Hey, mama: Your sleep schedule should be a priority, too

The brain of Leslie Newton is a beautiful place. It created not one, but TWO diaper bag brands, wrote a sketch for a little known show called “Saturday Night Live”, and co-wrote this epic rap about life with a newborn.

Her current venture, Newlie, creates diaper bags that don’t skimp on style or function. Because new parents want to have it all—and why not?

A sweet moment between mama and her girl. I’m loving the little cowgirl boots. This beautiful photo is from @haizel_creations and her Gail Satchel Diaper Bag. 💖 . . . . . . . . . #motherhoodinspired #motherhoodthroughinstagram #mom_hub #clickinmoms #childhoodunplugged #candidchildhood #diaperbag #babygear #babyregistry #momlife #momstyle #momfashion #newmom #momtobe #expectingmom #momlifeisthebestlife #newlie #newlieco #newliediaperbag #sahm #toddlerlife #utsfg #diaperbags #babybag #motherhoodsimplified #everydaylife #preggers #mytinymoments #ohheymama

A post shared by Newlie (@newlieco) on Sep 1, 2016 at 8:50pm PDT

It’s safe to say that she’s one epic mom. And one thing she credits for keeping her sanity—and the creative juices flowing—is an amazing thing called sleep.

Now, new mom, you might not remember what sleep feels like. Glorious sleep. Wondrous sleep where the world is full of rainbows and unicorns. Leslie’s got your back. She’s put together six hacks to help you get the most out of your sleep.

Leslie Newton: Once you become a mama, it becomes difficult to get a full night sleep. And I’m not just talking about the newborn years. As your little one gets older, your time is filled up with their activities, as well as any hobbies or work of your own you’re trying to fit in! Trying to manage your time can get super stressful, which can really affect your quality of sleep. Here are my tips for getting that rest.

Tip 1: Put away all electronics at least two hours before bed

It’s so tempting to check social media and emails once your little ones are asleep, but the light from your electronics can help prevent the proper production of melatonin you need in order to help your body fall asleep. If you absolutely can’t do it, there are glasses you can buy that supposedly help to block the light as you look at your electronics–I don’t know if they work, but I guess you can always try?

Head on over to @coffee_and_lipgloss to see a great review and packing video of the Louise Backpack Diaper Bag! It can be both a backpack and a shoulder bag! ❤️❤️❤️ . . . . . . . . . . #mom_hub #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodinspired #clickinmoms #motherhoodthroughinstagram #childhoodunplugged #candidchildhood #motherhoodsimplified #sahm #utsfg #ohheymama #uniteinmotherhood #mytinymoments #momfashion #momstyle #diaperbag #momlife #toddlerlife #preggers #momslifeisthebestlife #everydaylife #babygear #babyregistry #newlie #newliediaperbag #newlieco #momtogs #backpackdiaperbag

A post shared by Newlie (@newlieco) on Jan 14, 2017 at 7:12pm PST

Tip 2: Take some time to meditate on it

Meditation is a great way to help your body stay calm and grounded throughout the day and at bedtime. If you can, try to meditate for 5-10 minutes a few times a day—or at least before bedtime. You can close your eyes and watch your breath as you breathe in and out. Whenever your mind wanders, just gently bring it back to your breath. Another way to meditate is to listen to a guided meditation. There are a lot of guided meditations online you can download.

Ahhhh taking time to relax – a rare luxury for mama’s but an important one. Loving this view and photo by Jacki @crazylifewithlittles and her Lily Tote! 😎 . . . . . . . . . #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodinspired #motherhoodthroughinstagram #mom_hub #clickinmoms #childhoodunplugged #candidchildhood #diaperbag #babygear #babyregistry #momlife #momstyle #momfashion #newmom #momtobe #expectingmom #momlifeisthebestlife #newlie #newlieco #newliediaperbag #sahm #toddlerlife #utsfg #diaperbags #babybag #everydaylife #preggers #mytinymoments #ohheymama

A post shared by Newlie (@newlieco) on Aug 12, 2016 at 9:42pm PDT

Tip 3: Ease stress by stretching

This is a really great way to ease stress out of your body. Find some stretches online and write them down. Then every night before bed you can treat your body to some stretching and decompress.

Our guest mom blogger Allison Harter goes over some gentle Pilates stretches to relieve your body during pregnancy. See more on our blog on Newlie.com! #pregnancy #pilates #babybump #expectingmom

A post shared by Newlie (@newlieco) on Nov 24, 2015 at 7:26am PST

Tip 4: Unwind with some hot, soothing water

A hot shower or bath is always a great way to settle in before bed. Get yourself some aromatherapy bath balms to enhance your experience! Dim the lights, light a candle, enjoy some soothing music and just let yourself relax. Such a great way to soothe your nerves after a long day.

Tip 5: Get into a routine

Having a nightly bedtime ritual is a great way to get a good night’s sleep. By doing the same ritual every night, you train yourself to calm down and decompress. Any or all of the things mentioned above can be used in a nightly ritual to help you get a great night sleep!

The Louise Backpack Diaper bag looks super cute in gray (shown here) or all black. It can be worn both as a handbag or a backpack! Love this photo by @chicmominthecity ❤️❤️❤️ . . . . . . . . . #mom_hub #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodinspired #clickinmoms #motherhoodthroughinstagram #childhoodunplugged #candidchildhood #motherhoodsimplified #sahm #utsfg #ohheymama #uniteinmotherhood #mytinymoments #momfashion #momstyle #diaperbag #momlife #toddlerlife #preggers #momslifeisthebestlife #everydaylife #babygear #babyregistry #newlie #newliediaperbag #newlieco #momtogs #diaper #backpackdiaperbag

A post shared by Newlie (@newlieco) on Jan 29, 2017 at 7:31pm PST

Want more? Here’s some more Motherly Insights from the lovely Leslie.

How do you make your mornings run smoothly?

I try to do anything the night before that I can. I make my daughter’s lunch and have her pick out her clothes for school the night before. My husband also helps every morning so everything doesn’t fall on just me. We work as a team to make sure we all get out of the house on time.

The lifehack or tip that has changed my life. . .

Leslie: I finally really committed myself to exercising regularly and that has really helped with my overall stress. I feel so much stronger and calmer. When I go a few days without exercise, I really feel off.

What superpower have you discovered as a mom?

Leslie: To know that there is no way I can get everything done. Sometimes my house is a mess for longer then I want, sometimes my outfits just aren’t that cute. Sometimes my to-do list gets behind. I’ve learned to just go with the flow. I find it’s the only way to survive!

This quote inspires me. . .

Leslie: “Everybody is a genius. But, if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing that it’s stupid.” Albert Einstein

To me Motherly means…

Leslie: Love, strength, and empowerment.

Haley Campbell is the founder of Beluga Baby and creator of the ultimate bamboo baby carrier. She is a regular contributor to Motherly and is an avid advocate for entrepreneurs, and for the new generation of mothers making the world their own.