Calm & Cozy

Sleep Crown's Founder, Julie Westervelt, makes her comeback on the podcast after a year on the road with her natural sleep aid. I invited Julie to return so she could tell us what it's like being a pioneer in an industry that doesn't completely understand or promote the importance of sleep...YET! We chat about trends in the sleep world, and what it's like being a busy entrepreneur who appreciates rest.Check out Sleep Crown, Julie's over-the-head pillow, at www.sleepcrown.com, and use the coupon code CALMCOZY to save 10% See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today’s episode is one I’ve wanted to write for a while. I’ve been using a weighted blanket for about a year, and I love it. I’ve been asked several times about the benefits of weighted blankets, and there’s been some interest from my followers for this episode.A weighted blanket is a natural, prescription-free source of relief for anxiety and stress of all kinds, as well as trouble falling asleep. A weighted blanket is a quilted blanket that has been filled with tiny pellets to weigh at least 10% of your total body weight. They use the science of Deep Pressure Stimulation to simulate the feeling of being hugged which eases anxiety, symptoms of ADHD and autism in children and adults.I’ve partnered with a company called Solace Blankets, and that’s the brand I’ve been using nightly. Solace provides free shipping in the United States and Canada, as well as a 100-night trial, and the price of their blanket includes an amazingly soft duvet cover. Use my coupon code SLEEPCOACH15 to save 15% at www.solaceblankets.co

If you didn’t already know, I’m a big fan of taking time to prepare for bed, whether you’re someone who occasionally has a hard time falling asleep, or you’re a hardcore insomniac. I believe an evening ritual can help anyone transition from day to night peacefully.You will hear the sleep experts say that you should start to prepare for bed an hour before bedtime. That a “tech curfew” should begin, and you turn off all screens in the house, and engage in relaxing non-blue-screen activities.So then what do you do if you don’t have 30 minutes to relax before bed?What do you do if you don’t have 5 minutes to relax before bed?This episode is for you! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode I tell you how these 3 sleep products help me every night (and morning) and give a few tips and reviews on getting your hands on 'em.Blackout stickers from www.mantasleep.comA sunlight alarm clock from Amazon (the kind I have is from Warkit)Sleeep earplugs by Flare Audio from www.flareaudio.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Self-care is such a buzz word right now, but do you know what it really is? For some, self-care is an expensive weekend away at a spa once a year, but did you know that self-care is something you can practice daily, for free, in your everyday life? In this episode I talk about what self-care is and isn't. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today’s episode is about 5 things you shouldn’t be doing right before bed, why you shouldn’t be doing them, and my suggestions for what you could be doing instead. There probably won’t be any big surprises in this list, but a friendly reminder every once in a while wouldn’t hurt, right!? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On January 13th I turned 40. It’s a big number, and I felt like I shouldn’t let it pass without somehow honouring it publicly. Here's why I love getting older. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Due to Lavender’s versatile properties, it is considered the must-have oil to have on hand at all times. It’s the oil that does everything. I use lavender daily in a variety of ways. This episode is about lavender oil and the many ways YOU can use it to help with sleep, relaxation, and a number of other things. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This episode is about making New Year's Resolutions that make you happy or bring joy to others. Let's stop making declarations about changing our bodies or torturing ourselves at the gym. Let's start thinking about how we're showing up in the world on a daily basis and how we are loving and serving others. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I’ve decided to do one last breast reduction surgery-related episode because I don’t want to drive you all crazy with this. A lot of people have shown an interest in my surgery, so I’m going to share my story here. As a friendly warning, this episode contains a few choice swear words, and is not appropriate for younger listeners. I also say boobs (and other versions of the word) a LOT. These are posts written for my blog, Thirty-Two-Gee, and start at least a month before my surgery. I’m going to read them the way they were written, which is in real time, is really honest, and a little awkward. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I’m still on the surgery topic this week, and in a few more days I’ll be 4 weeks into my recovery from breast reduction surgery. I wanted to do an episode on recovery because not only have many of you reached out about your own reduction journey but recovering from surgery, in general, is a universal topic. I will be relating to my specific experience here, but I believe the points I cover in this episode can be applied to whatever part of your body is about to be cut open. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today’s episode is about prioritizing rest the night before the big day, whether it’s travel, surgery, a big life change, or whatever will cause you to lose sleep. Whether you’re getting up tomorrow to go under the knife or you’re flying to Disney World, you’re probably not going to have your normal night’s sleep. I’ve put together a few tips that I’ve incorporated into my own routine to stay sane during the nights leading up to a big event. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

No matter how great your diet and how active you are, if your sleep is awful or you’re not getting enough of it, you’re not the picture of health. Don’t hate me, but you can’t live a healthy life without getting your 7-8 hours a night. Eventually, it’s going to catch up to you. It’s possible that some of your daily habits could be messing with your sleep habits. So, I’ve put together this list of 5 ways your healthy lifestyle could be sabotaging your sleep. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It can be SO frustrating when old insomnia symptoms return, and it leaves you wondering what went wrong and why. Short-term insomnia can be a symptom of another issue, so it's the perfect time to take special care of yourself. In this episode, I talk about the 4 steps I took to return to my stellar sleep habits after a bout of insomnia symptoms recently found their way back into my life. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This episode is about clary sage essential oil, and is the first episode in my ongoing series about how specific oils can help with relaxation and sleep. I’m not an essential oil expert by any means, but I’m currently studying to become a Certified Aromatherapist, and have been using essential oils for a few years in a few different ways. This episode will also be a little introduction into using essential oils in your evening routines, in case you’re new to this whole essential oil world. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Host of the Reframe Your Life Podcast and one of my business besties, Sandy Reynolds, is my guest. Sandy shares 5 spiritual practices that are practical and inspiring, and the perfect addition to any evening routine. Find out more about Sandy and her upcoming online course on her website, www.sandyreynolds.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A LOT of people turn to melatonin supplements when they're having trouble sleeping. Because it's sold over-the-counter, and often in the vitamin section, we assume it's completely safe and completely natural. Melatonin has a list of side effects and drug interactions, which most of us aren't aware of. This episode is not meant to scare you or make melatonin the enemy, but to educate you on the truth about melatonin and how it works so you and your doctor can decide if it's right for you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The last episode of the first season is an interview with Ali MacBoudreau, Holistic Nutritionist and Menstrual Health Advocate. Ali makes it clear that it all starts with hormones, the gut, and the liver, and it really is all connected. When one thing is outta whack, our sleep suffers. Find out what Ali recommends instead of taking Melatonin, and go download her 'Healthy Hormones Quickstart Guide' at https://www.alimacboudreau.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When it feels like life is crashing down around us, or our health temporarily takes a nose-dive, sleep suffers. And yet sleep is one of the most vital aspects of healing, both physically and emotionally. This episode is my least fun episode topic yet, but still important. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Have you considered the impact your living space has on your sleep? Deane Nelson is an Interior Designer and Green Living Coach, and in this episode she shares tons of helpful tips on optimizing your bedroom for your healthiest sleep. Paint, mattresses, plants, toxins, and technology are just a few of the topics we cover. Visit Deane at www.donnadeniese.com for more on eco-healthy living and to check out her new online sleep course! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.