Better sleep habits can mean the difference between an easy day at work and one filled with headaches. It can also mean having the ability to cope with stress, to stay physically healthy, and to cope with all the curveballs life can throw at you. Improved sleep habits are not always easy to come by, however. A good rest routine is something that many of us have to learn after years of trial and error, and even then it can take some time. When you have a busy schedule or a lifestyle that makes getting eight hours of sleep tricky, it takes some work to make positive change occur.
Fortunately, those changes can be simple. Diet and exercise always play a role in the way we feel, but there are other ways you can help your body get the rest it needs. Changing up your bedroom, for instance, can play a big role in your ability to sleep. Learning how to say no when someone is asking for too much of your time is another. Self-care — including making yourself a priority — is also crucial when you have a lot going on in your life.
Better sleep habits don’t have to stress you out. Here are a few ways you can get on a path to good rest.
Make your bedroom as comfortable as possible
The main job your bedroom has is to be a comfortable haven away from the rest of the world, so it should reflect that! Your bedding and mattress should be soft and temperature-appropriate (for instance, don’t leave a down comforter on in summer), the lighting should be dim, and you can use blackout curtains to keep the sun from being intrusive in the mornings. You can also remove technology, as the television, computer, and smartphone all negatively impact your ability to sleep.
Get organized
Whether you’re a single college student or a parent of three, it’s important to get organized so your schedule will flow smoothly. If you have to get up early in the morning, make sure you have an outfit ready to go and that your bag, keys, and/or lunch are all waiting for you in a conspicuous spot. Kids should have their own areas to keep backpacks and shoes to make the morning rush easier. Not only will this allow you to sleep in a bit, but it will also keep you from laying awake at night stressing about the day ahead.
Workout often
Daily exercise does a lot for us. From releasing hormones that help boost our mental health to keeping our bodies healthy, a good workout can go a long way toward allowing us to be happy. Not only that, it tires us out! Try to fit in a quick workout in the morning to start the day off right; otherwise, you might kick in those endorphins too late at night, when they’ll work against your sleep schedule.
Talk to someone
Life can be hard. Grief, depression, anxiety, stress and worry, and issues at work or within the family can all take their toll on our bodies and minds. If you’re feeling any of these things, it might help to talk to a counselor or therapist who can help sort things out. Sometimes, getting feelings off our chests can release them from our minds, allowing us to find peace at night when it’s time to tune out the world.
Better sleep habits don’t have to be hard to find. By giving yourself the things you need to be successful during the day, you’ll also be making it easier to get the right quality and quantity of sleep at night. Remember to make yourself a priority as often as possible; this is the best way there is to help your mind and body stay healthy.
Author: Ascension Lifestyle Contributor Stephanie Haywood of mylifeboost.com.
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