Sleepover makes you think of laughter and games. Long nights of sleep are likely the opposite of what you will picture. And although this may happen, there is more to a sleepover. It is less about what you do and more about how you show up while doing it. These nights create memories different from every other night you spend together. They allow you to take moments with you that you will cherish long after the morning arises.
Research has shown that having strong social connections leads to happiness, less stress, and improved lifelong health. Having a sleepover is one of those small little things that helps solidify that bond and allows you to feel closer to your friends.
But how can you enjoy a sleepover while making it meaningful? Something that doesn’t stress you out? The answer is simple: it does not take much. Being mindful, open, and present are the key ingredients to a great sleepover. Below are five things you can do to make your next sleepover one for the books. Every point will allow you to cultivate memories that you will smile when thinking about for years to come.
5 Things To Do At A Sleepover
1. Talk & Have Deep, Meaningful Conversations
Sleepovers are a great opportunity to open up and truly listen to one another. You often feel less rushed, and when the world outside becomes dark, something feels different about nighttime conversations. You will find yourself sharing things about yourself you normally wouldn’t or listening more intently to what your friend has to say.
When you open up to your friend, you allow them the opportunity to open up to you. Having meaningful conversations about your hopes, worries, or dreams will allow you to feel closer than before. Your friendship will benefit from sharing stories about your life. Big or small, they allow your friend to learn more about the real you. Research has found that the more meaningful conversations you have with your friends, the closer you will feel and the greater happiness you will experience in life.
Take some time to turn off the noise or distractions. Allow yourself to be present with words. Listen, speak authentically, and embrace what it feels like to be present with the ones you love. This is what will make your night memorable.
Click here to read: 100 Thought-Provoking Questions To Ask Friends
2. Create Something
So many nights are spent watching TV shows or scrolling through our phones. But you will never make a memory from just consuming things.
Whether it’s drawing, cooking something together, or writing a story, use your hands and your imagination. Your night will feel different when you do something creative together. Simple acts of creation can be as easy as coloring, writing a story together, or thinking of fun things to do in the future. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or something you’re good at. Make time to create and watch how it sparks playfulness, curiosity, and laughter into your night while giving you things to look back on afterward.
Research suggests that implementing creativity into your life can help reduce stress and aid in your overall well-being (National Institutes of Health). Pair that with spending quality time with a friend, and you’ve deepened your connection while giving your night more purpose.
3. Eat, Drink, & Be Simple
Food is one of many great bonding techniques. Whether you share a drink or a snack, you are building intimacy. At a sleepover, eating can be as simple as making a snack together, trying a new recipe, or sipping on something warm in the middle of the night.
Enjoying food with someone you care about is more than eating to satisfy your hunger. Laughing and bonding over a meal you made together allows you to enjoy the present moment and enjoy each other’s company.
Did you know food is directly connected to memory? You may not remember what you did or did not eat at your sleepover, but you will remember how it made you feel and how it brought everyone together. Taking the time to eat with others is such a unique part of the sleepover.
Read also: 100 Quotes for Difficult Relationships
4. Implement Little Rituals
Any sleepover is great, but what if you could make it magical? Perhaps it’s a silly game that you always play when sleeping over, romantic and mindful rituals, things you like to do together, or funny sayings you say every time. Simple things like this are what can make any night feel magical and something you look forward to.
Why do rituals make us so happy? Because they allow us to feel a sense of structure and connection to our experiences. Even if it’s something small that you like to do together every time you sleep over, you are building traditions that will make one night different from the next.
In years to come, you will look back on these sleepovers and remember the silly little rituals you two had. They will become part of your story and your friendship.
5. Rest
I know what you’re thinking, “sleep is kind of the point.” But when you think of resting, I’m not only talking about sleep.
Yes, sleep is important, and allowing your body and mind to rest is one way of showing yourself some self-care. You’re telling yourself that you don’t need to stay up all night long to have a good time. You are enjoying your night in a mindful way by taking care of the body you are in.
Rest allows you to slow down and appreciate yourself and your friend even more. Whether it be meditating or sitting in silence and enjoying each other’s presence, take some time to relax and you’ll notice how refreshing it is.
Why Sleepovers Matter More Than You Think…
As you grow older, you will forget what you did on many sleepovers. What you ate, who you watched movies with, where you cried, or where you laughed. But you will remember the conversations, the rituals you two had, the times you spent creating something together, and how happy you felt sharing a moment with someone you loved.
Knowing how to create meaningful relationships is one of the greatest predictors of happiness and health later in life (Mayo Clinic). Sleepovers give you an opportunity to connect with your friends on a deeper level, slow down the busy lives we all lead, and allow yourself to just enjoy a moment.
Next time you plan a sleepover with someone, think about the ways you can make your night meaningful. How will you embrace the real, slow down, and live in the moment?
What are you going to do to make your night memorable?
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