A Sleepy Stay at a Country Bed and Breakfast

267.017 - 293.862 Thomas Jones

All of this processing our brains have to do can certainly make sleep trickier to come by, as we'll often still be overstimulated when we come to bed. And if that sounds familiar to you, then I really encourage you to focus on developing a consistent, comfortable wind-down routine prior to bedtime.

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one where perhaps you set yourself a cut-off time with watching certain types of content or scrolling social media, and replace those things with some calming activities, like reading, meditation, a warm bath or shower, or even just some mundane household chores, whatever works for you.

325.464 - 367.558 Thomas Jones

This show is designed to be the ideal accompaniment to bedtime, the soothing climax to a wind-down routine that already promotes good sleep. So with that being said, ensure that you're as comfortable as can be. Close your eyes if you haven't yet done so, And enjoy the embrace of your bed, supporting your body and allowing you this time to rest.

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Breathe slowly and steadily all the way in and all the way back out. Feel how the exhale acts like a release of energy. Each breath out, another step towards peaceful dreams. And now, it's time for me to hand over to TK. So enjoy one more deep, slow inhale. and a gentle exhale. And in your imagination, prepare to arrive at your country retreat. This is where our story begins.

462.105 - 505.052 TK Kellman

It is a perfect summer afternoon. A few hours ago, you turned off all your devices, picked up your overnight bag, and got settled in your car. You were delighted to find that it was a windows-down kind of day. Not too hot, not too humid. As you made your way out of town, all your cares seemed to disappear behind you.

713.174 - 761.817 TK Kellman

Now, as the afternoon sun slants across your path, you feel the day advancing. You are nearing the end of your trip. But you have been glad of these hours in the car. They have allowed you to slowly unwind. The ties that tether you to your busy life have loosened and then let go. You smile to yourself at the thought.

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You will pick those ties back up when you are ready to return to the usual routine. For now, you won't think about that at all. By the time you reach the final approach to your destination... you haven't seen another car for many miles. A weathered wooden sign stands partially obscured by a rosebush on the side of the road. It says, Bluebird Lane. You are in the right place.

817.642 - 870.681 TK Kellman

you slow the car to a crawl and carefully turn onto a narrow track with a line of grass down the middle. On either side of the road, towering trees bow gracefully over you, as if to protect you from the sun's rays. but the light finds its way through, as if playing a game. The limbs of the trees wave gently in the wind, and a golden light flickers playfully through their branches.

873.662 - 920.899 TK Kellman

The leaves whisper gently by the thousands, and delicate wildflowers dance in the breeze on the roadside, dotting the green grass with cheerful color. You see a gleaming red object up ahead, standing above the tall grass. It is pretty, but it doesn't fit in with the natural canvas. so it draws its eye. As you get closer, you know it's the mailbox you were told to watch for.

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When you reach it, you will take a left and park your car. Like a sentinel, it appears to wait cheerfully for you. and you feel oddly privileged to be welcomed in this manner. It's a silly thought, but one that makes you happy. You carefully turn your car onto an unpaved driveway. As you do, the heady scent of blossoms wafts into the car, traveling in one window and out the other.

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You let the soup cool a little as you take a few bites of the sandwich. This simple dinner You find yourself smiling as you observe the garden from your seat. To your amazement, you begin to see tiny little lights appear in the grass around the house. At first, you think it is your imagination, but they continue to grow in number. The entire garden is soon winking with happy fireflies.

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Their dance is mesmerizing. You watch them with wonder, feeling lucky that you are here to see them. You finish your meal and enjoy a long period of simply doing nothing. This is the whole point of your weekend. You want to soak up the house and the landscape and just be. You don't want to make any decisions or finish any tasks. You don't want to plan anything. You don't want to be productive.

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And you won't. You will not do any of those things. It's wonderful. The evening is cool and you find you are ready to return to your room. Standing up from your seat, you stretch slowly. Slowly. You take your crossword under your arm and stack your empty glass and plate in one hand. Then you open the old screen door. It's easy to find the kitchen, which is just down the hall.

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Leaving your plate on the counter, as requested... you make your way back toward your room. The upstairs hall is dimly lit by a glowing lamp. It is sitting on a small table near the landing. Opening your door, you see the hostess turn down your bed for you. A stained glass table lamp spills its warm glow throughout the room. The sheets are crisp and white under the quilt.

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And there is a wrapped chocolate on your pillow. You set the chocolate aside and think you will certainly enjoy it tomorrow. Maybe you will even eat it before breakfast. You set your finished crossword puzzle down on the dresser and retrieve your toothbrush from your bag. Returning to the bathroom, you freshen up for bedtime, splashing in the little white sink.

2891.288 - 2891.468 Thomas Jones

Thank you.

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Thank you.

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you

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you