I don’t know about you, but I’m a big fan of quality sleep. There’s no replacement for waking up rested, refreshed, and ready to tackle a new day of helping people find their dream homes.

But a good night’s sleep doesn’t happen by chance. For me, it’s a series of habits. I think the IG influencers are calling it “sleep hygiene” nowadays—and it starts with turning off my phone.

People really struggle with this, but once you start, it’s hard to go back. By turning off your screens a couple of hours before bed (or simply stashing them in another room), you’re able to wind down more effectively. I’ve replaced my bedtime social media scrolling with reading, and I’m telling you, it’s a game changer.

Of course, your ability to get quality sleep also hinges on your environment. I like my bedroom cool, quiet, and dark—and you probably do, too. They say the perfect sleeping temperature is between 60 and 69 degrees Fahrenheit, but I think 67 is ideal.

So, propped up in bed with my book, I’ll read until my eyelids get heavy, then readjust my pillow, turn off my lamp, and go to sleep.

No matter what your bedtime routine looks like, I think we can all agree that a good pillow is a necessity. I mean, is there anything more annoying than waking up with neck or back pain? Like, I just rested for eight hours. What do you mean it hurts to turn my head?!

But not everyone has access to a high-quality pillow—or any kind of pillow, for that matter.

And this is just one reason I love Bridging. It’s a local donation center that’s been serving the St. Croix Valley community since 1987. And one of their specialties is providing a new pillow to every family that comes to them.

Over the years, I’ve donated over 100 pillows because I, too, think everyone deserves to have one on which to lay their head at the end of a long day.

So, if you’re looking to give back to our community, check out Bridging. Besides new pillows, they accept furniture, houseware, linens, small appliances, electronics, mirrors, artwork, and more. They also have various volunteer opportunities if you’d like to partner with them further, or you can donate to help them achieve their goal of ensuring that everyone lives in a furnished home.

A pillow may feel like a small thing to you, but for many, it’s a big step toward quality rest. Never underestimate the power of giving!