Bedtime tea that actually calms me down
Whenever stress sits in my shoulders or my brain won’t shut up at night, I make this simple mix. One mug about 30 minutes before bed and my body finally gets the message that the day is over.
What you need:

• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 bay leaves
• a small handful of chamomile flowers (or a teabag if that’s what you have)
• 500 ml water
• honey if you want it sweeter

Put everything in a small pot, pour the water in, bring it to a gentle simmer and let it go for 15 minutes. The whole kitchen starts smelling warm and safe.

Strain into your favourite mug, add a spoon of honey if you like, then just sit somewhere quiet and drink it slowly while it cools a bit. That’s it.

One cup a night is plenty. If you’re pregnant, on meds, or have any health stuff going on, check with your doctor first, obviously.

I usually pair it with dim lights and no phone. After a few nights it becomes the little signal my body waits for to finally relax. Works better than anything I’ve tried.