The first is... wake up early. By the time bedtime rolls around again I fall asleep within minutes. I try to remember this when the alarm rings and I'm dragging myself out of bed - it just makes it a little bit easier!
The second is keep busy all day (when you rest you rust apparently).
And finally, I always have a cup of herbal tea in the evening. Whether it's from the relaxing properties in the tea or just taking the time to sit down and enjoy a warm soothing cup, doing this before bed really calms me down after a busy day. It's helpful to remember that caffeine and alcohol can really disturb a restful nights sleep. By drinking plenty of water during the day and avoiding caffeine after 3pm and alcohol before bed I can really minimise a restless night.
Once I've done all of these things, by bedtime I'm out for the count, and the following day I wake up recharged and ready for anything the day brings.
Fresh Lavender Mint Tea
Some of my favourite hot drinks in the evenings are rooibos, camomile, peppermint and sometimes just hot water with a slice of lemon. But with fresh mint growing in abundance in the garden at the moment, and the lavender about to bloom, here's a recipe for one of my absolute favourites - fresh lavender mint tea.
What you'll need:
- 10 mint leaves
- 20 lavender petals (one stem approx.)
- 500ml boiling water
- French press
How to make it:
Wash the lavender and mint leaves, and tear the mint to release its aroma.
Put the mint and lavender into a French press and pour boiling water over the leaves. Many herbal teas require water at a lower temperature but mint and lavender are hardy so using boiling water is absolutely fine.
Stir the herbs and leave to steep for 5-10 minutes.
Once the mint and lavender have reached the required strength press down the plunger and pour into cups.
This soothing tea is delicious hot or cold, and fresh mint and lavender from the garden make it even more gratifying. Happy snoozing! Zzzzzz :-)
Good to know:
- Harvest herbs in the morning as their flavour is most intense then. They can then be kept in the fridge wrapped in moist kitchen paper until they are ready to be used.
- To clean fresh herbs let them soak in a large bowl full of water. Lift out the herbs, drain the water and dirt and repeat a few more times. Finally, rinse under the tap and pop them on a piece of kitchen paper to dry.
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