Ways to Relax and Improve Your Sleeping Habits
Sleep is one of the most vital elements of our lives that we tend to ignore. You might push it aside if you’re working on a big project or taking care of the kids, but everyone needs their fix. Knowing the ways to relax and improve your sleeping habits can help you get some quality shut-eye.
Get Your Mind Right
Mediation
With all the thoughts racing through your head from another stressful day, it may be a challenge to ease your mind before your head hits the pillow. One of the best strategies to silence all the noise is to practice meditation.
Mindfulness meditation lets you be in the moment, preventing your mind from going elsewhere. Body scan meditation is beneficial if your body is in pain, as it relaxes achy joints before you close your eyes. If you need something to push you along, guided meditation provides a calming atmosphere for escaping reality. Music and natural sound help lead you into a serene headspace.
Breath In, Breath Out
Deep-Breathing Techniques
The cousin of meditation is the deep breathing technique. This exercise helps you take rhythmic, deep breaths that calm your entire body. You can elect to follow a coordinated approach like lion’s breath or freestyle it.
Inhaling slowly, put your hand on your stomach. Once your stomach rises, keep that breath before you exhale gradually. So, next time your smartwatch tells you to breathe, you will know what to do.
Don’t Drink and Sleep
Limit Alcohol Consumption
It may be nice to unwind from a hectic day with a glass of wine. But one glass mustn’t turn into half a bottle. Excessive alcohol use doesn’t allow you to sleep soundly since your body will be rebounding from its effects, so it’s crucial to limit the intake to achieve REM sleep.
Soak In the Benefits
Take a Soothing Bath
A warm bath, especially if it’s paired with relaxing essential oils, does wonders for your mental and physical health. Instead of popping the cork on a bottle, you can plug your bathtub for a long, soothing bath. Plus, your body temperature decreases from the bath, causing you to fall into a deep sleep faster.
Gather Your Thoughts
Journaling
Sometimes, you need to vent and express your feelings. However, if you are up and alone with your thoughts, you need to find another outlet. Journaling helps relieve your anxiety and lingering thoughts. Putting things on paper allows you to form rational opinions and perspectives once your mind isn’t racing at 100 miles per hour.
Get Some Assistance
Invest in Sleeping Equipment
If you have trouble sleeping due to a condition like sleep apnea, it’s in your best interest to purchase sleeping equipment. Specifically, falling asleep naturally can be a problem when you have sleep apnea. Aids like pillows and humidifiers ensure you get a great night’s sleep that can improve your mood and productivity. Other sleeping disorders may require different equipment, but don’t be afraid to try something if you know it will help you get adequate sleep.
Know ways to relax and improve your sleeping habits—you don’t need to ingest any pills or take any medication to turn the lights out. These healthy, effective ways put you on the right path to counting sheep.
Photo – Andrea Piacquadio
