One of the most frustrating things in life is tossing and turning in bed, trying to will yourself to sleep, and counting down how many hours of sleep you’ll get if you could just.fall.asleep.now.
So so annoying! It definitely does not equate to a happy and early rise.
Lately, I’ve been able to sleep like a baby. As soon as I my head hits the pillow, I’m drifting off into a deep and delicious sleep. Hasn’t always been that way though, trust me, and it’s not magic either. There are definitely a few tricks I use to make sure I’m not driving myself crazy while staring ate ceiling awake in bed.
Honestly, this is my favourite one.
Not only does it mean I’m giving my muscles some TLC after a long day, but it also means my mind is focused and calm, as holding deep stretches for a certain period of time requires controlled breathing, which really relaxes me.
So please do try it! If you’re feeling agitated, just turn on some calming music and do some simple stretches, holding each stretch for about 2-5 minutes, breathing into the muscle and going deeper if you can.
Try and focus on different areas each night. One night you might do hips, another you might want to focus more on your back, or your quads, hamstrings, shoulders, and the list goes on. Just make sure everything is getting stretched and focused on eventually!
This one also involves controlled breathing – see a trend here?
It basically means inhaling for 4 seconds, holding your breath for 7, then exhaling for 8. Repeat until you feel yourself starting to snooze and calm down.
There is science behind this, as by holding your breath and having long exhales, you lower your heart rate and so calm your whole body. Pretty cool huh?!
Those are my two favourite methods, though I’ve heard of some other amazing ones like writing a gratitude journal, simple meditation, or tying it all together and making a mental list of things you’re grateful for, while controlling your breath.
It all comes down to slowing your heart rate, calming down, and making yourself ready for bed.
Of course it helps to tune off electronics one hour before, but I sometimes don’t have time or forget to do that, so if I’m up on instagram or writing a post, I’ll definitely stretch or control my breathing so I’m not up late into the night.
Have you guys got any other tips that work for you? I’d love to hear!
Hi, I'm Teffy, a qualified Nutritionist and avid foodie. This blog is all about inspiring a balanced life through delicious and wholesome foods, with not a diet in sight. Healthy eating shouldn't be hard and stressful, it should be easy and fun - Working with my clients they are constantly amazed that yes, food can taste great AND be good for you!
