One of the ways we can restore balance in our lives is to increase the quality and the length of our sleep, but it can be a challenge to manage the recommended 7-9 hours. Here are some tips.
1. Create a simple bedtime ritual. Set aside 30 minutes before bedtime to arrange your sleeping space with pleasures like fresh sheets, essential oils, or lavender sprays. Dim the lights and consider silence or relaxing music.
2. Know the effects of stimulants to your sleep schedule. Caffeine can cause 9-12 hours of stimulation. Observe your own alertness and wakefulness with alcohol and caffeine and adjustment accordingly.
3. Take a restorative yoga class or listen to a yoga nidra recorded session and learn to rest the body as you are guided to deep relaxation and surrender to rest. Making this a habit allows you to evoke the relaxation response which is our natural ability to restore and repair from the harmful effects of stress and anxiety.
4. Set aside time for soothing breaks during your day. A 20-minute nap can restore energy levels and calm your temperament.
5. Develop a daily rhythm. Teach the body to know when to be awake and alert, and when it’s time to rest.
Intro To Yoga Retreat is from 12-15 May at Maruia River
Retreat with Cristina Holopainen and Jules Matthews.
muruia.co.nz
