Did you know that you spend a third of your life sleeping? We spend so much time in sleep, because sleep is more than just rest. While you sleep, your body repairs your cells so that you can have energy and think clearly the next day. Also, sleep helps our hearts. As we sleep, our blood pressure and breathing rate goes up and down which is important to keep our hearts healthy. Sleep allows our bodies to fully recover from yesterday’s work so that do well today. I know the day in the life of a mom is so busy and full of tasks. Busyness may mean that you are not getting enough sleep, because your to-do list may seem more important. But, not getting a good night’s rest can lead to confusion, moodiness, and weight gain! Being tired and grumpy can keep you from being the best mom you can be. You don’t have to choose between having rest and being a good mom. You can have both! With my tips for better sleeping, you can be a great mom while being well rested.
First things first, create a routine. Try to wake up and go to bed around time each night. Having a routine lets our body when it is bedtime and helps you set aside enough hours to sleep each night.
Your sleeping environment is also so important! You should make your bedroom dark, cozy and comfortable, full of peaceful colors. Remove clutter, bright colors, and some family photos, because these things excite the brain rather than bringing you peace. Technology does the same thing! Our brains respond to bright screens like they do sunlight. Getting sunlight during the day is essential for great sleep, but this response at night will only keep you awake. Watching a TV episode or scrolling through our phones before bed can easily distract us from going to bed and getting good sleep.
Like always, what you put into your body is so important to your health. Drinking caffeine after noon or alcohol just hours before bed can make you restless, causing poor quality sleep. Eating a heavy meal within two hours of bedtime can hurt your body’s ability to detox while your sleep.
If you struggle to get into a calm state of mind, try these exercises to prepare your body for rest. Warm your tummy with a hot water bottle to raise your core temperature and relax you. Taking a hot bath with salt and aromatherapy can release tension and calm your mind; try adding 1/2 to 1 cup of Epsom salt and 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda to your pre-bedtime bath make you more sleepy. Getting a massage, having good sex, and stretching can also help eliminate tension to make your sleep better.
As a holistic health coach, I believe that poor mental health can have physical effects. In order to have great sleep, you must soothe your mind. To ease worrying or anxiety before bed, try journaling your feelings before bedtime. This frees your mind and energy, allowing your body to move into a restful state. Soothing music can also help relax the body and mind before bedtime to mentally prepare you for great sleep.
Do you find yourself tossing and turning in bed each night? Are you so busy with your kids that you haven’t been resting and taking care of yourself? Not getting enough sleep can make you gain weight, feel tired, and be unhappy. With my coaching, I can help you become well rested and ready to take on every day!