As my business grows, I have to admit, I’ve had less time to lounge around. After taking on my biz full time, my Tivo watching has become limited (although I manage to work it in) and lounging on my couch with my Westie sometimes comes with guilt about not working. Many times, by the time I do get to bed, I tend to stress about so much stuff going on, I have a hard time staying asleep.I wouldn’t call myself an insomniac, but if I wake up in the middle of the night with something pressing on my mind, it’s a long way back to dreamland. But over the last few months, through prayer, good products and life coaching, I’m really doing better with getting some me time, pre-bedtime lounging in before I get a good night’s sleep. From the practices of a serial lounger, here’s what I recommend you do to wind down and prepare for the ultimate good night’s sleep.

Put the computer down, quit emailing, quit surfing, get off of the phone, put aside the blackberry and commit to task of lounging. Before you even think about sitting on the couch or on the bed and fading into sleep, go turn the shower on as hot as you can stand it and get in. Following a shower with your favorite shower gel or body wash, cover your entire body in Bath and Body Works Relax Eucalyptus Spearmint Body Lotion. My friend Latricia told me about this stuff and it works. It goes on with a minty smell but then almost immediately, the mintiness fades and it smells so good. Put it on every crevice of your body so your skin can drink it up. Then, every time you move around in your sheets you’ll smell it.

In order to keep the chill down mode going, I may do some mindless, light cleaning or just get in my bed with my sheets smelling of Downy Water Lily and Jasmine fabric softener. That has got to be the best selling fabric softener in the world.

You can also have a glass of wine and turn on some nice music. Just do your best to think of anything other than stressful things, like, “My boss is a fool, but I can’t afford to quit”, or “Could my man be cheating?”, or “How am I going to pay my American Express bill next week?” After I’ve snuggled in with my Westie, Wesley, I pick up my little vile of Aveda Blue Oil and roll it behind my ears and on the back of my neck. This stuff is as good as any sleeping drug.You don’t really know it’s working, but I promise you, you will sleep soundly after applying it.

On the home stretch to losing consciousness, I read a book that has absolutely no purpose other than to entertain me. The idea here is to escape your life and enter someone else’ long enough to forget your own stress. I’m currently reading Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. I’m not a big reader, but these books are like crack! That woman is an amazing author. After following my practices, I believe you’ll be on your way to some good pre-bedtime lounging. Every night this may not be possible, but give it a try at least 2-3 times per week. I definitely look forward to it and you will begin to look forward to it, too.