Here at Guideposts, we’re dedicated to inspiring people any time of day with comforting, uplifting content. The next time you’re looking for ways to decompress and end your day on a peaceful note, scroll through some of our calming pieces that are sure to put you in a more relaxed state. Whether it’s life advice, inspirational true stories or a collection of prayers for any circumstance, we’ve got you covered. Try these seven cozy options.
1. 7 Bible Verses for a Good Night’s Sleep
Nightly prayers allow you to connect with God as you reflect on the good moments of your day, sharing your troubles or concerns with Him and thanking Him for all the blessings in your life. God’s word can bring you peace and help you feel calm and relaxed as you drift off to sleep. Try these seven Bible verses to help you rest in His presence.
2. The Transcendent Power of Music
Did you know that music is scientifically proven to sooth your autonomic nervous system? This means that it has the power to control the beating of your heart and the widening or narrowing of your blood vessels. By causing slower breaths and a lower heart rate, calming music such as Gregorian chanting, a style inspired by earlier forms of spiritual songs, can improve your overall sleep.
3. Abbey of Gethsemani: The Meditations of the Monks
If you’re looking for meditative music to help you fall asleep, try listening to the monks of the Abbey of Gethsemani as they offer their Winter Compline, the final psalms and prayers of the day. During wintertime at Gethsemani, it is sung in the dark as an aid to prayer, just before the monks go to bed.
4. 3 Stress-Relieving Techniques from Norman Vincent Peale
It can often be difficult to drift off to sleep after a long, busy day. Chronic stress and anxiety can contribute to lack of proper rest and often lead to insomnia, a common sleep disorder. The next time life has you feeling overwhelmed, try these three stress-relieving techniques from the practitioner of the power of positive thinking, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale.
5. The Blessing of Breath
Breathing is a natural practice; it’s easy to overlook the blessings that come with it. Breathing deeply can slow your heartbeat, lower your blood pressure and reduce stress. Remember to thank God for the air you breathe and embrace every scent, whether it’s the aroma of a cake being baked, fresh flowers in your backyard or the smell of that first cup of coffee in the morning.
6. 5 Flavorful Herbal Teas to Help You Rest and Digest
Tea (with no caffeine) can be a great way to calm your mind and body—they’re made with herbs that improve sleep quality and decrease stress and anxiety. Chamomile, for example, delivers sleep-inducing compounds that help you release your worries, while mint has a relaxing impact on smooth muscle. Try these, along with other flavorful teas, to help you relax.
7. 8 Favorite Psalms for Comfort and Hope
The Psalms offer us the opportunity to rejoice in prayer while finding a renewed sense of inner peace. They allow us to be open and honest with God during trials and hardships but also give us comfort in the hope that God brings us. We asked you, our readers, for the Psalms you turn to for comfort and hope, and these were the Psalms you love most.
