Why You Need the Sleep You ’ re Dreaming Of
Are you tired of feeling drowsy and lousy because you ’ re not getting enough sleep ? If you think that sleep is a luxury , you actually can ’ t afford to live without it ! See , sleep is essential to staying healthy , alert , and active every day . While experts say that most adults need at least seven hours of sleep a night , studies have shown that 33 % of people aren ’ t getting enough . But when your sleep suffers , your body and mind do , too . Sleep gives your body a chance to recover and recharge . But that ’ s not all , because sleeping also does a lot of good for your health by :
• LOWERING YOUR RISK OF TYPE 2 DIABETES
• BOOSTING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
• REDUCING YOUR RISK OF HEART DISEASE
• MAKING YOU MORE PRODUCTIVE
• IMPROVING YOUR CONCENTRATION AND MEMORY
• HELPING YOU LOSE OR MAINTAIN YOUR WEIGHT
• BRIGHTENING YOUR MOOD
The Dos and Don ’ ts of Dozing
If you ’ re skimping on sleep , think of this as a wake-up call by discovering these tips for better sleep . When you snooze , you win !
1 . WAKE UP TO A HEALTHY SLEEP SCHEDULE .
2 . CREATE A ZEN ZONE BY MAKING YOUR SLEEP ENVIRONMENT COOL , DARK , AND QUIET .
3 . AVOID RICH , LARGE DINNERS AND HEAVY OR SPICY SNACKS LATE AT NIGHT .
4 . RETHINK YOUR DRINKS BY STAYING AWAY FROM CAFFEINE AND ALCOHOL AT NIGHT .
5 . LOG OFF YOUR DIGITAL DEVICES AND TURN OFF ELECTRONICS AT LEAST 30 MINUTES BEFORE BED TO PREVENT THEIR BLUE LIGHT FROM AFFECTING YOUR SLEEP .
6 . TRY NOT TO NAP , BUT IF YOU NEED ONE TO GET THROUGH THE DAY , LIMIT IT TO LESS THAN 30 MINUTES .
Why You Should Give the Hustle and Bustle a Rest
Rest means different things to different people , but no matter how you do it , it ’ s all about doing less . Less work . Less rushing . Less juggling . And more pleasure . Rest is about taking time off from your tasks and to-do list to give yourself a much-needed break . It ’ s amazing how doing so little can do so much for your health by :
• EASING STRESS AND ANXIETY
• IMPROVING YOUR IMMUNITY
• BOOSTING CREATIVITY
• IMPROVING YOUR PRODUCTIVITY
• SHARPENING YOUR MEMORY
The Rest is Up to You
To start resting , stop whatever you ’ re doing because that ’ s the very essence of rest . You need to take a break from the usual rushing and routines because doing nothing involving work or worry can mean everything for your health .
1 . CONNECT WITH NATURE 2 . READ A BOOK 3 . LISTEN TO MUSIC 4 . WATCH TV 5 . TURN OFF YOUR DIGITAL DEVICES 6 . DO NOTHING AT ALL !
Why You Must Stress Your Need for Relaxation
Has it been so long since you last relaxed that you ’ ve forgotten how ? You ’ re not alone because relaxation rarely makes it on the to-do list . But stress can take a toll on your physical health and mental well-being . The best remedy is relaxation . Unfortunately , many people overlook relaxation because they think it means they ’ re being lazy or unproductive . But taking the time to relax actually helps you get more done by improving your health and refreshing your mind by :
• REDUCING STRESS
• LOWERING YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
• IMPROVING YOUR FOCUS
• HELPING YOU SLEEP
• BOOSTING YOUR MOOD
• PROMOTING A SENSE OF WELL-BEING
A Refresher on Relaxation
Stress can leave you feeling less than your best . So when your shoulders feel as tight as your schedule , try these tensiontaming techniques to relax for a change .
1 . TRY MEDITATION 2 . DO BREATHING EXERCISES 3 . GET A MASSAGE 4 . LAUGH OUT LOUD
5 . BE ACTIVE , WHETHER THROUGH EXERCISE OR SIMPLY AN ACTIVITY YOU ENJOY
6 . GO OUT IN NATURE 7 . WRITE IN A JOURNAL 8 . SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Is daily life leaving you sleepless , stressed , & sapped ? Then taking the time for sleep , relaxation , and rest can be the best medicine of all . www . Gardenoflife . com • Extraordinary Health ™ • Vol 44 • 51