep sleep at bay. Instead, read a few pages of your book or a magazine article. Reading takes your mind away from the day's stress and will induce sleepiness in no time.

Finally, ditch the phone. Impossible as it may seem, put your cell phone in another room for the night. Or at least activate the do-not-disturb feature. Otherwise the dings and buzzes of notifications may wreak havoc on your slumber. Let friends and family know to call your house phone in case of middle-of-the-night emergencies.

Here's to sweet dreams and more vibrant days!