Holiday Hustle Keeping You Up?
Dreamy Sleep Tips + Reasonable Gifts for Teens
Tap the ❤️❤️❤️ to support the single moms out there who make holiday magic solo. We see you and you’re doing great!
The days of elf-on-the-shelf, school holiday programs, Santa visits, and perfectly coordinated photo outfits are behind me (thankfully). But the hustle and bustle of this season hasn’t gone anywhere.
Whether you have young kiddos or are nearing empty nest status, if you’re in perimenopause (or beyond) sleep is a delicate balance. Hormonal shifts combined with holiday stress? Well that’s a recipe for some wide-awake-at-3-a.m. nights.
Sleep is one of my favorite topics to write about because it’s foundational to everything: mood, skin health, energy, and overall well-being. Over the years, I’ve dialed in a routine that helps me get back on track when life—and hormones—disrupt my rest.
Here are the five resets that make the biggest difference for me—I’d love to know what sleep secrets help you get more rest!
1. Start Strong in the Morning
A great night’s sleep begins the moment you wake up. I make it a point to get outside and maybe even take a quick walk if I can when I wake up. Natural light exposure first thing helps regulate my circadian rhythm and ensures my body knows when it’s time to wind down later. I try to take a deep breath, focus on something beautiful, and set an intention for the day.
2. Time Your Caffeine Wisely
I’m a coffee and tea lover, but I hold off on my first cup until about an hour after waking. This allows my body to naturally clear adenosine, the chemical responsible for grogginess, which makes my caffeine more effective. I also cut out caffeine completely by 2 p.m. to avoid sabotaging my night.
3. Create a Ritual, Not Just a Routine
I try to keep evenings sacred, and I’ve built a routine that signals to my body that it’s time to unwind. A cup of chamomile tea, a warm shower, and a few minutes of gentle stretching or reading set the tone. Of course, things come up at work and sometimes I have to hop on my phone to answer an email — in that case I reach for my trusty blue light-blocking glasses. This article has tons of options at a variety of price points.
4. Cool and Calm Your Space
I sleep best in a room that’s cool, dark, and clutter-free. Blackout curtains, turning the AC down, and layers of light blankets help me stay cozy without overheating. A calm, uncluttered bedroom is also key. (Of course, I do have clutter, I just chuck those piles of laundry, gifts, papers, and Christmas cards into the living room or guest room.)
5. Know When to Let Go
Even with the best intentions, some nights just don’t go as planned. Instead of tossing and turning, I’ve learned to lean into the moment. A little journaling, some deep breathing, or a few pages of a book can often lull me back to sleep—or at least help me rest.
So, what are you getting the teens in your life?
One thing I’m not losing sleep over? Shopping for my kids. My kids are reasonable and thankfully specific about their asks, but teenagers are a notoriously opaque bunch. If you’re still stumped on what to get the high schooler or college-aged kid in your life, here’s what I’m getting my son and daughter this year.
For my son (16):
Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 – Perfect for new drivers; peace of mind for parents.
Steam Gift Card - Because there are always new game drops.
A New Phone - Essential for keeping up with friends (and keeping tabs on him!).
Aviator Sunglasses - he’s an aspiring pilot, but they’re cool for any kid.
For my daughter (18) who’s admittedly a bit more prolific:
Eberjey Gisele Pajamas – Soft, luxurious, and perfect for dorm life.
Aviator Nation Sweatshirt – Trendy and cozy.
Hourglass Unlocked Extension Mascara – Long lashes without clumps.
M-61 PowerSpot Pads – A skincare essential for clear, glowing skin.
Anker Portable Phone Charger – Because no one likes a dead battery.
Capri Blue Diffuser – Dorm-friendly alternative to candles.
Silk Pillowcase – Gentle on hair and skin, plus it feels indulgent.
Shower Steamers – Mini spa moments that fit into her busy college life.
This Week’s Movement Snack
No one loves an ab workout. In fact, whenever I create an ab series, I nearly always call it “Sneaky Abs.” This week, I have “Sneaky Abs, Twisted Monkey” and it’s just as fun as it sounds. You’ll never even know you’re working your core — promise.
Cheers to looking and feeling your best,
Susan
Susan Campbell
Founder & CEO, Phosis
LOVE the glasses. Wonderful sleep advice.
I will come back to this again and again for the abdominal workout and the wise advice for sleep--then there's those glasses. Who knew?