Category Archives: Rest & Relaxation

Some Days We Just Want To Hibernate

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Winter hibernation of animalsBy Ellie Badanes, The Pajama Company

Ever have one of those days when you just want to curl up, shut out the noise and hibernate?  After the frantic holiday season, the short days of winter seem to have settled in and made us embrace the quiet. Given that it’s now Friday afternoon with darkness looming, a weekend hibernation seems just right. Here’s our do list for our hibernation:

    * Cozy pajamas of course are a must
    * The perfect couch, chair or bed just right for curling up
    * Your favorite chunky blanket or duvet and fluffy pillows
    * Light music to help you drift off is always nice for hibernating, be it jazz, spa, nature sounds or whatever you find relaxing
    * The real goal for hibernating is sleep but catching up on that book you’ve been meaning to start or finish or the stack of magazines you love will fill in the awake moments nicely

 

Here is our don’t list for our hibernation:

    * The point of hibernating is to block out what’s happening in the world. Just for a weekend, consider unplugging.
    * No need to grab the hat and coat this weekend because you’re staying in. The beloved “Pajama Weekend” is here.
    *Can you hibernate with someone? We think yes but sleep rules the day. Quiet is Queen.

One of the benefits of hibernating is the joy of solitude. Our reading recommendation for this post is Quiet by Susan Cain. Check out her Quiet Revolution blog here.

“Solitude matters, and for some people, it’s the air they breathe.” (Susan Cain)

Yoga for Better Sleep

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yoga for sleepSometimes getting to sleep can be kind of difficult. You might toss and turn because your mind keeps racing thinking about the stressful day you just had or something you’re anticipating for tomorrow. Or maybe it’s something you can’t quite name, but you know your body is carrying tension and it’s keeping you from getting comfortable when it’s time to go to sleep.

Doing yoga before bed can be a great way to release physical tension. The meditative aspect of yoga can also help to calm your mind. The combination of yoga postures and breathing techniques help slow down your heart beat and relax your nervous system, which both contribute to better sleep.

So whether you’re having trouble getting to sleep or just want to improve the quality of your sleep, yoga before bed might be a great option for you. Get cozy in your favorite PJs and try one of these short yoga videos – each one is right around 10 minutes or less – to relax your mind and body.

Yoga for Deep Sleep from Tara Stiles

10 Minute Bedtime Yoga

Easy 5 Minute Bedtime Yoga

Namaste, friends. Here’s to better sleep!

6 Ways to Everyday Relaxation

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Relaxation isn’t something that should happen only when you’re on vacation. Ideally you should find time to relax each day – to reduce stress, lower your heart rate, quiet your mind, and to just plain ole’ feel good…as we like to say!

A great way to make sure you relax each day is to plan it out ahead of time.  A week ahead works really well: each Sunday take a few minutes a decide what you’ll do each day for the next week to relax, and when you’ll do it.

On days when you have more time, do something more involved like taking a long hike or going to the beach.  And on really busy days, squeeze in some time for something easier but equally calming.

Here are some relaxation ideas to add to your week:

1. Take a quiet walk.  

Get out and listen to the birds and the sounds of nature.  Even if you don’t have trees or green space around you, being present and tuning into whatever surroundings you find yourself in – even the sounds of the city – can be incredibly relaxing.

2. Breathe.

Yes, so very simple.  Sit for a few minutes and take several slow, deep breaths.  We tend to breath in slower, shorter breaths when we are stressed out.  So taking deeper breaths, you’ll find youself feeling much more grounded and centered even after just a few minutes.

3. Take a cat nap.

It’s no secret that we think naps rule! Getting in a quick little cat nap is a fantastic way to unwind and de-stress.  We wrote all about naps here.

4. Sit and do nothing.  

Find a quiet, soothing place.  A comfortable chair, or maybe a swing or hammock.  Sit for at least 5 minutes in silence, with no phone or other distractions.

5. Get a massage.

Not only do massages feel great, but they also help your body to rest and rejuvinate.  Regular massage therapy lowers stress levels, relaxes your muscles, decreases blood pressure, increases flexibility – and the list of benefits goes on!  We think it’s the perfect execuse to treat yourself…

6. Take a bath.

Soaking in a hot bath is a really easy way to ease tension and relax.  It’s a great way to calm yourself before bed.  Add some soothing music, a candle, and some aromatherapy, and create a little mini-spa experience right in your own home!

Photo Credit: caiteesmith photography. via Compfight cc

How to Feel Good

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You deserve to feel good.  It’s a simple idea really, but one that can get overlooked in the midst of everyday life.

The Pajama Company was founded because we love to make people happy and help them feel good. Of course, we think one of the best feel-good pleasures in life is relaxing in your favorite jammies.

But, there are lots of other ways to add more “feel-good” to your life.  So today we’re sharing some of our favorites…

1. Have designated “Me” time.  Put some time aside just for you where you can do just what you want to do.  Maybe it’s time to relax, go out and meet up with friends, or get a massage.  The idea is that it’s all about you.

2. Take walks.  Whether you work in an office or from home, movement during the day can really help you to feel refreshed.

3. Treat yourself to something beautiful.  A bunch of fresh flowers.  A beautiful new bracelet.  A gorgeous journal.  Surrounding yourself with beautiful and meaningful things will go a long way in boosting your good mood!

4. Engage in regular random acts of kindness. Here are 10 easy ways we’ve shared to spread kindness.

5. Take a nap.  Feeling sluggish or groggy?  Even just a 15 minute power nap can work wonders!

6. Wear something you love.  Nothing helps you to feel good than wearing something you love and that you know you look good in. Make a point to dress in your favorites each day!

Now over to you…what do you add to your everyday life to feel good?

Five For Friday: Warm & Cozy

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Happy Friday! We’re sharing some things that are keeping us warm and cozy today…

All You Need is Tea & Warm Socks // Paperchat via Etsy

 

Boxercraft Royal Blue Flannel Blanket // The Pajama Company

Mason Jar Candle Holders // Smokestack Studios via Etsy

Kashwere Plush Chenile Socks // The Pajama Company

Cardamom & Orange Spiced White Hot Chocolate // Will Cook for Friends

7 Ways to Fall Asleep Faster

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Falling asleep after a long day can sometimes be a challenge. Especially if you’re feeling charged up and stressed out and have a lot on your mind.

We’ve gathered some tips for shaking off the day and getting to sleep faster. You might even consider doing one or more of these things regularly and build a night time ritual. Doing these things regularly can act as a cue to your body that it’s time to slow down and relax, making it even easier to drift off.

1. Take a bath or hot shower.

I won’t go into the science, but basically raising your body temp helps you get to sleep faster. Use lavender or some other aromatherapy for even better results. There’s something very soothing about getting into warm PJs after a nice hot bath!

2. Enjoy a cup of herbal tea.

Sitting and sipping a cup of hot herbal tea is a great way to relax into sleep mode. Yogi Honey Lavender Stress Relief is my favorite soothing tea with lavender, mint, and chamomile. Make this into your nightly thing and you’re likely to look forward to it each night!

3. Be sure your room is dark enough.

If there’s any kind of light around you, it will definitely be harder to fall asleep. If it’s a street light or even a bight moon, you might invest in black out shades or curtains. Or consider using a mask like this one.

4. Read to relax.

If your mind is racing and you can’t stop obsessing over the events of the day, reading before bed is a surefire way to distract yourself. Sometimes if you’re in the middle of a really good book, reading it before bed might be a little too stimulating. If that’s the case, pick up something less exciting – maybe a magazine article – and lull yourself to la la land…

5. Release your thoughts.

Depending on what’s going on in your life, you may need to release some of your thoughts and ideas in order to clear your head and get to sleep. Use a journal to work out what’s occupying your mind for a few minutes before bed, and you’re bound to find it easier to relax.

If you are not so into writing, you may want to get a set of Guatemalan worry dolls. Tell your concerns to these tiny dolls, and place them under your pillow. The legend is that the dolls take on your worries and allow you to rest peacefully. Try it out!

6. Visualize your happy place.

Picture a relaxing and serene place. Think about what is most soothing about that place. Maybe the sound of the waves crashing in shore. The feel of cool grass beneath your feet. The warm sun or gentle breeze on your face. Imagine yourself there, feel the sensations, and let any tension melt away.

7. Check your comfort level.

If you toss and turn before sleep, give it some thought. Are your pajamas and bedding truly comfortable? When you get into bed are you able to easily find a comfy sleeping position? If not, you may need to switch out your PJs or your pillow or blanket. Check out this article for more information on when to replace you

Photo Credit: thejbird via Compfight cc

10 Signs You’re a Homebody!

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1. Your couch bears the permanent indentation of your body.

2. You just binge watched a whole season of House of Cards and you’re just coming back to life.

3. You curiously note that you replace your pajamas much more often than your jeans.

4. You’re on a first name basis with the Thai food delivery guy and you’re pretty sure he’s expecting a Christmas gift.

5. Your idea of the perfect night out is catching the early-bird special so you can come home after and immediately get in your PJs!

6. Books, books, books!  Need we say more?

7. Your friends call you the Imelda Marcos of slippers.

8. Snow day? No problem. Your pantry and fridge are already stocked to feed you for weeks on end!

9. When a friend calls to cancel plans, you’re not mad at all. In fact you feel like you just won the lottery!

10. Your motto: pajamas + wine = happiness.

Photo credit: ashleyg via etsy.

Time for Tea

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time for tea“I say let the world go to hell, but I should always have my tea.”

-Fyodor Dostoyevsky

One of the best things about the cooler months is having hot tea on a more regular basis.  You can really drink hot tea anytime, but enjoying a cup of tea in your PJs can become a nightly ritual to look forward to in fall and winter.

Here are some fantastic teas to try!

Harney & Sons

African Autumn – Delicious flavor!  This is an herbal tea made with Rooibos, a South African red bush, and flavored with orange and cranberry.  Not only does it taste really good, it makes the whole room smell divine while your brewing it!  A great choice for fall.

Love Life – Visit the Harney & Sons tasting room in Millerton, NY and you’ll be hooked. We can’t enough of this one. It’s a green tea with coconut, vanilla, and strawberry and it’s delicious!

Yogi – Honey Lavender Stress Relief – This is another Rooibos based tea.  The lavender and chamomile make this one really soothing and relaxing.  One you’ve had a cup, you’re ready for bed!

Good Earth – Sweet & Spicy – This tea has a really tasty cinnamon flavor and is equally good hot and cold.  It doesn’t need any sugar so it’s a great one to drink if you’re watching your calories. Even if you’re not big on cinnamon, give it a whirl.  It actually has a very similar flavor to the Chai Tea that Oprah recently released with Teavana.

Do you have a favorite tea or tea ritual?  Tell us about it below!

P.S.  – Did you know that George Orwell actually wrote an essay on crafting the perfect cup of tea called “A Nice Cup of Tea” back in 1946?  Check it out…

Photo Credit: Sunchild57 Photography via Compfight cc