Yoga for Sleep?
Another great way to relax and prepare for sleep is to practice yoga or a similar exercise. When many of us think of Yoga, we picture a guru and strange rituals. But it’s not that complicated and it’s great for health, well-being and yes, even sleep.
Here are a few reasons to consider Yoga:
- Yoga helps increase your flexibility while stretching ligaments & tendons, lubricating joints and toning muscles!
- Some of the Yoga positions (particularly the Forward Bends) can help you shrink your tummy!
- Yoga helps restore elasticity of the spine and improve your posture.
- Almost all Yoga postures help to massage internal glands and organs, which helps keep the body’s systems functioning properly. This includes the endocrine system, the digestive system and the cardiovascular system!
- Regular meditation after your yoga session can help to calm your mind, decreasing anxiety and leaving you in a better mood.
- Yoga’s breathing exercises will help expand your lung capacity.
Here are a couple web sites that will help learn more about this interesting form of exercising both your mind and body!
Get Your Beauty Sleep
Remember when mom told you to get your beauty sleep? She was on to something! Not getting enough sleep can cause big beauty problems -- seriously! Your body uses the time you're sleeping to refresh and renew your entire system...and not giving it enough time for its natural regenerative abilities to work can lead to premature aging.
Here are a few suggestions to help you get the sleep you need!
Keep a regular sleep schedule – go to bed and get up at the same times each day.
This helps your body become accustomed to when it should be awake and asleep – if you get up and go to bed at varying times every day, your body’s internal clock can become confused.
Don’t consume caffeine four to six hours before bed and minimize the amount you consume during the day.
Caffeine keeps your body alert which is exactly the opposite of what you want at bedtime.
Don’t smoke, especially near bedtime or if you wake overnight.
Smoking is, of course, unhealthy and can lead to many illnesses which cause sleep problems. The nicotine from smoking keeps your body alert which is the opposite of what you want at bedtime.
Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before bedtime.
Anyone who has passed out from drinking alcohol knows that alcohol doesn’t create restful sleep. Likewise, eating a heavy meal can create its own problems. For the best sleep possible, it’s recommended to avoid both alcohol and heavy meals for several hours before bedtime.
Workout regularly.
Getting regular exercise makes your body want to get sleep. Not only is exercise good for your health; it’s great for your sleep!
Make sure your bedroom is comfortable.
Minimize noise, light and extreme hot and cold temperatures in your bedroom – this will give you the best opportunity for restful sleep.
Try to wake up without an alarm clock.
This will help ensure that your body is getting as much sleep as it needs.
Conquer stress.
Stress is said to be the leading-cause of short-term sleeplessness. Conquer it and you'll find yourself in a better place!
