Healthy sleep makes you feel incredible; you have an appetite for life after a good night’s kip. Lack of shut-eye, though, brings misery. When you can’t get to sleep, or wake several times a night, you feel lethargic the following day. We know that the festive season can bring on more stress that also disturbs patterns of sleep. To get the best sleep possible, you can adopt key habits that aid peaceful slumber.
Exercise
When you get enough exercise during the day, your body is ready to rest at night. If possible, visit the gym a couple of times a week and go for a walk every evening to stretch your legs. Also, grab opportunities to get your blood pumping. Walk to work and move rather than sitting for extended periods.
Reduce stress build-up
Stress can only build if you hold it rather than releasing it. When stress accumulates, you are liable to fret and have tense muscles at bedtime. You can’t ensure you won’t meet anxiety, but you can let it go. When you feel anxious or face challenges, pause to breathe in peace and exhale stress. Imagine tranquility seeping into your muscles and bones, spreading throughout your body. Notice you feel comfortable, yet heavy. While you relax, repeat the mantra, “I won’t let anything spoil my peace of mind.”
Wind down
When you’re wound up, you’re full of energy. When you wind down, though, you relax. You need to ease into the night, starting during the evening. Establish a routine, whereby you dim the lights and engage in non-taxing activities. Avoid over stimulation, like drinking caffeine and watching horror movies. Instead, get comfy and rest as the night draws near.
Don’t worry, be calm
Worrying is often cited as one of the leading causes of sleep disruption. People lie in bed going over problems. The more they do so, the bigger challenges become in their minds. Sound familiar? When morning arrives, such difficulties shrink. You may wonder why you turned them into mountains. Doing so makes you weary, but you don’t know how to change your behavior.
To stop worrying, begin a new habit. Instead of lying there, going over concerns, shift your focus. Whenever a negative thought arises, pay attention to your breathing. Take deep, even breaths. Notice air entering your nose and then your lungs. Feel your chest rise and fall. If an unwanted thought comes, move your attention back to your breath.
Key habits encourage healthy sleep by helping you relax when it’s time to hit the hay. Nodding off will be easy if you exercise, release stress, and wind down. Also, make calming your mind a habit, and you’ll pave the way for successful slumber.