Sure, Netflix is an awesome and satisfying way to unwind and all, but it's also an easy way to find yourself awake at 4 a.m. questioning your life choices.
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Plus, looking at ~technology~ before bed can make it harder to fall asleep, so it couldn't hurt to try a different tactic. We're not saying you need to cut it out completely, but in case you feel like going TV-free one or two nights a week, here are some other ways to power down before bed.
1. Color in a relaxing adult coloring book.
2. Or paint by numbers.
3. Plan your dream vacation.
4. Read a good book, obviously.
5. Try reading out loud with a partner, too.
6. Do this cool before-bed yoga sequence that is definitely not exercise, promise.
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If this one's a little long for you, try this 10-minute sequence instead.
7. Make a to-do list for tomorrow so you don't keep yourself up thinking about it.
8. Prep everything you'll need in the morning — like your outfit — so you can sleep in tomorrow.
9. Make a gift to surprise a friend with.
These 31 gifts are cheap and easy, and you'll make someone's day a little better.
10. Journal.
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If you're not into scribbling about your ~feelings~, these journals will give your brain a workout.
11. Give yourself a massage (not that kind of massage).
Find out how here.
12. Also, masturbate.
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#LoveYourself
13. Work on a puzzle.
These challenging AF puzzles are definitely not for kids. Just don't try to do it all in one night.
14. Get crafty.
These crafts all take less than an hour and will ~spruce up your space~.
15. Listen to a podcast.
BuzzFeed has some awesome ones, and you can also try one of these 35 seriously underrated podcasts.
16. Or an audiobook.
17. Play with your animals.
Cute animal friends shouldn't have to settle for your half-assed petting while you're watching TV. Get some one-on-one time in.
18. Take that long, indulgent shower or bath you don't have time for in the morning.
19. And then pamper yourself.
20. Teach yourself to knit (or keep knitting if you already know how).
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This GIF guide will get you started.
21. Call someone.
Yeah, just to say hi. You can do it.
22. Write a postcard to a friend you haven't seen in a while.
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Fact: There is nothing better than getting a REAL LIFE HANDWRITTEN LETTER. So go ahead and make someone's damn day.
23. Do a crossword or logic puzzle.
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If that's too old-school for you, you can also try one of these addicting puzzle apps.
24. Organize something.
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So productive. So satisfying.
25. Prep tomorrow's breakfast.
26. Pick up around your place.
Not, like, full-on spring cleaning — just some "you're going to love yourself tomorrow and this is weirdly relaxing" cleaning.
27. Unwind with this no-nonsense meditation that you'll actually appreciate.
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Then, actually go to bed at a decent hour because Netflix didn't hold you hostage 'til 4 a.m.
