Need Help Getting to Sleep at Night? Try Magnesium!

 

 

When Jay and I visited my mom in Arizona last year she had us try some magnesium supplements before we went to bed to help us calm down and sleep better. I didn't know how much it would actually help but to my surprise it did wonders! I felt instantly calmer and ready to settle down for the night. I finally purchased some of my own and have been using it pretty frequently lately. It helps me to unwind from the day and relax before bed time.

 

Magnesium not only helps to relax you but also does wonders for your stress levels! It also helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong.

 

 

I mix 2 heaping teaspoons with about 6 oz hot water and stir until it's dissolved. I try to drink this at least a half hour before bedtime to allow my body to unwind and relax.

 

Many people are deficient in magnesium and don't even know it! Always check with a doctor before adding any supplements to your routine. If you're looking for a way to wind down before bed and to help reduce your stress levels, you should give it a try!

Do you have trouble calming down before bedtime? Are there any things you do that work well for you?

 

Beauty: My Current Favorite Makeup Products

It's no secret, I love to try out new makeup products. Once I find some that I love, I keep them in my daily makeup rotation. These are products that I currently use everyday during the week. You'll see that it's a mix of drugstore finds and more expensive brands. Not every makeup product has to be expensive to work great! I like to play up my eyes a little more on the weekend but I typically stick to these products below. 

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Rose Petal 

I figured I'd try this out since it was on sale and I'm SO happy I did. I love the pop of color it gives my cheeks and the texture is smooth and creamy. I love how it blends in my skin and it lasts all day. One of my favorite drug store finds! 

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35

I love BB creams ever since Adrianne introduced me to how amazing they are. Super light, moisturizing and I don't feel like I have anything on my face. I love it. Perfect for the spring, summer, fall and whenever you don't need as much coverage. 

Smashbox High Definition Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 

I love this foundation when I need more coverage. In the winter I tend to wear more foundation and this is still light but has the perfect amount of coverage. It matches my skin tone perfectly too! 

Benefit Cosmetics They're Real

Adrianne got me this mascara for Christmas and I completely understand the hype now. I never have clumpy lashes anymore and they transform my straight sad lashes into curled beautiful ones. I love this stuff!

Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer

I got this with a Tarte blush in a travel pack and fell in love. It's not orange at all and gives me a perfect sun kissed glow. I'm running low and am not happy about that! Time for a Sephora or Ulta run! 

Lancome Le Crayon Khol in Black Coffee 

My mom bought me this after we saw a woman who worked at the Lancome counter wearing it. Her makeup looked phenomenal and she raved about the product. It's pricey, but lasts FOREVER. I haven't had to sharpen it yet! 

Urban Decay Cosmetics Naked Palette w/ Brush

My future mother in law got me this for Christmas and I've been obsessed with it. It's so fun to play around with all of the different colors and I love how neutral they all are. You can use this for day and night. Worth every penny! 

e.l.f. Studio Duo Concealer/Highlighter

I've recently blogged about my obsession for this cheap drugstore find. It's an amazing product that I can't rave enough about.

Have you used any of my favorite beauty products I listed above? What are some of your favorites?

Bedtime Stretching Routine

In addition to my nighttime skincare and teeth cleaning routine, one thing I love to do before I hop into bed is stretch. It’s a great way to wind down and relax. And not only is it relaxing, stretching is great for your body.

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Head and Neck

• Slowly roll your head in a circle three times. First, to the right then to the left. 
• Gently press your chin into your chest to stretch the back of your neck. Place your head backward to stretch the front of your neck.
• Gently press your right ear to your right shoulder to stretch the side of your neck. Switch sides.

Upper Body and Arms

• Make big forward circles with your arms. Switch and move your arms backward.
• With your arms at your sides make forward then backward circles with your shoulders.
• Raise your right arm above your head and bend at the elbow so your hand is resting on your upper back. Use the opposite arm to gently pull your elbow to the left. Switch arms.
• Place your right arm straight out in front of you then bring it across your body. Place your left hand on your elbow and gently pull. Switch arms.
• Straighten your right arm. Place the palm of your right hand on a wall and turn to your left to stretch your shoulder and chest. Switch arms.
• Move your hands in circles to target your wrists. Once you’ve made clockwise and counter-clockwise circles, gently pull your hand backward then push it forward.

Mid-Section

• Place your hands on your lower back and lean backward as far as you can go.
• Place your right hand on your right hip. Raise your left hand toward the ceiling and lean to the right. Switch hands and do the other side.
• Place your hands on your hips and keep your legs steady. Slowly move your upper body in a circle, focusing on stretching your abdominal and lower back muscles.
• Place your arms straight out in front of you then bend them at the elbows. Keep your legs steady and twist side-to-side, moving your arms along with your torso.

Lower Body

• Stand on your left foot. Bring your right leg forward so that your thigh touches your chest. Pull your leg toward your torso with your hands. Switch legs.
• Stand on your left foot. Bend your right knee so that your foot touches your butt. Gently pull your foot back to stretch the front of your thigh. Switch legs.
• Bend over and toes your toes.
• Get into a lunge position but straighten your back leg. Switch sides.
• Crouch into a sumo position and twist side-to-side.
• Sit on the floor. Place your right leg straight out and tuck your left foot toward you. Reach over and grab your right foot. Switch legs.
• Place your legs out in front of you. Reach out and grab your feet.
• Perform a butterfly stretch by tucking your feet in toward you and gently pressing your knees down.
• Move your feet in circles to target your ankles. Once you’ve made clockwise and counter-clockwise circles, gently pull your feet backward then push them forward.

Depending on how long I want to spend stretching, I may include more stretches. After a few weeks of nightly stretching, you’ll notice that not only does it relax you but your body will associate the routine with your looming bedtime and it’ll help you sleep!

Do you have a nighttime ritual that helps you relax?