What is keeping you up at night? If you are like most people, it is most likely an active mind that’s caught up in anxiety, worry, sadness, or even agitation. Here are some of the ways for you to get rid of stress so that you can drift off to sleep more easily.

1. Yoga

Try out some gentle yoga before you go to bed. A study by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health found that over 85 percent of the people that practiced yoga reported experiencing less stress and 55 percent reported better sleep. Restorative yoga poses before bed can increase relaxation and relieve tension.

2. Gratitude

Start a gratitude list every day. Numerous studies have suggested that a connection exists between gratitude and feelings of wellbeing.

Practicing gratitude regularly can actually have numerous positive effects on your life including reducing the risk of depression and anxiety, lowering blood pressure, and providing ideal conditions for better sleep.

So, consider keeping a gratitude journal where you write down some of the things that you are grateful or thankful for several times each week. Please note that there’s actually no wrong or right way to do it.

3. Bathing

Try taking a back before you go to bed. Taking a warm shower or bath 1 or 2 hours before you go to bed has been shown to relax the body as well as the mind. In fact, according to one study, it can help lower both your blood pressure and heart rate. Heat helps to relax tense, tired muscles, and helps you get rid of stress.

4. Reading

Try reading yourself a bedtime story. Reading is an excellent way to relax. Even being absorbed in a story for just 6 minutes is enough to reduce stress by as much as 68 percent, according to research by the University of Sussex.

Dr. David Lewis, the cognitive neuropsychologist that conducted the test described getting lost in a good book as he ultimate relaxation since it allows you to escape the stresses and worries of the everyday world.

Ideally, you should be reading from a physical book (paperback or hardcover) whose pages are sewn together as opposed to an iPad, Kindle, or any other backlit devices. If you don’t have a book available, you can always listen to sleepcasts from Headspace.

5. Get some Headspace

One of the inspirations behind launching Sleep by Headspace was that many members reported practicing meditation in the evening, including before bed, to help them get rid of stress and fall asleep.

While meditation isn’t about stopping or clearing away thoughts, it is all about learning to be more at ease with thoughts and being more compassionate to yourself as well as others. In this way, mindful meditation can help you to de-stress thus paving the way for a good night’s rest.

Follow these tips and you will find yourself relaxed and ready for a great sleep, ensure your bedroom is the perfect sleep environment. Read these Layla mattress reviews.