The month of May has been dedicated to living a happier and healthier life by getting the high-quality sleep that we need and deserve. Better Sleep Month may be coming to an end, but making sure that you are getting the best sleep that you can should be the focus of every month.
To help you to get the best sleep of your life, we’ve put together this list of 9 tips and tricks for getting a good night’s rest – all year round.
Better Sleep Tip #1: Get Physical
Exercise of any kind releases the natural chemicals in your body that enhances mood and boosts relaxation, called endorphins, making physical activity throughout the day one of the best ways to help get you to sleep at night. Exercise has also been shown to clear your mind and reduce stress, which allows you to worry more while laying in bed, and actually get to sleep instead of staring at the ceiling.
Better Sleep Tip #2: Give Hypnosis a Try
Hypnosis has been proven to induce a state of deep relaxation and improve focus, as well as providing natural treatment for digestive and eating disorders, chronic pain, and insomnia. Hypnosis can be done with a trained professional or you can give self-hypnosis a try with one of the help of a CD, book, or online hypnosis course.
Better Sleep Tip #3: Relax with a Massage
Massage has been used for many years as a way to relax the mind and the body. Deep tissue massage has been shown to increase relaxation and calming of the mind, while also improving the immune system and relieving recurring pain. There are many types of massage that can be used to help you get better sleep, so be sure to discuss the best technique for you with your massage therapist
Better Sleep Tip #4: Mindful Meditation
Meditation has been used for centuries to calm and clear the mind, while also energizing the spirit. Research has shown that meditation has been very beneficial to those that suffer from insomnia and other sleep disorders. Meditation techniques to increase sleep quality can be found in many books, CDs, and online guides.
Better Sleep Tip #5: Mellow Out with Music
Music has been proven to have a profound effect on the body, and music with a slower tempo has shown to lower blood pressure and stress levels, making it an ideal addition to bedtime routines. Music can also fight depression and reduce tension. Be sure to choose soothing and relaxing music before bed to cash in on these restful benefits.
Better Sleep Tip #6: Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Relaxing your body to encourage sleep can be done by slowly and systematically tightening and then relaxing major muscle groups, starting from the toes and working up to the head. Combining progressive muscle relaxation with meditation or deep breathing exercises is one of the most effective ways to fight off insomnia and get better sleep.
Better Sleep Tip #7: Movement Meditation
Tai Chi is also called meditation in motion, and it was designed to connect the body and the mind through flowing movements and coordinated deep breathing. Tai Chi stretches the muscles and creates a relaxed and peaceful state, making it a perfect pre-bedtime practice.
Better Sleep Tip #8: Guided Imagery
Visualization is a relaxation method that relieves stress and tension, allowing you to fall asleep faster and easier. Guided imagery is done by picturing a peaceful scene such as a moonlit beach or a mountain stream. Focusing on the images in your mind allows you to keep stressful thoughts away and fall into a deeper sleep.
Better Sleep Tip #9: Calm Yourself with Yoga
Yoga helps you to achieve a peaceful and relaxed sleep through stretching of the limbs and purposeful breathing techniques. Practicing yoga on a regular basis throughout the day will help your body to slip into sleep more naturally.
These better sleep tips can be used individually or hand-in-hand with each other. Try a few tonight, and see how much better you feel after getting better sleep!
