A good night's sleep can do so much for our bodies, from boosting our energy levels to protecting us from disease and even keeping our weight down - plus, being tired is rubbish. So any trick we can find to help us get to dreamland quicker is more than welcome.
One of our favorite new fall-asleep-faster tricks? A quick 'n' easy mindfulness practice known as body-scan meditation. In this super-simple exercise, you take the time to really focus on the sensations you're feeling in each part of your body, one at a time, TIME reports.
Experts say it's a good way to relax, clear your mind, and get rid of any stress or tension you might be feeling — which, ultimately, makes it easier to catch those zzzs. (Plus, meditation's effectiveness is backed up by research: According to a small April 2015 study, the mindfulness practice is linked to improved quality of sleep and fewer feelings of fatigue.)
If you're new to body-scan meditation and aren't totally sure how to get started, have no fear: The following five-minute recording serves as the perfect beginner's guide. To fall asleep faster tonight, get in bed, press play, and follow these instructions:
[H/T TIME]
