So far, we've been looking at ways to do things, be active, and add things in to our increasingly healthy lives. This week, we are going to look at the opposite of doing... Rest!
Rest (especially the sleeping kind) is important for our physical and mental health.
Getting adequate rest can…
- Keep your weight down - Boost your immune system - Help stabilize blood sugar and blood pressure - Increase desire to stick with exercise program - Lower your risk of heart disease - Lower your risk of diabetes - Increase positive mood and emotional stability - Boost motivation - Increase ability to concentrate and to make good decisions - Improve your attitude, especially about sticking with difficult tasks
All of these are important as we live out the day to day, minute by minute tasks of lifestyle change. If you don't already, incorporate these sleep hygiene habits into your daily routine:
Avoid: - electronics - fatty, fried and spicy foods - caffeine and alcohol - drinking a lot of anything - emotional upsets (arguing, watching a scary movie or the news) ... before bed
Use: - the scent of lavender - fresh sheets - a cozy blanket and comfortable pillow - a body pillow to prop your knee/s and support your back - the thermostat in your home (65 degrees has been proven effective) - an air purifier - a white noise machine or other relaxing sound - dark-out curtains - a comfortable mattress ... in your bedroom
Take: - time to unwind before bed ... (a warm bath or boring book, do deep breathing exercises)
If these tips don't help improve your sleep, consider talking with your doctor and/or getting a sleep study done. Happy snoozing!
Back to LifeStyle Guide This information should not serve as a replacement for therapy. Please visit the Can Therapy Help Me page for more information if you think you may have an eating disorder, or should require individualized help.